Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 13, 2000
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Gov. Locke outlines state's steps to expand Washington's technology-friendly climate

VANCOUVER, B.C. - University research, an educated state workforce and a modern telecommunications infrastructure are the foundations of his efforts to create a climate for high-tech economic development, Gov. Gary Locke today told a group of public and industry leaders today.

"The knowledge-based 'Digital Economy' is creating tremendous opportunity for our citizens and has potential to do more," Locke said, speaking at the Seattle Chamber of Commerce Leadership Conference 2000 here.

"Our attention to high-technology is urgent because continuing creative collaboration among government, business, education and research institutions is required if we are to sustain our prosperity and give our children a chance to participate," he said.

Technology is one of Washington's largest, fastest-growing, highest-paying industries. Forty percent of the state's total wage growth in the past five years comes from wages earned directly in high tech industries.

The governor said technology-based business is dependent on access to the most innovative research institutions, the best-educated employees, the most reliable high-speed telecommunications services and the most responsive and efficient government.

To create a climate for high-tech economic development, Locke said Washington is investing in its universities' research capabilities and building a skilled workforce of graduates from Washington institutions of higher learning who have degrees in computer and engineering fields. The state is also expanding its telecommunications infrastructure.

Locke added, "Our children must be the direct beneficiaries of these knowledge-based jobs."

He noted the K-20 (kindergarten through graduate school) Educational Telecommunications Network now connects every one of the state's school districts with high-speed data, video and Internet services. At the governor's request, the 1999 Legislature allocated $500,000 to support the use of Internet-based curricula in math and science.

"If we do these things, we create a tremendous opportunity for our citizens, and especially our children, to thrive in a knowledge-based world and to participate in the prosperity created by technology."

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