Legislature should raise investment in emerging tech fund, poll shows

Texas lawmakers should allocate more than $200 million toward the Emerging Technology Fund, according to the results of an online reader survey.

Spending bills pending in the House and Senate are currently setting aside $200 million toward the Emerging Technology Fund over the next two years. This is down from the $300 million approved during the last biennium.

This fund was originally created in 2005 with the backing of Gov. Rick Perry. It is used to help foster the development of new technologies and products that can be commercialized to create high-tech jobs statewide.

Thirty-four percent of San Antonio Business Journal readers who participated in an online reader poll say the state Legislature should earmark more than the $200 million into the fund that is currently proposed.

Nineteen percent of poll participants say the state should proceed with the $200 million allocation. Ten percent said that amount should be reduced to $100 million.

Another 10 percent of participants said the fund should have less than $100 million. Fifteen percent were in favor of eliminating the fund altogether. A final 10 percent of readers said they were undecided.

Several of those in favor of the fund said that this money is critical to the long-term growth of technology businesses in the state. Many said that regardless of what legislators ultimately decide, it is important for to invest in the future to remain competitive.