Tech Talkin Govs' II

Tech-based economic development remains high on the agendas of the most of the governors who gave State of the State or Budget Addresses this week. Selected excerpts are provided below:

Delaware

Gov. Ruth Ann Miner, State of the State Address, Jan. 22, 2004

"The era of opportunity we are entering presents us with the chance to diversify and fortify the Delaware economy. In February, I will unveil the details of an economic development package.

"The 'New Economy Initiative' will be a comprehensive plan to put more than $46 million in state and matching private and federal funds to work bolstering the Delaware economy. It will include a Competitiveness Fund to spur new investments in existing manufacturing facilities; seed funding for technology-based small business start-ups; venture capital funding for Delaware firms on the edge of significant expansion; programs to boost Delaware’s standing in the areas of emerging technologies, clean energy and fuel cell research; and an investment aimed at improving Delaware’s research and development efforts, particularly in biotechnology.

"Several of the ideas in the New Economy Initiative fulfill recommendations of the Governor’s Strategic Economic Council. Taken together, these programs will focus on diversification of Delaware’s economy, foster a vibrant entrepreneurial culture in our state and create a new era of opportunity for working Delawareans."

Maine

Gov. John Baldacci, Budget Address, Jan. 20, 2004

"We need to diversify to precision and niche manufacturing. Financial services and biotech and biomedical research are other 21st century sectors to develop. Next month, I’ll be announcing Maine’s first Science Advisor to head the Office of Innovation. This person will play a critical role in developing biotech and bio-med businesses. I have two goals for the position — to maximize federal funds coming to Maine, and to reap immediate returns in job growth...

"Tonight, I ask you to repeal – finally – the personal property tax on business equipment and machinery. The tax is a burden for businesses and discourages investment, particularly in manufacturing. Getting rid of it is part of our plan to reduce taxes on working families and businesses throughout the state...

"The Creative Economy is another important focus for Maine... In May, we’ll hold a Blaine House Conference on the Creative Economy at the Bates Mill Complex in Lewiston. We’ll develop strategies to help innovative workers grow Maine’s economy...

"We will raise Maine’s high-school-to-college rate from 55 percent to 70 percent by the end of this decade. This will take Maine from the middle of the pack to among the bests in the nation in college attainment. To help us toward this goal, I’m announcing a pilot project called the Early College program. The Community College System and 25 Maine high schools will target students who aren’t going on to college. During their senior year, they’ll receive two free classes at a community college. We’ll help them through the admissions and financial aid process. And we’ll offer $2000 scholarships, about half the tuition for a two-year degree. We’ll serve about 200 students in the program, with 100 receiving scholarships.

"...I want us to do more. I am going to present a plan to extend the laptop program into all Maine high schools. And we will begin with next year’s 9th graders. We will also extend the use of those laptops to their parents. The Departments of Labor and Education will create worker training programs that adults can access at home on computers."

Massachusetts

Gov. Mitt Romney, State of the State Address, Jan. 16, 2004

"Legacy of Learning devotes $3 million to train, recruit, and reward teachers who specialize in math and science...

"Our Legacy of Learning initiative will provide funding for the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship Program. Students who score among the top one-quarter of those who take the (Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System exam) will be given four years at the University of Massachusetts or any state or community college, tuition free.

"There’s more. Any student who scores in the top 10 percent will be given four years of free tuition and a $2,000 annual payment to help pay for fees. This Adams Scholarship Program will cost about $50 million a year by year four. And it’s worth every dime."

Missouri

Gov. Bob Holden, State of the State Address, Jan. 21, 2003

"The future of our state’s economy also rests on the promise of new energy and new technologies. By energy, I mean a renewed commitment to ethanol that helps both our corn-producing farmers and our energy-consuming citizens. And by new technologies, I mean the development of life sciences in both our business and academic communities. Energy and technology can lift up both urban and rural Missouri together...

"...Whether it’s pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, or medical research – life science technologies will create the jobs of tomorrow. And I want Missouri to be…not just the gateway to the West…but also the gateway to the future."

New Mexico

Gov. Bill Richardson, State of the State Address, Jan. 20, 2004

"I announced last week a pilot program that will bring basic change to how mid school and high school students learn. More than 700 students and 80 teachers will receive laptop computers in the first phase of this initiative. Eventually, I want every 7th grader to have one. Every teacher in every discipline – math, languages, social studies, history – will be trained in how to make use of the computer and the internet directly in their subject areas...

"(I)t’s high time we develop our world-class clean, renewable energy resources to their full potential... I want more tools to help expand our renewable energy capabilities for the long haul and help the existing efforts move forward... Therefore, I am forming a Solar Power Task Force to identify a commercial-scale solar power project by the end of the year that would be under construction by 2006. It is a challenge that will take a commitment from both the public and private sector to succeed. The rewards can be substantial, in high-wage jobs and economic development."

New York

Gov. George Pataki, 2004 Budget Address, Jan. 20, 2004

"(The budget) will provide $6 million for our first-in-the-nation Green Building tax credit... It provides new targeted tax cuts aimed at further strengthening New York's manufacturing and high tech industries while improving successful economic development programs we know create new jobs.

"A key piece of the manufacturing plan I laid out two weeks ago is creating a Single Sales Factor, a tax cut that will make New York's manufacturers more competitive. Let's reform our tax law and help our manufacturers, companies that do build factories in New York and create jobs for New Yorkers...

"My budget strengthens (the Empire Zone) program, making it an even greater job creating tool. And as we build on the success of our Empire Zone program, we must remember rural New York, and agriculture and agribusiness, one of New York's leading industries. Today, I propose the creation of four new Agri-business Opportunity Zones within the Empire Zone program. These new zones, located in rural counties, will help New York's farmers and become a powerful new job-creating tool by targeting agri-business investment and expansion...

"This budget advances Phase II of our internationally recognized high technology strategy. First, I'm pleased to announce the creation of a new capital investment fund to continue our successful high tech initiatives...

"In addition, my budget also includes a new 21st Century Higher Education and Technology Capital investment program. Our public colleges and universities – and for the first time ever our private institutions of higher education – will be eligible for this program. It will enhance our high technology efforts by enabling us to build the best research facilities in the world. I'm pleased to announce that my budget dedicates $350 million to build these facilities, which when coupled with a required match, will generate a total investment of almost one and a half billion dollars.

"But we won't stop there. There are biotech companies that are looking to create jobs. Let's give them an incentive, the access to new job-creating capital, so those jobs come to New York. Today, I'm proud to announce that my budget does just that: It creates a new tax incentive that will give this growing industry help in accessing capital if they invest in New York."

South Carolina

Gov. Mark Sanford, State of the State Address, Jan. 21, 2004

"Let's also provide more tools for all of us interested in economic development... In that vein, the Life Sciences Bill, the Capital Access Program, Venture Capital Bill, Pathways to Prosperity, the Small Business Regulatory Act and our income tax cut could all be additional arrows in the quiver to help with economic development."

Utah

Gov. Olene Walker, State of the State Address, Jan. 22, 2004

"This spring, we will bring the presidents of our colleges and universities together with our business leaders. This critical alliance will explore ways we can better utilize our opportunities to strengthen our universities and our businesses. I have asked our higher education research institutions to work together in developing ideas and in transferring research results to our Utah businesses. New and better processes can be shared in the marketplace. Creative ideas in research will flourish. As a result, Utah businesses win, Utah job seekers win, Utah consumers win."

Vermont

Gov. James Douglas, Budget Address, Jan. 20, 2004

"For 2005, I propose additional funding to the Agency of Commerce and Community Development. These resources will be invested in programs to empower workers with the skills they need to compete for 21st century jobs; they will support high technology business development centers; they will fund my telecommunications initiative; and they will support enhanced job retention and recruitment activities.

"One key to a strong economy is an educated workforce. Higher education and life-long learning allow Vermonters to expand their opportunities, increase their marketability, command higher wages and gain personal fulfillment. That is why funding for the University of Vermont, the Vermont State Colleges, and the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation must be a priority even in tight financial times. For the second year, while other states are cutting higher education, I am recommending a two percent increase."

Wisconsin

Gov.  Doyle, State of the State Address, Jan. 21, 2004

"Tonight, I’m calling on the full Legislature to pass venture capital legislation, so we can start turning highly promising ideas into high paying jobs...

"One area we have to get back on track is our manufacturing industry. We should pass the Manufacturing Competitiveness Program... This proposal takes advantage of the great expertise we have at our universities, technical colleges and manufacturing extension partnerships to help manufacturers become more competitive. The bill is affordable, it’s a job creator, and it’s time to get it done."