As Georgia looks ahead to the recovery of our economy, we must take this opportunity to plan for the next wave of innovations in the business sector. No one can effectively predict the next great boon to the world economy; but, all evidence points to the fact that advances in our economy begin with advances in science and technology.

As the newly appointed Chair of the Senate Science and Technology Committee, I have proposed that we, as Georgians, do not sit around and wait. Let’s get together some of the best minds in industry, in education, in medicine and in engineering to formulate a plan that will help keep Georgia at the forefront of the technological wave. We need to ensure Georgia has the intellectual, the entrepreneurial, and the physical infrastructure to guarantee that great things will continue to happen in our state.

Eight states across the country, including Alabama and North Carolina, already have developed science and technology plans; however, Georgia has not taken this step toward attracting economic growth in this sector. I have taken specific action to change that by introducing Senate Resolution 68, which will create a commission to develop such a plan. We need to know exactly what resources we do have, what resources we need and a specific time-table guide to make sure our Georgia remains a technological leader in the nation.

New jobs in technology mean new high-paying jobs. In Georgia, the average job in the technology industry pays $30,000 higher than the average non-tech wage. Through the development of a strategic plan for science and technology, we can find ways to bring those jobs to Georgia. We must leverage our assets, promote our state, and maintain a business friendly economy where technology can thrive.

The commission created by SR 68, is constructed so that it will not cost the state any money, and the commission will be automatically dissolved once its' report is submitted to the General Assembly later this year.