News Releases
Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - January 16, 2001
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Locke rolls out technology education initiatives

OLYMPIA - Gov. Gary Locke today met with legislators, educators and industry leaders to roll out his technology education initiatives for enhancing Washington's thriving high tech industry.

Locke said the knowledge-based economy depends on investments in higher education. His initiatives will help address the technology industry's need for bachelor's and master's degree graduates.

"Technology is creating tremendous opportunities for the citizens of Washington," Locke said. In the past five years, household median income in Washington has jumped 20 percent, and much of that growth has been driven by technology. Forty percent of the total wage growth in the past five years has been from wages earned directly in high tech companies.

"But we can't rest on our laurels," Locke added. "If we want to continue to spawn new technology companies, retain and expand the ones we have and attract still others from elsewhere, we must wisely deploy our strategic resources, including K-12 and post-secondary education, broadband communications and digital government."

Locke noted the strategic importance of Washington's higher education institutions and stressed the need to continue to build on these strengths - for example by continuing to enhance the state's research base in biotechnology at both the University of Washington and Washington State University. The state also must help to secure the private funding that, added to state and institutional funding, will enable construction of a badly needed Computer Science and Engineering Building on the UW Seattle campus.

Citing Tacoma's outstanding community and technical college system, Locke also proposed investing $7.5 million in state funds, matched with $4 million from private sources, to create a technology institute at the UW Tacoma. This partnership would put Washington on a path to produce 1,000 graduates each year in emerging and expanding areas of technology by the end of this decade.

The plan also calls for smooth transitions from community and technical colleges to universities. This will ensure that students can learn valuable skills and progress efficiently toward a four-year degree as they move through the system at their own pace. The project also will create new opportunities for women, minority and disadvantaged citizens.

The Tacoma location will help cement the city's role as a technology center while serving as a statewide resource for technology graduates. The initiative also will serve as a model for government, industry and education working together to sustain and enhance Washington's knowledge-based economy.

In addition, Locke proposed investing $22 million in expanding and starting up new high-technology programs in colleges and universities statewide, including programs that help bring high-tech jobs to more areas of Washington. Other investments totaling $20 million will help keep tech faculty salaries competitive, bolster proficiency and interest in technology in high school, and promote advanced research.

Locke announced the first private-sector investment in the proposed technology institute at UW Tacoma: Intel Corporation has pledged a computer equipment donation valued at $270,000 over the next two years. The UW is one of Intel's focus schools and the company has a history of significant support for the university at both the Seattle and Tacoma campuses.

"As a leading technology company that relies on a highly skilled workforce, Intel has encouraged colleges across the country to expand capacity to produce qualified engineering graduates at the bachelors and masters degree level," said Dave Fisher, Intel Washington site manager. "We would be delighted to have that capacity grow close to our Washington site."

The governor thanked Intel for its generous pledge. Locke also thanked the Washington Software Alliance, the Technology Alliance and the UW for helping crystallize the vision of a technology institute at UW Tacoma.

Finally, Locke thanked state Sen. Jeanne Kohl Welles, Rep. Phyllis Kenney and the American Electronics Association for their leadership in higher education. He also expressed his appreciation for support from all the legislators participating in the technology education event: U.S. Rep. Adam Smith; state senators Marilyn Rasmussen, Debbie Regala, Pam Roach, Jim Kastama and Betti Sheldon; and state representatives Laura Ruderman, Jeff Gombosky, Sarah Casada, Karen Keiser, Patricia Lantz, Shay Schual-Burke, Tom Campbell, Dave Morell, Gigi Talcott, Jeannie Darneille, Steve Conway, Steve Kirby and Co-Speaker Frank Chopp.

"I look forward to working with all of you here to achieve this vision," Locke said in concluding the event. "Together we can expand high tech opportunities and economic growth for everyone in our state."
Related Links:
- Governor Locke's Proposed 2001 - 2003 Budget
- Expanding Enrollment and Technology Programs
- Spreading the Benefits of High Tech Prosperity
- Washington's Promise Scholarships


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