Technology has transformed our economy over the last ten years.  I have been working hard to strengthen Nevada's high-technology sector by providing our students with the skills they need to thrive in high-technology industries and by closing the digital divide.  I am proud to have recently been named the Information Technology Industry Council's High Tech Legislator of the Year and a recipient of TechNet's Founders Circle Award for my work in expanding America's and Nevada's innovation economy.  In addition, I have been an ardent supporter of the research and development tax credit and have offered legislation to make it permanent.  Developers of emerging technologies often need unique incentives in order to make new technologies commercially viable.  I remain committed to maintaining our competitiveness and keeping our country at the forefront of technology and innovation.

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, Varian, a producer of high-energy scanning systems, opened a manufacturing plant in Southern Nevada to build scanning systems for the Department of Homeland Security.  In addition, General Electric's Minden plant in Northern Nevada is helping to produce advanced monitoring systems, sensors, and diagnostic equipment important to an array of technologically advanced machinery.

I also have been working to ensure that Nevadans can take advantage of new job opportunities in the high tech fields.  I worked to direct funding to establish the Nevada Center on Entrepreneurship and Technology (NCET).  Since 2007, NCET has successfully operated in Nevada as an independent, non-profit educating and training hundreds of entrepreneurs.  Working with local economic development officials, NCET co-hosts an annual expo-conference with more than 35 CEOs from innovative early stage companies, local small business leaders, 100 venture capitalists and "angel" investors, leading professional service providers, and entrepreneurship public policy advocates.  On the national level, I have also supported legislation to provide tax incentives 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.

I am also a longtime supporter of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, which represent the federal government's largest small business research and development programs.  Small businesses play a key role in spurring innovation and the SBIR and STTR programs provide these businesses with the capital they need to develop the next great technological advancement, and to create jobs to put more Nevadans back to work.  Recently, after several months of obstruction, I was pleased to pass a long-term reauthorization of these valuable initiatives.  I will continue to support programs and policies that help Nevada's high-tech businesses out-innovate our global competitors and stay on the cutting edge of technology.

Preparing Nevada's Students for the Global Economy
We must ensure that our nation's students and teachers are prepared to continue leading the world in innovation, research, and technology.  I have and will continue to be a champion of scientific research and education.  In order to stay competitive long into the future, America needs the requisite education and innovation infrastructure.  That is why I was a lead sponsor of the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010, which focuses on increasing American innovation and competitiveness to ensure that our nation's students and teachers are prepared to lead the world in research and technology.  This important legislation has strengthened educational opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) from elementary through graduate school by supporting internship opportunities and fellowships for students and encouraging students studying in STEM areas to pursue teaching credentials.  In addition, this bill significantly increased federal investment in research for the National Science Foundation, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and the Office of Science at the Department of Energy, as well as other federal agencies to strengthen math and science education.

Expanding Broadband Access
Many areas, particularly rural and low-income communities, continue to lack access to broadband service.  It is critical that Nevada's rural areas 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.  I led passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act), which provided a total of $7.2 billion for broadband expansion, consisting of $4.7 billion for a newly established Broadband Technology Opportunities Program and $2.5 billion for existing Department of Agriculture broadband programs.  These funds will lay the groundwork for a national broadband policy that will seek to reduce or eliminate the "digital divide."

We must also 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 access to technology or teachers lack the training to empower our students with this knowledge.  That is why I am a strong supporter of the e-Rate program, which provides discounted Internet access for schools and libraries.  This important program has helped improve academic achievement and continues to provide our schools and teachers with the resources to prepare our students for the global economy.  In addition, the Recovery Act provided $650 million to expand technology in the classroom and help teachers better incorporate technology into the curriculum.