While many of our elected officials, federal, state and local, do not understand how the new economy functions there are a few that do. WTIA's Political Action Committee, TechPAC, supports those candidates and incumbents who understand and demonstrate support for policies that support the innovation economy. These policies include improving K-12 schools, particularly around math and science, increased degree production in STEM disciplines from the state's colleges and universities and not imposing detrimental business regulations or punitive tax policies, such as a sales tax on custom software.
Two current legislators fall into this category whom TechPAC is supporting. They are Rep. Reuven Carlyle of Seattle and Sen. Derek Kilmer of Gig Harbor. Rep. Carlyle is finishing his first term as a member of the state House of Representatives and has shown himself to be a quick study and effective. He was the primary House member working to stop the custom software sales tax in the 2010 legislative session. He is also a strong supporter of improving K-12 and expanding higher education. Here is a link to Rep. Carlyle's bio: http://www.housedemocrats.wa.gov/members/carlyle/bio.asp He is running for a 2nd term in the 36th district of Seattle that covers Queen Anne, Magnolia, Ballard and other neighborhoods.
Sen. Kilmer is Chair of the Senate Higher Education Committee. His "day job" is with the Tacoma-Pierce County Economic Development Board, working on business recruitment and retention. He sees the issues businesses struggle with on a daily basis and understands the need for development and attraction of talent. He served in the House for one term (2005-07) before running for the state Senate in 2007. He is running for reelection in the 26th district that covers Gig Harbor, Port Orchard and parts of Pierce and Kitsap counties. Here is a link to his bio: http://www.senatedemocrats.wa.gov/senators/kilmer/biography.htm
Rep. Carlyle and Sen. Kilmer are holding a joint fund-raising event Monday, July 12 at 5:30 p.m. in Seattle at Rep. Carlyle's home at 608 W. Kinnear Place. For those in the technology community this is a chance to demonstrate support for two intelligent voices who have shown great support for the tech sector. A flyer about the event is attached.
It is important that the technology industry step up its political activity in support of those who are willing to go out on a limb to promote policies that promote economic growth and innovation. Olympia is currently filled with many well-meaning lawmakers but who have a distinct lack of understanding of how tech businesses (or any business) operate and what is required to keep the innovation cycle turning.
WTIA's primary public policy aims are to see continued improvement in K-12 math and science achievement, increase STEM degree production from the state's colleges and universities and to prevent punitive tax and regulatory policies from being passed, such as the sales tax on custom software.
One way you can help is to contribute to TechPAC. You can read more about our PAC here and download a contribution form: http://www.washingtontechnology.org/pages/advocacy/advocacy_wsa_pac.asp
Another way is to attend fund-raising events like the one listed above on July 12. Let's let the politicians know the tech industry is a serious player in this election.