Technology has transformed our economy over the last ten years. I have been working hard to strengthen Nevada's high-technology sector, to close the digital divide, and to provide our students with the skills they need to thrive in high-technology industries. I was proud to be named the Information Technology Industry Council's High Tech Legislator of the Year for my work on this issue, and I will continue doing everything I can at the federal level to maintain America's global competitiveness.

At the beginning of the 109th Congress, I co-sponsored the Fair Wage, Competition and Investment Act of 2005. This legislation seeks to make permanent a research and development tax credit and expand its availability to collaborative research consortia. It would also increase federally funded research in basic science and technology. Additionally, I helped form the Democratic High Tech Working Group co-chaired by Senators Nelson and Cantwell, which focuses on creating jobs through innovation and technology.

Diversifying Nevada's Economy

Nevada's innovative business communities, low taxes, and close proximity to major western markets make it an attractive location for high technology businesses. Both Reno and Las Vegas have emerged as hubs for high-technology companies that support over 20,000 jobs throughout the state. I have worked hard to garner federal support for initiatives to further expand Nevada's high-technology sector. For example, I secured $300,000 for the Biotechnology Center at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas to develop new biotechnology initiatives that will add to the diversity of Nevada's economy with high-paying, science-based careers.

I also have been working to ensure that Nevadans can take advantage of all the high-technology job opportunities that our country can provide. I have supported legislation to provide tax breaks for businesses that train workers here in America and provide scholarships for technical training. Such initiatives will not only strengthen the American workforce but also cement America's global leadership in high technology.

Closing the Digital Divide

It is critical that Nevada's rural areas also benefit from the same technological advances that other parts of the country have enjoyed. Significant improvements have been made for providing access to all areas of the country, but more must be done. That is why I have supported tax incentives designed to bring affordable high-speed internet services to under-served urban and rural areas across the country. I also have pushed for a rural loan guarantee program that would help finance the cost of extending local television service by satellite, wireless, or other technologies to smaller and more rural markets.

Wiring Our Classrooms

We must ensure that the next generation is ready to meet the challenges of a global high technology economy. Students increasingly need computer skills to compete for jobs, but too often schools lack the technology or teachers lack the training to empower our students with this knowledge. That is why I support programs, like Training Teachers in Technology, which will help ensure that our teachers are proficient in the latest technology, so they can make sure that our children are learning the computer skills they will need.

I also have been working hard to expand computer access for rural students throughout Nevada. I strongly supported a program to provide laptop computers to school children. This program has provided hundreds of thousands of dollars in federal funding to several rural schools in Nevada. These computers are available for students to use at school and at home and will ensure that these students have the skills to succeed in our increasingly technologically-based economy.

Recent News