MADISON – Recommendations for enhancing the state’s successful investment tax-credits law, helping employers attract and train workers, and leveraging the bonding power of the Wisconsin Health and Educational Facilities Authority were released Thursday by the Wisconsin Technology Council.

The Tech Council, which is the independent, non-profit science and technology adviser to the governor and the Legislature, released three “white papers” from an 18-paper series to be distributed over the coming weeks. The papers were drafted during summer and fall discussions by the Tech Council’s 45-member board, which includes tech company owners and managers, investors, educators, researchers, government leaders and other experts in tech-based economic development.

Some of the papers underscore themes first raised by the Tech Council’s 2002 publication, “Vision 2020: A Model Wisconsin Economy.” Others reflect emerging issues that may deserve consideration by the governor and the Legislature during the 2007-2008 state budget debate, or through separate legislation.

The two-page papers were written for easy reference by policymakers, press and the public. A print version of the full collection will be made available in January; online versions will be posted at www.wisconsintechnologycouncil.com under the “Publications” section.

“Members of the Tech Council take seriously their responsibility to identify trends, raise issues and, where appropriate, provide recommendations to policymakers,” said Mark Bugher, director of University Research Park and chairman of the Tech Council.

“The growth of the tech-based economy in Wisconsin is our goal, and we believe that starts with solid information and bipartisan cooperation,” Bugher added.

The first three papers:

  • Recommend an expansion of Act 255, which provides tax credits to angel and venture capital investors in qualified high-growth companies.
  • Urge adoption of an Education Tax Credit for employers who support the costs of tuition for certain workers who attend a Wisconsin college, university or technical college.
  • Recommend expanding the ability of the Wisconsin Health and Educational Facilities Authority, which has issued bonds for 550 projects totaling $11 billion since 1979, to include working capital for projects that involve non-profit organizations that otherwise meet WHEFA’s charter.

For additional information or to schedule an interview, contact Tom Still or Liz Stephens at 608-442-7557. Underwriting for the printing cost of the “white papers” was provided by the law firm of Michael, Best & Friedrich and the UW-Madison Office of Corporate Relations.

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