S&T Initiatives Snag $305 Million in California’s Next Budget

Last week, Governor Gray Davis signed into law California’s $99.4 billion budget which provides nearly $305 million for science and technology related programs plus an additional $20 million in research and development tax credits. Specific 

initiatives include:

• Improving access to computers and technology in the classroom such as expanding student access to advanced placement courses on-line, staff development and technical assistance, and final implementation of the Digital High School Program ($215 million);
• Creating three California Institutes for Science and Innovation on different University of California campuses ($75 million). The institutes will combine technological and scientific research as well as train and educate California’s future scientists and technology leaders;
• Supporting the New Economy Initiative for: space commerce and aeronautics; grants to match federal and private funds for the Next Generation Internet Centers; E-Commerce in Rural Economic Regions Demonstration Project; California Technology Investment Partnership Program; and Manufacturing Technology Program ($14.6 million); and,
• Increasing the Research and Development Credit from 12 percent to 15 percent, and raising the alternative incremental research credit from 80 percent to 90 percent of the June 30, 1999, federal credit percentages ($20 million in 2000-01).

To review highlights of the 2000-01 California state budget, visit: http://www.dof.ca.gov