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 am proud to have 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.

I have been an ardent supporter of the research and development tax credit and offered legislation to make it permanent.  Developers of emerging technologies often need unique incentives in order to make those new technologies commercially viable.  Additionally, to stay competitive long into the future, America needs the requisite education and innovation infrastructure.   I am a proud sponsor of the America COMPETES Act, which increases research investment by the federal government and strengthens educational opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics from elementary through graduate school. This legislation was signed into law in 2007 and will be an important contributor to the maintenance of America’s competitive edge.

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 have also secured funding for the Nevada Institute of Renewable Energy Commercialization, a private-public entity designed to bring renewable-energy technologies to the marketplace.

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. That is why I am a strong supporter of the e-Rate program, which provides discounted Internet access for schools and libraries 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.  This important program has helped provide our schools and teachers with the resources to prepare our students for the global economy.