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Tech Talkin’ Govs, Part V

February 13, 2008

The fifth installment of the Tech Talkin’ Gov’s series includes highlights from State of the State Addresses delivered in Alabama, Connecticut, Minnesota and Wyoming.

 

Alabama

Gov. Bob Riley, State of the State Address, Feb. 6, 2008

“We can and must accelerate the growth of broadband service, especially to the rural areas of our state. And so tonight I am announcing the Alabama Internet Initiative with a goal of ensuring that every home and every business in our state has high-speed Internet access and will have it within the next four years.”

 

Connecticut

Gov. Jodi Rell, State of the State Address, Feb. 6, 2008

“The creation of jobs is always one of our top priorities. And at a time like this, with economic storm clouds on the horizon, it’s more important than ever that we focus on economic development. For that reason, I am recommending $500,000 in operating funds and $5 million in capital funds to support the field of nanotechnology. Nanotechnology draws upon our strengths in the fields of biology and chemistry and is an economic driver in manufacturing and biotechnology. I want Connecticut to be a national leader in nanotechnology. …

 

“… Right now small businesses are responsible for creating the vast majority of new and replacement jobs in our state. To help these entrepreneurs, my budget provides for the outright repeal of the business entity tax. 



“Connecticut’s economy will need quality skilled nurses and engineers to fill its current and future labor needs. …

 

“… I am also recommending $300,000 for an engineering loan reimbursement program to engineers who work in our State.”

 

Minnesota

Gov. Tim Pawlenty, State of the State Address, Feb. 13, 2008

“We need to reduce taxes and regulations that discourage job growth, income generation, investment, entrepreneurial activity, research, and exports. We’ll need to do that in a manner that also leaves us with a stable budget.

 

“Our current tax system reflects the economy and demographics of the 1960s. It’s outdated and needs to be fixed. So I’m announcing that I will create the 21st Century Tax Reform Commission that will recommend tax reforms for our 21st century economy. ... This commission will specifically focus on improving our job climate by reforming Minnesota’s tax laws. Job providers, entrepreneurs, private sector employees, investors, and others who actually have direct experience in creating private sector jobs will be members of this commission. …

 

“… We also need to support entrepreneurs and small businesses because they are so vitally important to our economy. They create the vast majority of new jobs. That is why I’m asking the Legislature to approve my Strategic Entrepreneurial Economic Development, or 'SEED' initiative. …

 

“… I’m grateful that last year the Legislature included funding for our regional math and science academies. However, we did not receive the amount needed or requested. … I am asking that the funding for these academies be increased by 50 percent over the current budget level. I am also proposing that we design and deploy a world-leading summer training institute for Minnesota’s math and science teachers.”

 

Wyoming

Gov. Dave Freudenthal, State of the State Address, Feb. 11, 2008

“I would encourage you to favorably consider two bills being offered by the Judiciary Committee with regard to carbon capture and carbon sequestration. …

 

“… We are asking for a significant contribution out of the Abandoned Mine Land money account ... to be allocated to carbon capture, carbon sequestration efforts, development of clean coal and advancement of the School of Energy Resources.

 

“Most prominent among those is an agreement which we have -- tentative agreement which we have struck with General Electric which is for them to be a partner with the University of Wyoming and with the State of Wyoming in the development of coal conversion technologies and in the development of carbon capture and in the development of sequestration. These are significant efforts and ones that I hope you will support. …

 

“… I hope that you will look on the $20 million request for what it is, which is it is a down payment on the future of this state and a down payment on the future of the coal industry in Wyoming.”

Alabama