New Democrats Join House Leadership in Launching the Innovation Agenda for the 110th Congress

Washignton, DC -- Today, New Democrat Coalition Chairwoman, Rep. Ellen Tauscher, Vice-Chair, Rep. Ron Kind, and fellow New Democrats, Reps. Melissa Bean, Brian Baird, Ron Klein, and Rush Holt joined fellow House Democrats to launch the Innovation Agenda for the 110th Congress.

The New Democrats, always leaders on the economy and innovation, have played a key role in developing and championing the Innovation Agenda over the past two years.

"This week's kick-off of the Innovation Agenda is a down payment on our promise to help spur economic growth and innovation by investing in our educators, inventors, and entrepreneurs," said New Dem Chair Rep. Tauscher. "New Democrats are committed to enacting policies that promote America's can-do spirit and to ensuring our place as the world's leading innovators. New Democrats, working with our House Leadership, will continue to lead the way in bringing forward-thinking policies that promote economic growth and innovation to the House floor."

The Leadership of the New Democrat Coalition applauded Speaker Pelosi for her leadership on the Innovation Agenda and pledged to work with the Speaker and House Leadership to bring to the floor a full agenda of promoting technological innovation and economic competitiveness, including:

• The deployment and utilization of high-speed broadband access;
• Simplification and extension of the Research & Development tax credit;
• Implementing Healthcare Information Technology (HIT) to reduce healthcare costs and provide savings for patients and businesses;
• Promoting ‘green' energy technology that will improve our environment and reduce our dangerous dependence on Mid East oil; and
• Allowing the world's best and brightest to come work in the U.S. by reforming high-skilled immigration laws.

"The Innovation Agenda provides the tools and opportunities necessary to take the American economy to the next level," stated New Dem Vice-Chair Rep. Ron Kind (D-WI). "By creating an environment in this country that fosters innovation and growth, we will ensure our businesses and workforce can stay competitive in the 21st century global economy. From new education technology and better math and science teachers to train the next generation of innovators, to the promotion of a new sources of energy and the expansion of markets for our products, this comprehensive agenda will create a strong foundation to build the economy of the future."

"Innovation has always been America's greatest strength and one of the foundations of our economic resiliency. Just as the most successful companies are always investing in research and development, this Innovation Agenda will promote an economic environment that encourages the skilled workforce and advanced technology we need to compete in a global environment. I'm particularly proud that this agenda includes my legislation to improve access to capital for small businesses, which are the driving force of innovative ideas, new product development and economic growth. As a Member of the New Democrat Coalition, we recognize this agenda as one of our top priorities."

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