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 was a proud sponsor of the America COMPETES Act, which increased research investment by the federal government and strengthened educational opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics from elementary through graduate school. This legislation will help America maintain its competitive edge.

Senator Harry Reid: Working Hard to Strengthen Nevada's Economy (PDF)
Senator Harry Reid: Improving Education for All Nevadans (PDF)

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, Varian, a producer of high-energy scanning systems, recently opened a manufacturing plant in Southern Nevada to build scanning systems for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).  General Electric’s Minden plant in Northern Nevada is helping to produce the next generation of energy efficiency technology, including applications for renewable energy.  Related to renewable energy, 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 worked to direct funding to the Nevada Center on Entrepreneurship and Technology (NCET).  Since its inception, NCET has helped educate and train hundreds of entrepreneurs.  Working with local economic development officials, NCET co-hosts a conference with more than 35 CEOs from innovative early stage companies, 100 venture capitalists and angel investors, leading professional service providers, and entrepreneurship public policy advocates.  On the national level, I have also 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 – Broadband
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. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provided a total of $7.2 billion for broadband expansion, consisting of $4.7 billion for a newly established Broadband Technology Opportunities Program and $2.5 billion for existing Department of Agriculture broadband programs.  These funds will lay the groundwork for a national broadband policy that will seek to reduce or eliminate the "digital divide.”

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. In addition, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provided $650 million to expand the technology in the classroom and helping teachers better incorporate technology into the curriculum.