Jeanne Shaheen Outlines Proposals For New Direction In Science And Technology In Washington
Monday October 20, 2008

(Manchester, NH) —Today, former Governor and current candidate for U.S. Senate Jeanne Shaheen addressed the Innovation Century Forum at UNH, where she discussed the need for a new direction in Washington that expands the role of science and invests in the creation of 21st century jobs.

"Innovation and technology have always been the foundation for America's prosperity and quality of life, but today our position as the largest and most powerful economy in the world is being challenged," Shaheen said. "We can't compete with India and China for low-wage manufacturing jobs. That's not our future. America's future is in maintaining the cutting edge in science and technology."

At the forum, Shaheen outlined a series of proposals for a new direction in science and technology in Washington:

• First, return to making policy decisions based on science and not ideology
• Second, we must increase federal research funding
• Third, we should stimulate private sector investment in research and development
• Fourth, we need to build a workforce with the knowledge and skills to thrive in the innovation economy.

"It's time for Washington to return to the practice of making policy decisions based on the best scientific evidence available," Shaheen continued. "The elevation of ideology over science has become very personal to me in the past year. I've long advocated that the federal government should be investing in both embryonic and adult stem cell research. But last fall my oldest grandchild, Elle, who is nine, was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes. We have lost seven years of promising research because of President Bush's restrictions on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research.

"We must also educate the scientists and engineers needed for cutting edge research, and we must train the skilled workforce for the new jobs in new industries that spring from this research.

"To remain competitive in the 21st century, we must dramatically improve math and science achievement among American students. We need to make a commitment to attract more qualified teachers in science, technology, engineering and math.

"We need to make sure all Americans, up and down the economic ladder, can succeed in the innovation economy. Investment in R & D not only creates jobs for scientists and entrepreneurs, but also creates jobs for people installing solar panels, energy efficiency systems, and broadband – jobs that cannot be outsourced overseas.

"We are facing great challenges as a nation, but I have no doubt that we can overcome these new challenges if we renew our commitment to technology and innovation."

For more information, visit www.JeanneShaheen.org