Tech Talkin' Govs 2005, Part Four

The first three installments of SSTI's annual look at how TBED will play in the 2005 legislative priorities of the governors can be found in the Digest archives on our website: http://www.ssti.org/Digest/digest.htm

Hawaii

Gov. Linda Lingle, State-of-the-State Address, Jan. 24, 2005

"My proposed biennium budget earmarks $20 million in new scholarship funds for the University to ensure that all who can meet the standards and want a higher education can get one. I have also budgeted an additional $25 million for ongoing operations in order to meet what the University believes are its highest priorities...Beyond this, I am proposing tax credits that promote partnerships between the University and business in order to foster world-class research that creates commercial spin-offs and the opportunity for higher paying jobs.

"In the wake of 9/11, the state received millions of dollars in federal funds to support employment-related programs. I am requesting that the Legislature authorize us to spend $20 million of that money on The Workforce Development Act, which will improve access to job training for workers across the state so businesses have the workforce needed to take full advantage of our growing economy.

"...I want to stem the outflow of successful start up companies by increasing investment capital. I am asking you this year to implement the State Private Investment Fund that you passed in outline form last year. This novel investment approach will provide financing to take promising companies beyond the start-up stage."

Maine

Gov. John Baldacci, State-of-the-State Address, Jan. 25, 2005

"In my bond package I will strongly support biomedical research and sustained research and development funding...Tonight I am pleased to announce three initiatives that will enhance both the biomedical sector and eastern and northern Maine by creating a biomedical triangle.

"...The University of Maine trustees yesterday announced their intention to create a new graduate school of biomedical sciences at its Bangor campus...This will join a new college of allied health professionals, also at the Bangor campus, a joint venture of the University of Maine and Eastern Maine Community College...Third Eastern Maine Health Care, the Jackson Laboratory, and the University of Maine are joining together to create a new Maine Institute for Human Genetics and Health in a Pine Tree Zone in Brewer...Our new biomedical triangle will complement and augment Southern Main's efforts and create a collaborative approach to research statewide.

"Supported by my budget and bond proposal this year, these three new institutions will build on the strengths of Bangor and Brewer and surrounding towns...This effort, along with southern Maine's successes, will provide the critical mass to create jobs and improve public health, create research and development capacity, and develop our health care workforce.

"Science is one part of our economic development strategy. The creative economy is another. Today I signed an executive order to create a 21-member Maine creative economy council, to build a vibrant economy on a foundation of investments in our youth, our cultural institutions, entrepreneurship and technology...

"Our budget proposes new efforts to support the creative economy at the Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center, at our film office, in arts education and at our new Office of Innovation...We must embrace innovation and entrepreneurship in our schools and workplaces.

"...Tonight I am announcing 'Connect Maine,' a broad and aggressive telecommunications strategy for this state. Connect Maine will give nearly every Mainer the opportunity to plug into the global economy from their community. It will ensure that 90 percent of Maine communities have broadband access by 2010; 100 percent of Maine communities have quality wireless service by 2008; and Maine's education system has the technology infrastructure that leads the nation.

"...Tonight I am also announcing my support for the creation of a sunrise business and career center...The center will provide secondary education and career re-training for adults adversely affected by our challenging economy. It will also have a small business incubator to stimulate new job growth in Pine Tree Zones across Downeast Maine."

Maryland

Gov. Robert Ehrlich, State-of-the-State Address, Jan. 27, 2005

"Two important tax credits will keep Maryland at the forefront of the new economy by stimulating creation of – and investment in – early stage bioscience and advanced technology businesses.

"First, we should extend our research and development tax credit to 2011, increase the limit of each to $6 million, and add to our new arsenal an 'Entrepreneurial Investment Technology Tax Credit' which investors in biotechnology or venture capital firms may apply towards their state income or insurance premium tax bill."

Missouri

Gov. Matt Blunt, State-of-the-State Address, Jan. 26, 2005

"[T]o spur economic growth, we must help Missouri's entrepreneurs and employers create and retain good, family-supporting jobs.

"I support full funding for the bio-diesel and ethanol incentive funds, which will help position Missouri as a national leader in the fast-growing renewable fuels industry. This action will create new jobs in rural Missouri and lead to improved air quality for every Missourian.

"Tonight, I assure communities all across our state that my administration will fully implement the Missouri Rural Economic Stimulus Act, which allows rural communities and counties to knock down barriers and create cutting edge agricultural opportunities."

Nevada

Gov. Kenny Guinn, State-of-the-State Address, Jan. 24, 2005

"I am providing higher education with an additional $250 million for much-needed faculty, infrastructure, and research.

"Our state has evolved to a point where we can attract and develop cutting-edge programs in medical research. That is why I am excited about the beginnings of two historic partnerships. One partnership is between the Nevada Cancer Institute and the University of Nevada School of Medicine...The other partnership is between the Lou Ruvo Center for Alzheimer’s Care and Research and our School of Medicine. Each partnership will create joint research facilities combining our state’s finest medical minds in the fight against cancer and Alzheimer’s. I am pledging more than $11 million in support of these two partnerships.

"These partnerships will provide cutting-edge research and health care. They will also bring exciting possibilities for economic development, technology transfer, and the promise of new, high-paying jobs."

Texas

Gov. Rick Perry, State-of-the-State Address, Jan. 26, 2005

"I ask you to not only replenish the Enterprise Fund, I ask you to make investments to grow our world-class research institutions, develop cutting edge technologies and harvest the miracle of modern science with a new $300 million Emerging Technology Fund.

"Over the next ten years, California is investing $3 billion in one area of biotechnology, Ohio is putting up $1.1 billion for technology commercialization and Kansas is investing half a billion dollars in biotechnology. We can't afford to be left behind."