Tech Talkin’ Govs 2019, part 2: Broadband, education, climate change fixes on governors’ radars
Reviewing another slate of governors’ state of the state and inaugural addresses reveals some recurring themes. With a focus on maintaining gains made since the Great Recession and increasing budgets, many governors are holding off on major new initiatives, but are proposing means to increase broadband access, diversify their economies, build renewable energy efforts, and increase their rainy day funds in case of an economic downturn.
Federal Reserve and Alabama launch new workforce development tool
In an effort to help Alabamians advance into higher-paying careers and understand how higher income from new careers can establish a path toward self-sufficiency, the state of Alabama and the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta have partnered to launch a new career tool.
Workforce, broadband, rural investments at play in governors’ plans for economic development
As governors continue to roll out their State-of-the State addresses in the month of February, we continue to see a heavy focus on recovering from the pandemic. Given most state’s fiscal condition, governors have been generally hesitant to roll out new initiatives during this time, although broadband continues to receive attention, especially with the renewed attention surrounding its importance during the pandemic.
Alabama governor signs measures to boost state’s innovation economy with $9M in appropriations
Alabama is the latest state that is embracing innovation as a way to grow the state’s economy. On May 19, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey signed legislation that grew from two top priority measures of the Alabama Innovation Commission — proposals discussed between SSTI and commission members in a meeting earlier this year.
ARC makes ARISE awards
The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) recently awarded $14.5 million in Appalachian Regional Initiative for Stronger Economies (ARISE) grants for five projects.
Several states getting early jump on emerging blockchain, cryptocurrency acceptance
Recent headlines have been full of discussion on cryptocurrencies and speculation on significant changes in federal policy related to the technology. Anticipating federal action, leaders of several states are exploring ways to get their own jurisdictions involved in the space. Here are some recent examples, drawing from proposed legislation to implemented policies and structures for acceptance of the financial innovation:
States Considering Bitcoin Reserves