TCM News

For Immediate Release
Contact:
Brian Levine
TCM
Senior Director of Government Relations
240-243-4044

Tech Council of Maryland Releases 2007 Policy Platform for Technology and Biotechnology

(Rockville, MD) - December 14, 2006 - The Tech Council of Maryland (TCM) today released its 2007 Policy Platform for Technology and Biotechnology. The Platform, which is now available on the Tech Council of Maryland's website at www.techcouncilmd.com, outlines TCM's policy priorities in the following areas: (1) capital formation; (2) innovation; (3) tax climate; (4) higher education; (5) workforce; and (6) transportation. In each of the categories, the Platform lists specific priorities that TCM wants to accomplish during the 2007 legislative session and beyond.

"The 2007 Policy Platform provides the foundation for TCM's advocacy efforts in order to advance the technology and bioscience industries in Maryland, which benefits Maryland's workers as well as the tax base," said Julie Coons, Chief Executive Officer of TCM. "It is a blueprint for technology-led economic development that can be used by legislators and policymakers in Annapolis," said Coons.

Selected priorities of the Platform include support for doubling the funding of the Biotechnology Investment Incentive Act to $12 million, increasing the cap of the Maryland Research and Development Tax Credit to $15 million, increasing state funding for stem cell research to $25 million and enhancing the budget of the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development by 25%. Other priorities include a strong Maryland Technology Development Corporation, or TEDCO, a strategic plan for economic development and opposition to allowing drug importation. Additionally, TCM urges careful consideration before offering tax proposals that may adversely impact Maryland's business climate. Finally, the Platform supports maintaining Maryland's premier higher education system, increasing efforts to attract and retain and knowledge economy workforce and transportation enhancements that ease traffic burdens, particularly in the DC metro region.

"We trust that policymakers throughout the State of Maryland will look to the Platform as a roadmap when making policy decisions. Though support for the technology and biotechnology industries has been outstanding, we must continue to invest in Maryland's future. Strong investments will continue to make Maryland a great place to live and work in the knowledge economy," said Coons.

Download the 2007 Policy Platform for Technology and Biotechnology.

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The Tech Council of Maryland (TCM) is Maryland's largest technology trade association that brings its 500 plus members access to technology industry leaders in Maryland, DC and Virginia. TCM has two divisions which provide valuable resources and benefits to help businesses succeed. The Tech Alliance serves the advanced technology community and MdBio serves the Maryland biotechnology community. TCM helps the region's technology organizations grow through its membership and activities such as networking events, cost saving programs, and advocacy initiatives. TCM is the preeminent technology professional association for you! Our mission is to promote the technology industry and to create an environment where technology companies can collaborate, grow and succeed.

The Tech Council of Maryland is supported in part by a grant from Maryland's Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED).