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Coalition Encourages Policy Makers to THINK AHEAD COLORADO
Launches statewide campaign encouraging private investment, supporting jobs and driving future economic development in-state.
Denver, CO (June 14, 2010) – Today the Coalition for a Connected West launched a statewide campaign THINK AHEAD COLORADO. The mission of the campaign is to educate and advocate for the modernization of public policy to ensure that the environment for employers and entrepreneurs encourages job growth and stimulates the high-tech sector in Colorado. An early priority will be to update Colorado’s longstanding investment incentive for manufacturing equipment to include broadband and telecommunications equipment and to encourage other policies that bring technology investment to the state of Colorado. The website can be found at ThinkAheadColorado.com.
“There is a clear link between broadband access and jobs; more telecommunications infrastructure means more jobs, new innovation, and continued opportunities for Colorado consumers and businesses.” stated Tony Bradley, Coalition for a Connected West Executive Director. “You need only look at the success of communication devices like smart phones, for which the development of applications is practically its own industry. Both reflect the innovative thinking and entrepreneurial spirit enabled by this technology,” he said.
“The broadband and telecommunications industry continues to grow as demand for these services increase,” Bradley continued. “We need to ensure that the every possible cent is invested in equipment and infrastructure so all Coloradans benefit. Every $1 spent on telecommunications capital leads to $2.86 in output. This is far better than almost any other industry.”
“Investment in broadband and telecommunications will ensure Colorado proves it is open for business. ” continued Bradley. “Demonstrating strong support of the high-tech sector, a bright spot in an otherwise troubled economy, positions Colorado to realize other economic and social benefits of the future including: more high tech jobs and opportunities in both the hardware and software sectors; better health care and more cost effective health care through telemedicine programs; environmental benefits of smart grids and reduced emissions through telecommuting. The possibilities are endless and but our policy makers have to act to ensure that Colorado is open for business.”
Bradley noted that other states are competing for these investment dollars and for the past two years, the Colorado state legislature has failed to pass bipartisan legislation to modernize this important policy. However, twenty-four other states have passed similar investment incentives for both manufacturing and telecommunications equipment, including Colorado neighbors Utah and Arizona. “Without passing these incentives, policy makers are shorting Colorado consumers and businesses of essential technologies. Together we can encourage our elected officials at all levels to support policies that bring investment in the latest technology to our communities,” he said.
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