"Fast Track" Important to Tech Industry

On Friday, the U.S. House of Rep- resentatives will likely consider legislation that will allow trade agreements to move through Congress under special rules intended to speed up the approval process.

A great resource is the Information Technology Industry Council's TechWonk Blog: http://bit.ly/1T9kqCi

Trade Promotion Authority (TPA, also colloquially known as “fast-track”) will help grow America’s economy and create new jobs by ensuring future trade agreements benefit American workers, consumers, and businesses. Through the TPA bill, Congress has the ability to tell U.S. Trade officials what goals they must meet to benefit their constituents and local businesses.

The bill enjoys (and passed the Senate with) bipartisan support – of a unique kind. The President has urged its passage, and many pro-trade congressional Republicans and Democrats have said they would support the bill. But some Republicans have indicated they’re on the fence, possibly because they don’t want to support what’s being referred to as “Obamatrade,” or, for that matter, the President himself, because it grants him “too much power.” Many Democrats oppose the bill, some because they still have NAFTA in mind, others because they’ve been threatened by the labor lobby.

Since these complex issues are, as always, rife with political rhetoric, perhaps it’s worth looking at two key myths about this legislation.

Regarding the legislation granting the president some sort of unilateral power, the fact is that Congress still must approve any trade agreement negotiated by the president in an up or down vote. As the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service notes, TPA represents a “gentleman’s agreement” between the Congress and the president, in which the legislative branch offers “fast track” rules if the executive branch agrees to follow a detailed set of negotiating objectives and engages in a consultations with Congress. (A fact that even some members of Congress apparently didn’t realize.)  And of course it’s worked for decades; Congress has endowed every U.S. president since FDR at least some trade negotiating authority.

But those are just Congress’ arguments. Others attacking the legislation say that TPA (and its accompanying Pacific-rim Trade Agreement, or TPP) only benefits large corporations at the expense of workers. This specious reasoning vastly overlooks the fact that innumerable growing businesses and industries, both large and small, will be hurt if the bill fails. In 2012 alone, for example, the U.S. technology industry exported more than $85.5 billion worth of technology goods to TPP countries.

Passage of this critical legislation should be determined by careful consideration of the facts, not by partisan rhetoric and unfounded claims. Luckily, you can help in this effort by taking two minutes to send a letter to your Representative and urge them to pass this important legislation. Join us and speak out in support of jobs, growth, and prosperity. The vote is Friday, so please act now.

Seattle National Cybersecurity Summit Open House

The Seattle National Cybersecurity Summit Open House will be held on February 13 from 8:00 AM -­-2:00 PM at the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission, Cascade Building Auditorium, 19010 1^st Avenue South, Burien, WA 98148.

Parking is available on-­-site, follow the signs for the Cascade Building and proceed to the Lobby.

If you plan to attend please register at HERE by February 11.

(Click on Image for a Larger and Complete View)

Army Announced Decision on Army Cyber Forces

The United States Army has announced that the Army Cyber Command (ARCYBER) Headquarters will be located at Fort Gordon, Ga., consolidating and coordinating Army cyber and network operations under one commander for the first time in its history.

Establishing the Army Cyber Center of Excellence at Fort Gordon will begin by aligning Army cyber proponency within the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, creating institutional unity and a focal point for cyber doctrine and capabilities development, training and innovation.

The Army selected Fort Gordon as the permanent location for ARCYBER Headquarters for operational and cost reasons. Since its establishment in 2010, ARCYBER has been temporarily split-located in seven government buildings and leased space across the national capital region. The move to Fort Gordon will co-locate ARCYBER Headquarters with the Army's Joint Forces Headquarters-Cyber and NSA-Georgia, placing the Army's operational cyber headquarters with the majority its cyber mission forces.  It will require 150 fewer personnel than other potential sites, as well as reduce military construction requirements and costs by 23 percent less than other considered options.

 "Cyber threats are real, sophisticated, growing, and evolving," said ARCYBER's commanding general, Lt. Gen. Edward C. Cardon.  "The Army's decision demonstrates support for unity of command and the importance of cyber to our Army and our nation," he explained.

Before selecting Fort Gordon, the Army evaluated its ability to support U.S. Cyber Command-directed missions and other operational factors such as installation capacity, environmental impacts, and human resource considerations. Community input was also solicited and considered through an environmental assessment public comment period conducted in the fall.

ARCYBER will continue to have a command liaison element co-located with U.S. Cyber Command at Fort George G. Meade, Md.

For more information, please contact Army Cyber Command Public Affairs: Jennifer Downing at 703-428-6396; or Army Public Affairs: Lt. Col. Donald E. Peters at 703-697-7550 or Wayne Hall at 703-693-7589.

Additional information about ARCYBER is available at the command website.

DOD Announces Nomination of Cyber Command Commander/ NSA Director

Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel announced today Navy Vice Adm. Michael S. Rogers as President Obama's nominee to become commander of U.S. Cyber Command.

In addition, the Secretary announced that he has designated Vice Adm. Rogers to serve as director of the National Security Agency, and chief of the Central Security Service.

Vice Adm. Rogers currently serves as the U.S. Fleet Cyber Command commander. If confirmed by the U.S. Senate, he will replace Gen. Keith Alexander, who has served as the NSA director since 2005, and the Cyber Command commander since 2010.

Additionally, the department is announcing that Richard Ledgett has been selected to serve as the NSA deputy director.  In his new role as the senior civilian at NSA, Ledgett acts at the agency's chief operating officer. He replaces J. Chris Inglis, who retired from the position in January.

Data Innovation Day

Today is Data Innovation Day, a celebration of the benefits generated by the current revolution in data. At events around the world, participants are showcasing the latest innovations in the use of data and the economic value of the information economy.

The keystone event is in Washington, DC, with over 100 global partners in Philadelphia, PA, Austin, TX, and Palo, Alto, CA, India, Ireland, England, Turkey, Nepal, Russia, Ukraine and Australia, will participate in social media and other virtual activities.

You can:
1.    Contact your representative with a short message about the importance of data to your work and your community.
2.    Follow and participate in the conversation on social media, using the hashtag #datainnovation. 
3.    Watch the Washington DC event live here. 

Cyber Czar Set

MILITARY AFFAIRS FORUM

CYBERWARFARE

Featuring:Howard Schmidt, the cyber-security czar for the Obama Administration

Howard A. Schmidt has had a long distinguished career in defense, law enforcement and corporate security spanning more than 40 years.

He brings together talents in business, defense, intelligence, law enforcement, privacy, academia and international relations through his distinguished career.

Schmidt currently is Special Assistant to the President and the Cybersecurity Coordinator for the federal government.

In this role Mr. Schmidt is responsible for coordinating interagency cybersecurity policy development and implementation and for coordinating engagement with federal, state, local, international and private sector cybersecurity partners.

Date: Friday, March 9
Time: 7:30 - 9:00 a.m.
Place: Courtyard by Marriott : St. Helens Room
1515 Commerce Street : Tacoma 98402
Parking:  Free as noted in information below
Price: $21 members by March 5
$25 non-members and Member Walk-ins
after March 5
RSVP: Register: Janice Hutchins, (253) 627.2175 x100

PARKING*
 

There are three lots to choose from, and as you can see in the map below, one LOT G is right across the street on the same level as the Courtyard Marriott’s Commerce Street entrance (see symbol below). And two others A and B, up one level.

 

Again, simply take 15th street up the hill one block from Pacific Avenue to Commerce, and turn left in past the Marriott. The first lot you will come to is LOT G on your right.

 

If you find lot G to be full when you come to it (and it most often is not), simply continue along Commerce as shown on the map below, and turn right on Jefferson and right again on Broadway back into the other lots, A and B, both of which are also free. Then simply use the stairs to come down to Commerce, as these two lots are up one level.

 

Cut through the Commerce entrance of the Courtyard Marriott to Pacific Avenue and the Pacific Grill Events Center (see symbol below). And you are “home free.”

Alternative to SOPA

Now that Congress has withdrawn the SOPA, attention has turned (in other forums), to the bill introduced by Washington's own Sen. Maria Cantwell (and others) that seeks to protect IP while supporting the exchange of ideas via the Internet.

Here is Sen. Cantwell's press release of Dec. 17, 2011, on the day she and her colleagues introduced the bill:

WASHINGTON, D.C.– As the House Judiciary Committee considers a bill that sacrifices innovation and an open and secure Internet, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and a bipartisan coalition of Senators including Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) introduced legislation to use import trade laws to protect intellectual property without catastrophic effects to the Internet.

The Online Protection and Enforcement of Digital Trade Act (OPEN) will build on the existing legal framework for resolving trade infractions of tangible goods to enforce copyright and trademark infringement of digital goods such as music, movies and other intellectual property. Through the International Trade Commission, violations of digital trade can be investigated and websites found to be “willfully” and “primarily” infringing on copyright material can be shut down. The ITC will create a transparent and adversarial process where all parties would receive due process and IP rules can be consistently applied. Neither the Stop Online Piracy Act in the House nor the Protect IP Act in the Senate allow for similar due process.

“The Internet allows entrepreneurs in America and around the world to create ground-breaking companies and fuel economic growth,” said Cantwell. “That’s why we’re leading a bipartisan effort to pass the OPEN Act. The OPEN Act addresses the same challenges as the PROTECT Act, while protecting freedom of speech, innovation and security on the Internet. This new bill will crack down on online counterfeiting and copyright violations in a way that is consistent with existing law for illegal imports that violate intellectual property rights.”

“The OPEN act meets the same publicly-stated goals as SOPA or Protect IP without causing massive damage to the Internet,” Wyden said. “I’ve long said that IP infringement is a problem that needs to be addressed, but these other bills tread deeply into online censorship and blacklisting in order to protect intellectual property. There is a better way. The OPEN act expands the ability of the ITC to investigate IP infringement -- providing a forum for due process without messing with the inner workings of the Internet. The same goals are met, without the collateral damage SOPA and Protect IP will leave in their wake.”

“The internet continues to be a driving force for innovation and economic growth in our country. Any legislation affecting the internet must be carefully considered – we cannot afford unintended consequences,” Sen. Moran said. “The proposals currently under consideration by Congress raise serious Constitutional and security concerns and include provisions that effectively chill investment in innovation. Unlike Protect IP and SOPA, the OPEN Act provides a clear and consistent system of due process and does not compromise the secure operation of the internet through filtering. The OPEN Act also utilizes the expertise of the ITC to make certain monetary resources to rogue foreign websites are shut down upon violations of intellectual property rights. Whether you are a high-tech entrepreneur, a small business owner, or simply an American with a good idea, an open web facilitates innovation as an open marketplace for goods and services.”

The OPEN Act embraces remedies against true foreign, “rogue” sites that are the most effective: shutting off the money.  The OPEN Act does not include controversial provisions that empower rightsholders and the government to upset the architecture of the Internet, upon which cybersecurity infrastructure resides, or to impose a censorship regime.

Congressman Adam Smith's Technology Issues Update

News from Congressman Adam Smith
November 21, 2011
Technology Issues Update

USDA Announces Funding to Expand and Improve Broadband Services in Rural Areas of Washington State

Last week, the United State Department of Agriculture announced it will be providing funding for telephone utilities to build, expand and improve broadband service in rural areas. Much of these funds will be used for “last mile” Fiber to the Premises (FTTP) broadband systems. These projects are critical to connecting new subscribers to high speed broadband systems.

For example, the Toledo Telephone Co., Inc. will receive $18 million in load funds to install 292 miles of buried fiber optic cables for their FTTP system. This will enhance service for all Toledo, WA subscribers.

“Expanding broadband infrastructure is great news for Washington’s rural families. Enhanced services helps rural businesses and entrepreneurs create job opportunities for people who want to live, work and raise their families in rural communities,” Adam stated.
More information about USDA Rural Development can be found at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/.

_________________________________________

Technology Funding in FY 2012 Appropriations Agreement

Last Thursday, the House of Representatives passed the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2012, HR 2112. Even in the current economic climate, funding research and technology is important for growing the economy and creating jobs. Here are some of the highlights:

· National Science Foundation: Provides $7 billion for the National Science Foundation, an increase of $173 million above FY 2011. NSF’s core research program is increased by $155 million to enhance basic research critical to innovation and U.S. competitiveness.

· Patent and Trademark Office (PTO): Provides PTO with $2.7 billion – the requested level and 29% above last year. These funds assist in streamlining the patent review system and help inventors move from an idea to creating a product more quickly.

· National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST): NIST is funded at $751 million, including an increase of $33.5 million above last year to support core NIST scientific research programs that help advance U.S. competitiveness, innovation, and economic growth. The Manufacturing Extension Partnership to provide training and technical assistance to U.S. manufacturers is maintained at last year’s level of $128 million.

“Funding research and technology is crucial to our innovative and economic growth. Growth in the technology industry will increase our global competitiveness and foster a stable and growing economy,” Adam stated.

If you have questions or comments, please contact Linda Danforth, District Director, at: 253-593-6601 or via email at: linda.danforth@mail.house.gov

Interested in more information? Follow Adam online:
adamsmith.house.gov Facebook YouTube Twitter RSS

Angels and Small Business Tax Benefits

Last week, President Obama signed the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010, which includes several benefits for small businesses and also a benefit for angel investors. The Angel Capital Association wants to get this information out to you, as this benefit relates to investments made between September 27 and December 31, 2010 and may be of interest to many of you.

The new law includes a 100 percent exemption for gains made in Qualified Small Business Stock, and this new bill effectively means that you pay no taxes on gains from your investments that meet several criteria below and Alternative Minimum Tax does not apply. If you are interested in this program, PLEASE TALK TO YOUR ACCOUNTANT to ensure you have all the information you need to structure your investments to meet all requirements.

Criteria and Limitations:
• Investments must be made by a non-corporate investor (for example, individuals or funds structured as LLCs).
• Investments must be made between September 27 and December 31, 2010 to qualify for no taxes on the gains.
• The company in which you invest must be a C corporation and must be a qualifying type of business (many businesses except financial institutions, farms, professional service firms, hotels, and restaurants)
• The company in which you invest must not exceed $50 million in aggregate gross assets at any time before the investment or immediately afterward. An important issue in this size is that 80% of the assets must be used in the "active conduct" of the business at all times.
• The stock must be purchased by the investor as an original issuance from the corporation, directly or through an underwriter. So, notes and warrants do not count. We're hearing that if you have an outstanding note that converts to stock before December 31st, then the stock would count for this program. (BUT TALK TO YOUR ACCOUNTANT.)
• The stock must be held for more than five years (subject to exemptions for qualifying tax-free rollovers)
• There are limitations on redeeming shares of the company's stock before and after the qualified stock is issued.
• The gains eligible for the zero taxes by any single taxpayer max out at $10 million or ten times the adjusted tax basis of stock issued by the stock
• For just investments made between September 27 and December 31, 2010, the gains are also not subject to the Alternative Minimum Tax.

Other Important Things to Know:
It's confusing, but Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) taxes are actually based on ordinary income rather than what we normally think of as capital gains taxes. So, when you see that QSBS provides a 100% exemption of taxes on gains, the comparison is to the current 75% exemption on gains - which works out to 7% rate on ordinary income.

For any of you or your accountants looking for the actual language to the bill, we link you to the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 here. The relevant sections are 2011-2013 (pages 51-53).

Here are a few of the articles and backgrounders we liked on the subject:
• Wall Street Journal - For New Tax Breaks, Act Fast , September 30, 2010
• Calling All Angels - Donald Jay Korn, Financial Planning Magazine, September, 2009 (This was written when the exemptions for QSBS were only 50 to 75%, but has helpful information, and includes one of the last media quotes from Luis Villalobos.)
• Favorable Legislation Relating to Qualified Small Business Stock, Latham & Watkins, September 27, 2010
• Overall summary of other items in the Small Business Jobs Acts

Tacoma Leaders Close When Cloture Fails

Earlier, we’ve blogged about the Finance Reform bill and its comparatively minor provisions that relate to angel investors. I say comparatively minor as the Finance Reform bill does many earth-shaking changes in the nation’s/world’s financial market. Those many earth-shaking changes are where the news action is.

However, a new local link is emerging.

CQ News reports today that final action on the comprehensive financial service overhaul remains uncertain. With both the election of Sen. Scott Brown (R-MA) and the death of Sen. Robert Byrd (D-WV), sixty Democratic senatorial votes are no longer assured. With only four Republican senators voting “yea” for the Finance Reform bill, the question arises which Democrats are voting “no.”

Chamber delegation visiting with Sen. Cantwell immediately following Senate failure to
vote on her amendment.
                                                                                      

Those two Democratic senators voting “no” are said to be Sen. Charles Grassley (D-IA) and our own Sen. Maria Cantwell.

When the Chamber’s delegation visited Washington, D.C. last month, Sen. Cantwell had just had defeated (by Sen. Harry Reid, (D-NV) Majority Leader, pursuing a cloture vote) on the Senate floor her proposed amendment. She was quoted at the time by Jordan Fabian, thehill.com/blogs, that a vote on her amendment was continguent on her voting “yea” for the Finance Reform bill.

Sen. Cantwell’s amendment, co-sponsored by Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-AR), aims to toughen enforcement of complex financial derivatives.                                

WA Leader in Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Washington’s commitment to investing in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) jobs has placed it among the top states in the country when it comes to entrepreneurship and innovation.

                   According to a new study from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and National Chamber Foundation (NCF), the Enterprising States study highlights how state and local policies—including those in Washington—play a vital role in spurring job creation and economic development.

“By embracing many of the strategies at the core of our free enterprise system—competitive tax rates, open trade, and commonsense regulation—states are helping to jumpstart our economic recovery and create more jobs,” wrote Thomas J. Donohue, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber, in a letter to Governor Chris Gregoire. “Many of the new ideas, new companies, and new jobs will come from local initiatives that allow the free market to do what it does best.”

The Enterprising States study was released as part of a U.S. Chamber event where a group of bipartisan governors from around the country discussed the role of the free enterprise system in job creation. Through this study, the Chamber is highlighting bipartisan state and local policies—including those in Washington—that have proven to help create jobs and that will be key to our economic recovery. The study is part of the U.S. Chamber’s American Free Enterprise. Dream Big. campaign, a comprehensive nationwide effort to create 20 million jobs in the next 10 years.

Specifically, the study highlights how Washington is playing a pivotal role in fostering the conditions for job growth through the Education Legacy Trust Fund program, being a global leader in aerospace research and development, and a strong focus on rail and container port initiatives to drive exports.

“This study provides an in-depth look at the vast and complex network of economies we call the 50 states and territories,” said Margaret Spellings, executive vice president of NCF and former secretary of the Department of Education. “By highlighting lessons learned we hope to create a roadmap to economic resilience and an ongoing dialogue that makes every state’s jobs picture stronger.”

The Enterprising States study highlights six factors that drive job creation: Innovation, productivity through investments in workforce development and training, science and technology, infrastructure, exporting, and competitive tax rates. The study found that states are much more active than the federal government on the job creation and economic development front. For example, the study found that high tax rates do not lead to either healthy economies or budgets.

Similarly, the study looks at how states have implemented initiatives for streamlining red tape to help businesses sort through the many layers of government regulation and have incentivized private-sector investors primarily with tax credits. It also highlights that targeted investments in infrastructure projects at the state-level can create growth‐friendly environments in communities. Science- and technology-based economic development and clean tech initiatives are proliferating amongst virtually all of the states. There is widespread support for doubling exports and there are also states that have made significant headway using strategies for foreign direct investment (FDI). Finally, cultivating people through workforce development will drive economic growth at the state-level, the study shows.

Angels Fight! II

The Puget Sound region played a leadership role in the passage of the Financial Reform Bill, as it was amended.

Our Sen. Cantwell, as an identified principal co-sponsor, joined by others (including Sen. Murray and Sen. Begich-AK) in sponsoring what became an adopted amendment addressing critical changes to the bill much to the delight of the Angel Capital Association.

Sen. Cantwell was on the Senate floor speaking to the subsequent Dodd Bill when visited by the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber's delegation on its 25th Washington-to-Washington, D.C. visit.

Angels Fight!

As blogged yesterday, the Angel Capital Association has been working hard to address the issues in the Senate financial reform bill that affect angel investors and entrepreneurs. You can keep track of the issues, overall activity and our progress on ACA's Web site, ACA has posted a WSJ editorial that certainly caught many people's attention.

ACA's Executive Director Marianne Hudson said, I want to let you know that we have made some good progress in Washington, DC including working with the bill's author, Sen. Christopher Dodd - who plans to promote two amendments on the Senate floor to greatly improve the bill. ACA has published its statement of support for these amendments on their Web site for more information.

We greatly appreciate the work many of you have done to contact your Senators and policy makers about these issues. You have made a huge difference!

It is important, though, that angels continue the fight! You can link to our Senators here.

Dodd Needs an Angel

Lost in the national press’s attention to the Dodd financial reform bill has been any attention to what it does to angel investing. Angels are building the kinds of companies that represent the majority of net new jobs in the United States and this is exactly the wrong time to hinder that in any way.

For those of you who have not yet had the opportunity to review the related materials, look to the ACA Web site. Essentially the bill's current language recommends significantly increasing the thresholds for accredited investors.

Two issues would affect angels and entrepreneurs seeking angel financing:
1. A 120-day waiting rule before money can be put into a small business—good luck surviving,
2. Doubling of the investor requirements to $449,000 income and $2,250,000 net worth, increased for inflation every 5 years.

ACA has been the lead advocate for angels and the entrepreneurs who are REALLY the audience that would be affected and have been very involved in negotiations to improve the provisions of the bill with the Senate Banking Committee.

ACA is cautiously optimistic that the bill will include much improved provisions. Democrats plan to call for a vote to try to block a Republican filibuster that could prevent formal debate from starting on the bill, under development for months now. Sixty votes are needed to invoke "cloture," blocking a filibuster.

Democrats control 59 Senate votes and would need at least one Republican vote for cloture to proceed. It does not currently appear they have the 60 votes for cloture to avoid a Republican filibuster.

National TeleHealth & Tech Center Est. at JBLM

The Department of the Army announced today the planned activation of the National Center for Telehealth and Technology at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

This stationing action represents an increase of eight military and 67 civilian authorizations and is expected to be completed in April 2010.

The mission of the National Center for Telehealth and Technology is to foster, develop, research, and deploy technology solutions for psychological health and traumatic brain injury and deliver relevant, evidence-based applications for our warriors, veterans and their families.

This force structure action complies with the recommendations of the President's Commission on Care for America's Returning Wounded Warriors (Dole/Shalala Report) and the assistant secretary of defense (health affairs) memorandum, Defense Center of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury.

Point of contact for this notification is Lt. Col. Lee M. Packnett, 703-614-2487, Office of the Chief of Public Affairs, Office of the Secretary of the Army.

Mandate or a Market

The CQ Today Midday Update reports that the Senate has joined the House in action to bolster Net Neutrality.

Net Neutrality is a policy of preventing broadband service providers from blocking certain traffic or establishing a tiered pathway for Internet content. The FCC's proposed mandates prohibit selectively blocking or slowing content and applications. For the first time, these provisions would also apply to wireless providers.

Supporters contend it would level the playing field for content providers. Opponents say it would hamper online innovation. Wireless providers are concerned they could not block voice calling services.

The Senate proposal is from Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-So. Dakota) and Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-Maine) is expected to cosponsor. The House effort is lead by Cong. Edward Markey (D-Mass.).

Smith's Tech Town Hall

Cong. Adam Smith today faced a baker's dozen of tech industry entrepreneurs and advocates for one of his back-home town hall meetings sited at the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber offices.

Smith, always and continuing as both a knowledgeable tech supporter and a consistent tech supporter, was able to speak directly to tech issues both in his initial remarks and in response to the queries from attendees.

Here, as seemingly everywhere, health care reform entered the conversation. But, tech issues predominated the discussion. When asked about his insights from serving in the House intelligence oversight and forthcoming opportunities, Smith replied that both "yes" there are opportunities and "no" he couldn't tell us what they are. But, he did give a serious response in that he identified two areas of special opportunity and funding availability: energy and medical. Attendees were referred to DARPA and Battelle/Pacific NW National Lab for research that is available for commercialization.

Another topic of special interest was the question of funding availability in the tech industry. Others noted that Washington does well in attracting VC, but there is a growing area of concern about angel investing. With the wealth reduction that has occurred with the Great Recession, where many individuals have also seen their portfolio value decline dramatically, the willingness of angel investors to invest - and the ability of ventures to attract angel funds has suffered.

What’s Online for Broadband Stimulus

The feds recently posted on the Federal Register information about the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and Department of Agriculture’s Rural Utilities Service plans for their allocation from the Stimulus Bill.

The NTIA was allocated $4.7 billion and the USDA $2.5 billion. The funds were expressly approved for “unserved” and “underserved” locations, but those terms remain undefined. Both agencies are looking for input to these definitions and other aspects NLT April 13.

Six public meetings were held, the last yesterday in D.C. Public comments still accepted.

A recent meeting of these agencies and the Federal Communications Commission produced these five goals:

1. Close the broadband gap in unserved and underserved areas
2. Leverage private investment
3. Create jobs
4. Upgrade connectivity to schools, libraries and other community anchor institutions
5. Stimulate broadband demand

The NTIA is instructed to allocate $250 million towards the Broadband Data Improvement Act for mapping and community initiatives, at least $200 million to expand public computer center capacity in libraries and community colleges and at least $250 million for programs encouraging broadband adoption.

An unusual feature of the allocation is $10 million for audits and oversight of all programs.

There will be at least one grant per state, made in three rounds. All allocations must be made by September 30, 2010.

Congressman Redistributes Staff Duties

Roel van der Lugt, Senior Field Representative, has taken over outreach responsibilities to the technology sector here in Washington State for Congressman Adam Smith. Roel may be reached by e-mail or by telephone at (253) 896-3783.

It has been our pleasure working with Linda Danforth, District Representative for Cong. Smith who had handled this issue area over the months and years. Linda will remain on Congressman Smith’s district office staff, and taking on new responsibilities.

Having worked with Roel on many issues, I encourage you to contact him whenever you have suggestions, questions or feedback for the Congressman.

Acting with Speed Matters

Today Speed Matters, reports that President-elect Barack Obama will include broadband in the economic stimulus package.

They note that last weekend in his weekly radio address, President-elect Obama announced that he would be including money for broadband deployment and adoption in his economic recovery plan. His proposals for universal high speed Internet access and his recognition of broadband's importance to the economic recovery reflect the work CWA members did during the campaign to focus attention on the issue. Read the Whole Story

Congratulations for the work CWA has done on this issue for an extended time.