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Tech Talkin Govs, Part III

January 29, 2007

Delaware

Gov. Ruth Minner, State of the State Address, Jan. 18, 2007



"Over the coming year, our Economic Development Office will market a new initiative to promote the Technology-Based Seed Fund, the Emerging Technology Center, and the New Intellectual Property Program—all part of my New Economy Initiative. These programs fit together as a one-stop service for those wishing to start a business.



"We can provide entrepreneurs with ideas for business by offering a patent for new products, we can help fund new start-ups through the Technology-Based Seed Funds; and we can help get new businesses off the ground by providing resources and guidance through the Emerging Technology Center."



Idaho

Gov. Butch Otter, State of the State/Budget Address, Jan. 8, 2007



"Higher education helps stimulate our economy through research. I am recommending a one-time increase of $15 million for the Higher Education Research Council for research projects that facilitate economic development. That includes research being conducted by our three universities at the Center for Advanced Energy Studies, a joint venture between the universities and the Idaho National Laboratory.



"Idaho’s dairy industry has experienced amazing growth. ... However, our primary education and research programs benefiting the dairy industry are in Moscow, while the heart of the industry is in the Magic Valley. That’s why I’m recommending $10.9 million to help support a collaborative effort between the dairy industry and the University of Idaho, along with other state and federal agencies, to establish a dairy and animal research and education facility in the Magic Valley."



Iowa

Gov. Chet Culver, Budget Address, Jan. 30, 2007



"It's time for Iowa to become the Silicon Valley of the Midwest. To meet the energy challenge I am proposing the creation of a $100 million Iowa Power Fund, with a down payment of $25 million this year. This priority is of such critical importance, I am asking you to authorize a supplemental appropriation immediately. This will help us rapidly develop the next-generation energy economy in Iowa. This new investment will incent the growth of Iowa-based businesses in this exciting new industry, create jobs, and attract millions of dollars in public research and development funds. It will also result in hundreds of millions of dollars in private investment in renewable energy in Iowa.



"In addition, the Power Fund money will be used to help conduct the important research and development necessary for all forms of renewable energy and alternative fuel. It doesn’t matter whether it's related to wind or solar power, geothermal or biomass cellulosic ethanol, biodeisel, or E-85. Iowa needs to lead the way. The Power Fund will allow us to do this. We need to create the essential public-private partnerships required to further develop these alternative energy opportunities and commercialize them. However, we are not the only state working towards energy independence. In order to maintain the leadership we have worked so hard to develop, we must compete and do so aggressively."



Missouri

Gov. Matt Blunt, State of the State Address, Jan. 24, 2007



"If we are to make Missouri families even more prosperous, we must ensure that students are equipped with advanced skills in math and science. Technology helps improve skills and spark student interest in math and science. That is why my budget includes 2.9 million dollars to fund 100 technology classrooms in 100 different schools. ...



"... After school programs provide a safe haven for children and opportunities for students to participate in math and science enrichment activities that the regular school day may not allow. To support these programs my budget includes 1 million dollars to expand quality after school programs in math and science, as well as physical activity and health. ...



"... Missouri college students are learning math and science skills in labs and classrooms that are out of date. ... To address those needs I developed the Lewis and Clark Discovery Initiative, which is a partnership between the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority and the state. Through this Initiative we can sell loans held by people in other states and bring 335 million dollars home to strengthen our colleges and universities for our students. ...



"... We must promote policies encouraging investment so that we can deliver high speed Internet to more Missourians – whether wealthy or poor, young or old, in our largest cities or on our most remote farms. . . . When government allows businesses to compete, Missourians see lower prices and more choices. So I am asking you to enact legislation that creates competition for all companies that want to provide telecommunications and cable services."



Nevada

Gov. Jim Gibbons, State of the State Address, Jan. 22, 2007



"I have included in the executive budget $10 million in unclaimed property receipts to create a dynamic new economic development program, modeled after the hugely successful program in Georgia. Working with Lieutenant Governor Brian Krolicki, we will launch this new program to work with the best of Nevada’s research facilities in creating new high-tech/biotech and renewable energy types of industries. Funds will be used to hire world-class researchers who will bring their work to Nevada. This will provide high-end jobs for Nevadans and is ideally suited for the current 38,000 millennium scholars graduating in the coming years."

Delaware