Tech Talkin' Govs V

In SSTI's final look at the 2003 State of the State Addresses and Inaugural Addresses, we find the importance of building technology-based economies continues to be emphasized by governors across the country, despite – or because of – the down economy. Below are excerpts from speeches given in Michigan, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Rhode Island and Texas.

Michigan

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm, State of the State Address, Feb. 5, 2003

"To this end, I have committed my Administration to create a Technology Tri-Corridor. We will position Michigan to lead the world in the development of the technology-based industries likely to dominate the world economy in this new century. The Corridor will focus new technology business recruitment and development in three critical areas: the life sciences, the automotive industry and the emerging homeland security sector.

"Already, our Life Sciences Corridor has nurtured the development of cutting edge bio-technology firms and made our state a leader in this important new field. The same emphasis can help us build on our automotive heritage, and grow businesses that keep our citizens, state and country safe.

"Last week the President committed the federal government to the development of fuel cell powered cars within a generation.  As your Governor, I make my own commitment – not only will we build those cars in Michigan, our Automotive Technology Corridor will help develop the fuel cell technology those cars will run on.

"Wayne Gretzky once offered this advice: 'Skate to where the puck is going, not to where the puck is.' My colleagues, the puck is going toward the goal of homeland security, the third sector in the Tri-Corridor. And Michigan needs to get there quickly – literally to 'capitalize' by growing businesses in an area of emerging and critical need. Three economic strengths, three technology corridors.

"We will use Michigan’s financial power as leverage to bring investment capital to the Tri-Corridor. Today some 240 private investment funds do business with the State of Michigan. Our State Treasurer, Jay Rising, is now telling those fund managers that they’ll get more of our business if they make sound investments in our Technology Tri-Corridor."

Minnesota

Governor Tim Pawlenty, State of the State Address, Feb. 6, 2003

"It's easier to ride a wave than to create one. When it comes to future job growth, our state's economic health hinges on human health. We're a world leader in cutting edge medical technologies. Genomics, medical devices and biotechnology offer the promise of a longer life and the opportunity for more good jobs in Minnesota. We need to rekindle the entrepreneurial spirit of Minnesota's colleges and universities to make our state a global leader in this rapidly emerging industry. I will lead efforts to bring the Mayo Clinic and the University of Minnesota together to make two of the nation's premier providers strong partners in developing the treatments, devices and medicines that will revolutionize medical care within a decade. It will also be a big boost to our economy."

"[We must] provide greater incentives for investments in new Minnesota businesses. Once we get our heads above water with the budget, we should provide greater incentives for venture capital investment in new Minnesota companies. To build jobs, we need to be more friendly to job-creators and investment-makers or every one of us will pay the price. We need to stop the things that drive jobs away and start doing more of the things that bring jobs here to stay."

Oklahoma

Governor Brad Henry, State of the State Address, Feb. 3, 2003

"Today, I challenge Oklahoma higher education to harness the energies of the exceptional faculty and students in our colleges and universities as a force for economic development. Our institutions of higher learning can provide leadership in coordinating research and technology transfer efforts in support of both new and existing business and industry. Success in the global economy will go to those who work not only harder, but also smarter."

Rhode Island

Governor Donald L. Carcieri, State of the State Address, Feb. 4, 2003

"We must build partnerships with world-renowned entrepreneurs and scientists already in Rhode Island. We are seeing a growing number of biomedical research companies putting down roots here in the Ocean State-drawing from the intellectual strength of our colleges, hospitals and medical school.

"To leverage the power of our intellectual capital, I am proposing several targeted initiatives that will help us broaden and grow the economy. First, we need to double our investment in our business incubators. We call them our Slater Centers. Right now, we have four such centers, each focusing on an area where Rhode Island has a competitive advantage. The $7 million that's been invested thus far has generated more than $100 million in private investment and nearly 300 jobs...

"Secondly, to further nurture the industries of tomorrow, I am proposing that we invest in research and development at the University of Rhode Island. Rhode Island ranks dead last in the nation in research and development dollars expended by our public schools of higher education. We need to change that. I am proposing that we build a new Center for Biotechnology and Molecular Biosciences at URI. Such a Center will attract world experts and businesses, alike -- folks who will bring high quality jobs with them.

"By the way, we must also change our rules to allow our professors more freedom to commercialize their inventions.

"Thirdly, I am proposing that we dramatically increase our investment in worker training programs... We will create a world-class biotech training facility to provide the skilled workers. The State of Rhode Island will furnish the seed money to get this project off the ground. We will send a strong message to biotech firms across the globe that Rhode Island is ready to supply the talented workforce that 21st century companies demand.

"Simply put: what we intend to do is crank up our economic development efforts, to turn the ideas emanating from our colleges and universities into jobs and to train our workforce to fill those jobs."

Texas

Governor Rick Perry, State of the State Address, Feb. 11, 2003

"To help grow our economy, today I am proposing the creation of a Texas Enterprise Fund. To meet the demands of a competitive marketplace, we must be nimble, aggressive and forward-looking. Today I propose investing 30 percent of the revenue projected for the Economic Stabilization Fund - roughly $390 million - into a new Enterprise Fund.

"We could set aside $200 million to close the deal with companies like Toyota, recognizing that not one dollar would be spent without the guarantee of jobs and paychecks coming to Texas. We could also fund efforts to attract Nobel laureates and endowed chairs in the promising fields of technology and biotechnology [from the press materials supporting the Governor's speech: $55 million "would be used to attract technology and biotechnology businesses and support university research. This component would include establishment of a Nobel Laureate Center, endowed chairs and participation in other projects such as technology parks." An additional $40 million "would allow Texas to compete to retain Sematech, which is being lured by New York. Sematech has proposed building a wafer manufacturing facility that would attract related businesses to the area."] ...

"We must also continue to build on our recent progress in reading and math by strengthening the science curriculum. My Science Initiative will improve pay for expert science teachers while preparing our students for the technology jobs of the future."