Tech Talkin’ Govs, Part II

This is the second installment of SSTI’s look at the Inaugural, Budget and State of the State Addresses delivered in the past week. With a heavy emphasis on alternative energy, TBED priorities continue to receive significant time in the speeches delivered by the nation’s governors at the start of the 2007 legislative season. Selected excerpts of new initiatives are provided below:



Arkansas

Gov. Mike Beebe, State of the State Address, Jan. 10, 2007

“Our students deserve the best and the newest learning tools that we can provide. It's essential that all of our students have Internet access and current technology to maximize it. Therefore, we will undertake an up-to-date assessment of all technology resources in our schools, showing us where we need to improve, and how these resources are used. With that, the Arkansas Department of Education and the Department of Information Systems will formulate a timeline to ensure that every child has SAFE access to the online world. ...



“... Young people with the talent and the ability to pursue higher education in Arkansas should not be hindered by a lack of resources. Those whose families earn less than $25,000 a year will be eligible for a $1,000 state scholarship each year for a maximum of four years. Realizing that not everyone will be able to attend school full-time, part-time students will also benefit with pro-rated aid over a longer period of time.



“And not everyone has the opportunity to immediately pursue higher education after high school. I’ll work with the legislature to further increase opportunity for higher education by expanding the Career Pathways Initiative from the current 11 community colleges to all 22. ...



“... To help attract new manufacturers and retain the ones we have, we’ll phase out the sales tax on utilities for manufacturers, with the first step being a one-sixth reduction.



“As we look forward to the future, we must put a special focus on the industries of the 21st century that will ensure our long-term economic success. I will work with the Legislature and the legislative leadership to roll back the sales tax on off-road diesel fuel and replace it with a per-gallon tax coupled with an incentive to purchase bio-diesel.



“And I’ll work with the legislative leadership on crafting a tax credit for the construction of crushers and other bio-fuel infrastructure. For an investment today, we can seed the industry of the future right here in our own backyard.



“Today, there is the potential to create gasoline – not ethanol, but gasoline – from cellulose products already growing right here in Arkansas. Imagine stopping at a gas station and filling your tank with fuel made from Arkansas wood products and created at an Arkansas bio-refinery.”



California

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, State of the State Address, Jan. 9, 2007

“The legislature joined with me in passing the historic global warming measure that caps greenhouse gas emissions. We hear so much about climate change. One area where we definitely need the climate to change is the national government's attitude about global warming. ... So, I ask you to appropriate the funds to implement this global warming legislation, so that we can become part of the world market that is already trading credits for the reduction of greenhouse gases.



“I also ask you to work with me on another environmental first. I propose that California be the first in the world to develop a low carbon fuel standard that leads us away from fossil fuels. And let us use the freedom and the flexibility of the market to accomplish it.”



Colorado

Gov. Bill Ritter, State of the State Address, Jan. 11, 2007

“Our calling card to the 21st century must be the New Energy Economy. ...



“... [W]e must do everything possible to ensure that the futuristic technology coming from the labs and the classrooms is transferred to the marketplace. ...



“I am proposing several immediate initiatives:

• By executive order, I will adopt the Western Governor's Association's recent resolution calling for a 20 percent improvement in the efficiency of electricity use statewide by 2020.
• I look forward to seeing legislation ... that will solve one of the biggest challenges when it comes to clean energy - loading it onto the grid. Getting wind energy on the wires will be one of my highest priorities.
• I'm eager to see the bill ... that will double the renewable energy requirements of Amendment 37.
• I'm excited about the possible creation of a Colorado Clean Energy Fund that will help with the technology transfer of research to the marketplace and finally into our communities, homes and businesses. ...
• Finally, each year, I will recognize the remarkable people, businesses, institutions and nonprofits who work in the renewable energy field. Today, I am happy to announce the creation of the Governor's Excellence in Renewable Energy Award.”

Georgia

Gov. Sonny Perdue, Budget Press Release and State of the State Address, Jan. 10, 2007

“Georgia has risen sharply in the ranks over the last few years to become number one in the southeast, and third in the nation for vaccination coverage. Number one is a goal we should strive to attain for all the rest of our health measures. That's why we put $10 million in the Georgia Research Alliance to support vaccine-based antiviral life science research in this growing industry." 

 

“To lead, we must innovate. That means, we must become a State of Innovation. That means making innovation our competitive advantage in every area of our economy – in our existing industries, in our homegrown small businesses and in the growth industries of the future, such as life sciences and nano-manufacturing. These are the industries that will cure cancer … improve our food safety and supply … and provide new sources of energy to power our lives and propel our state’s economy forward.

 

“Building an innovation economy requires three main ingredients: people, capital and infrastructure. Georgia is investing in all three areas. We’re investing $80 million this year alone. ...

 

“... In the area of investment capital, we will budget $5 million to expand our Seed Capital Fund for early stage bioscience entrepreneurs. And $5 million for the Life Sciences Facilities Fund to help provide growing bioscience firms with the facilities they need to continue their growth here in Georgia.

 

“To strengthen our investment infrastructure, I am recommending investments in nanotechnology, energy and broadband technology. My budget includes $38 million in bonds to complete the construction of a Nanotechnology Research Center at Georgia Tech to establish Georgia as a global leader in this emerging industry. To ensure Georgia’s energy future, I am budgeting $2 million to seed research on developing alternative fuels, such as expanding our BioRefinery program at the University of Georgia. ...

 

“... The third area of investment is broadband. I call broadband the new dial tone. ... The goal of my Broadband Initiative is to ensure that every Georgia community is plugged in to the global economy with the broadband connectivity that individuals and businesses need.

 

“I will ask the OneGeorgia Authority to establish a $5 million grant program to support rural broadband access. In addition, I am also proposing a $5 million initiative at the Georgia Technology Authority to partner with at least three Georgia cities to bring wireless broadband – WiFi – to their areas.”

 

Indiana

Gov. Mitchell Daniels, Jr., State of the State Address, Jan. 16, 2007

“By converting the Indiana Lottery from a state bureaucracy to a franchised, regulated utility, treating it exactly as we already treat casino gaming and horserace gaming, we can keep all the revenue it brings in today and still assemble a billion dollars or more for a major leap forward in higher education.

 

“Actually, for two leaps. First, let's create Hoosier Hope Scholarships, dollars that throw open the doors of higher education to more of our most talented young people, while ensuring that they stay here in Indiana and help us build a stronger tomorrow. Let's make the dreary term ‘brain drain’, a forgotten phrase.

 

“And let's invest the rest in bringing new world-class researchers and teachers to any public institution that can recruit them. Let's vault over other states, until the world looks at the universities of Indiana with admiration and envy. Until our schools routinely spin off the new discoveries, new inventions, and diverse, high-quality jobs that Hoosier Hope winners will demand. ...

 

“... The policies that helped us catch the pack in first-generation ethanol should now be modified so we can lead in the biomass ethanol that comes next. Please help us also by broadening our clean coal incentives to ensure that Indiana leads that energy revolution, too.”

 

Iowa

Gov. Chet Culver, Inaugural Address, Jan. 12, 2007

“It's our time to win the race to become the energy capital of the world. Let us invoke the lessons previous generations of explorers and leaders have taught us. Let us all come together as one and lead our own ‘21st Century Iowa Expedition.’

 

“There is an energy frontier open before us, and we must explore it immediately! America and the world are counting on us. Simply put, we can't afford to duck this responsibility! It's time for Iowa to become the Silicon Valley of the Midwest. ...

 

“... It’s time to make the entire state of Iowa a laboratory so we remain on the cutting edge of all forms of renewable energy. ...

 

“... We will create an Iowa Power Fund to invest in and attract cutting edge research and development. This will ensure we can lead the way not only in alternative fuels but also in biomass, geothermal, wind and solar energy. It’s time for Iowa to become the first state in the nation to declare energy independence! ...

 

"... [Iowans expect us] to give hope to the sick by lifting the ban on stem cell research.”

 

Kansas

Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, State of the State Address, Jan. 9, 2007

“I'm proposing the Office of Rural Opportunity, which will build on the outstanding work of our Rural Life Taskforce. This new initiative will help rural communities attract businesses and families, and will establish Rural Opportunity Zones to provide tax incentives to employers creating jobs in these communities. ...

 

“... We can continue to expand our bioscience base by bringing a planned national bio- and agro-terrorism defense facility to our state.  This would have a huge economic impact, but it will take a cooperative effort on the scale of the one that kept our military bases here to achieve that goal.  I will soon appoint a task force to work with the Bioscience Authority to bring this proposed federal laboratory to Kansas. ...

 

“... Kansas has to become a leader in the production of renewable energy. Lt. Governor Parkinson will lead a multi-year effort for energy security and independence as co-chair of the newly revitalized Kansas Energy Council. ... I’ve asked the Energy Council to make fuels like biodiesel and cellulosic ethanol a priority, continuing their efforts with the private sector, the Bioscience Authority, KTEC and K-State to make Kansas a national leader in biofuels research and production.”

 

Minnesota

Gov. Tim Pawlenty, State of the State Address, Jan. 17, 2007

“Minnesota has great renewable energy policies. Now, let’s show the nation how to move even more boldly towards energy independence. I strongly urge you to consider my ‘Next Generation Energy Plan,’ add your own good ideas, and pass a comprehensive renewable energy plan as soon as possible. ...

 

“... We need to move Minnesota into the modern age by making more on-line opportunities available to our [K-12] students. If done well, these courses can open world-class instruction in almost any subject to every student in all corners of the state. To get us there, my budget will provide funding to enhance current on-line opportunities, as well as remove financial barriers for districts wanting to purchase on-line course work.”

 

New Mexico

Gov. Bill Richardson, State of the State Address, Jan. 16, 2007

“New Mexico is already the leader in clean energy. Let’s go further­ I want New Mexico to become one of the first states in the nation to create a Renewable Energy Transmission Authority and export solar, wind and other renewable energy. I also want to require utility companies to produce 15 percent of their energy through renewable resources by 2015 and 25 percent by 2020. ...

 

“... To recruit new industries we must provide new incentives such as:

• A tax cut for investment management firms.
• A tax credit to encourage investment in New Mexican high-tech companies.
• And reduction in tax pyramiding.

“I ask that we commit ourselves to solving New Mexico’s water problems. ... We must continue to invest in innovation. That’s why I created the Water Innovation Fund to inspire and invest in the latest technological breakthroughs. ...

 

“... We should also provide tax credits to promote green offices and homes, create an Energy innovation fund to develop clean energy projects ... .”

 

Pennsylvania

Gov. Ed Rendell, Inaugural Address, Jan. 16, 2007

“In the next 30 days, I will set forth an Agenda for Pennsylvania Progress that calls for major new strategic investments in education, in alternative energy development, in transportation and in growing our economy.”

 

Utah

Gov. Jon Huntsman, Jr., State of the State Address, Jan. 16, 2007

“I am proposing an incentive fund for use in providing ‘seed’ money to projects utilizing alternative energy sources.”

 

Washington

Gov. Chris Gregoire, State of the State Address, Jan. 9, 2007

“Our modern day moon challenge is to meet the math and science crisis facing our state and nation. Three-quarters of Americans believe that if our next generation fails to improve skills in math, science, and engineering, it risks becoming the first generation of Americans who are worse off economically than their parents. ...

 

“... I propose that for the first time we reduce math and science class sizes to the nationally recognized standard of 25 students to 1 teacher.

 

“But it doesn't help to have small class sizes without skilled teachers. In Washington, only about half of our math teachers have a degree in math. We need to help our teachers teach by providing them the training and coaching they deserve.

 

“My goal is to recruit 750 new math and science teachers by offering college scholarships, loan forgiveness, and recruiting those in the private sector who want to contribute to our children's future.

 

“And we must change the hodge-podge of math curricula we have in our state and even within the same school districts. ... We should have no more than three curricula options in the state and we need to tie our math and science education to international standards so we know our kids can compete with anyone. ...

 

“... We need to provide graduates in high-demand fields. A survey of Washington businesses shows that we are not keeping pace with employer needs - especially in fields like computer science, engineering and construction. We're importing workers for good-paying jobs. Don't you think our sons and daughters should get a shot at those jobs?

 

“I am proposing we expand college and university enrollment by 8,300 students, including an unprecedented 3,300 slots in high-demand fields ranging from nurse's aides to doctors, and engineers to construction workers. ...

 

“... Picture yourself in the Tri-Cities, Seattle, Spokane or Vancouver. Within a five-minute walk, you pass by cutting edge research facilities and offices of four or five of the world’s leading companies in health care technology, silicon chip production, or alternative fuels.

 

“This vision is not far-fetched. I have personally seen its beginnings around the world. We have much of the foundation in place, now all we have to do is help regions create Innovation Zones which can serve as a powerful magnet attracting investment money, new businesses, creative people and good 21st century jobs.”

 

West Virginia

Gov. Joe Manchin, State of the State Address, Jan. 10, 2007

“I am proposing an incentive that will provide significant, long-term tax credits to companies that create high-paying, special high tech manufacturing jobs in West Virginia. ...

 

“... As Chairman of the West Virginia Public Energy Authority, I have tasked my fellow members to develop an energy plan for West Virginia that promotes technologies that increase our energy supply, creates new employment opportunities, helps to protect the environment, and, most importantly, makes West Virginia independent of foreign oil by the year 2030. ...

 

“... We also need to be at the forefront of technology. You will hear me mention tonight several initiatives that are technology-based, but these progressive concepts will only be accomplished if we continue our efforts to expand broadband access in West Virginia.

 

"I believe it is possible in the very near future to establish ourselves as a state that is broadband wired from border to border and that can effectively communicate, interact and compete with people and businesses not just across the country but around the world. Our goal as an administration, working with the legislature and service providers, is that by 2010 all West Virginians will have the opportunity to use broadband at home and at work. Just like our efforts to expand water and sewer availability in West Virginia, broadband access is an essential piece of infrastructure that is critical to our future success.”

 

Wyoming

Gov. Dave Freudenthal, State of the State Address, Jan. 10, 2007

“I believe that it’s incredibly important that this state become a leader in this question of coal research and particularly into the technologies that will convert coal to synthetic natural gas or to diesel or some of the other options. What I do support is a proposal ... which would recommend that we enhance the budget at the School of Energy Resources to do research on these questions. ...

 

“... I would argue that our proper role as a State is not to pick a plant manager or a company and underwrite it, but it is to do fundamental research on the two basic areas that restrict or could potentially restrict the development of those technologies in our state.”



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