Jeanne Shaheen on Technology

Democrat Sr Senator; previously Governor

Focus on brainpower, not horsepower, via more education

The new economy of the 21st century is run on brainpower, not horsepower. In this economy, success is built on ideas, innovation and information -- and the foundation for this new economy is education. The major limit to our continued growth is a shortage of skilled workers. We will not be able to meet the needs of New Hampshire business in the 21st century by importing workers. Instead, we must focus our efforts on improving the skills of our students and our existing workforce. We must ensure that our children, no matter where they live, have the skills and education to allow them to take full advantage of the opportunities offered by this high-tech, global economy. And that means we must make the commitment and the investment necessary to improve our schools.

We must recognize that improving education is the single most important issue we face. Nothing else that we do here will have a greater impact on New Hampshire’s success or failure in this new century.

Source: Inaugural Address to New Hampshire Legislature , Jan 4, 2001

Cooperate with Canada on regional info tech workforce.

Shaheen signed the New England Governors' Conference resolution:

WHEREAS, New England and Eastern Canada have among the highest concentration of information technology workers in the nation, with major specializations in high skill, high wage information technology occupations, which are integral for the region’s high tech computer, electronics, e-commerce and communications sectors, as well as other industries such as finance, insurance and manufacturing; and
WHEREAS, the Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers (NEG-ECP) Knowledge Industry Innovators’ Forum recognizes the importance of continuing to build the skills of its workforce in information technology to strengthen its ability to compete and sustain the long-term economic growth of the knowledge economy; and
WHEREAS, the NEG-ECP recognizes the importance of the ability to predict and respond to the changing information technology workforce needs will be critical to maximizing opportunities to develop the region’s knowledge economy in the future;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the NEG-ECP will cooperate in addressing regional information technology workforce needs to enhance and build upon state and provincial initiatives already underway; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Conference task a group of key knowledge industry stakeholders to work together to identify appropriate actions to:
1. Identify, develop and promote the adoption of appropriate skill standards and assessment tools to ensure the region’s education and training institutions and their graduates are recognized internationally for excellence;
2. Improve regional information technology workforce projections and analysis initiatives in order to better anticipate and adapt to the changing needs of the knowledge economy; and
3. Develop networks and share best practices on a regional basis, and to meet annually to discuss key issues.

Source: NEG/ECP Resolution 26-6: Joint Information Workforce 01-NEGC6 on Aug 28, 2001

Require websites to police for copyrighted materials.

Shaheen co-sponsored PIPA: PROTECT IP Act

Congressional Summary:Preventing Real Online Threats to Economic Creativity and Theft of Intellectual Property Act, or the PROTECT IP Act, or PIPA (in the House, Stop Online Piracy Act or SOPA) :

Authorizes the Attorney General to seek a court order against an Internet site facilitating online piracy to require the operator to cease and desist further activities constituting copyright infringement, unauthorized trafficking of sound recordings or videos of live musical performances, or trafficking in counterfeit labels.
Allows an intellectual property right holder harmed by a US-directed website used for infringement, to first provide a written notification identifying the site to related payment network providers and Internet advertising services requiring such entities to suspend their services.
Requires online service providers, Internet search engines, payment network providers, and Internet advertising services, upon receiving a court order relating to an AG action, to carry out preventative measures including withholding services from an infringing website or preventing users located in the US from accessing the infringing website.

OnTheIssues Notes: SOPA and PIPA, proponents claim, would better protect electronic copyright ("IP", or Intellectual Property). Opponents argue that SOPA and PIPA would censor the Internet. Internet users and entrepreneurs oppose the two bills; google.com and wikipedia.com held a "blackout" on Jan. 18, 2012 in protest. An alternative bill, the OPEN Act was proposed on Jan. 18 to protect intellectual property without censorship; internet businesses prefer the OPEN Act while the music and movie industries prefer SOPA and PIPA.

Source: HR3261/S968 11-S968 on May 12, 2011

Create International Northern and Biotechnology Corridor.

Shaheen signed the New England Governors' Conference resolution:

WHEREAS, the biotechnology industry already contributes substantially to Northeast economies and is rapidly expanding; and
WHEREAS, a common interest has emerged among New England States and Eastern Canadian Provinces to promote cooperation in biotechnology; and
WHEREAS, certain activities, information exchanges, and initiatives originating in individual states and provinces can be shared by all jurisdictions synergistically; and
WHEREAS, such efforts should be coordinated to optimize the returns on public investments; and
WHEREAS, there is common agreement among jurisdictional governmental and biotechnology leaders that a coordinating structure should be created;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers support the creation of an International Northern and Biotechnology Corridor to promote biotechnology developments withing the region.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Conference, through the Secretariats, establish a coordinating mechanism to move the initiative forward and that a progress report be presented to the Conference at its 1999 meeting.

Source: NEG/ECP Resolution 23-6: Biotechology Corridor 98-NEGC6 on Jun 9, 1998

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Page last updated: Apr 22, 2013