STATES; GOVERNORS' 2008 AGENDAS COULD HAVE TECH IMPACT

Governors around the country this week have sketched legislative agendas for the upcoming year that could affect technology policies in their states. California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said in his annual State of the State address on Tuesday that his priority for 2008 is to cut spending and reform the budget. The budget he intends to unveil later this week will include spending cuts across agencies to address a $14 billion deficit.


The Republican governor told lawmakers that the state government should look to partner with the private sector on important projects in light of the budget shortfall, including initiatives to improve high-speed Internet accessibility and build digital infrastructure.


"There isn't enough money in the public sector to do all of it," he said. "We need to expand partnerships where government and the private sector work together to meet the needs of the people. These partnerships can often deliver infrastructure faster, better and cheaper."


Education also played a central role in Schwarzenegger's speech. He announced that California will be the first state to use the powers granted to it by a 2002 federal education law to demand accountability from underperforming school districts. He did note, however, that the number of high-school students in California taking advanced mathematics and science classes has increased by 50 percent in the past five years.


New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine also has put the budget at the top of his to-do list for the upcoming session. The Democrat used his State of the State address on Tuesday to unveil a plan to address a budget deficit by imposing significant highway toll hikes. He acknowledged that the toll increases are a tough sell but said the state has not been left with many good alternatives.


Despite the state's budget problems, Corzine noted that "New Jersey has one of the highest employment rates in the nation and carries competitive edges in America's fastest growing and most vital industries -- medical research, logistics, finance, high-technology, and gaming."


New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer, meanwhile, said Wednesday that education reform is central to his agenda. He said the global economy requires workers who are prepared to compete in innovative arenas, so the state must do more to fund cutting-edge academic research. The Democrat proposed an innovation fund to support research programs at public colleges and universities. "If we give these kids the tools, they will be ready for the innovation economy," he said.


Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine is scheduled to deliver his annual address to the General Assembly Wednesday. He has said his agenda includes identity-theft legislation, among other issues. Neighboring Gov. Joe Manchin of West Virginia also will deliver his State of the State address Wednesday. Manchin said last week that he intends to propose programs to boost the technical training and development of highly skilled workers to keep more home-grown talent within his state. - By Michael Martinez