Public Policy + Advocacy
The Arizona Technology Council is the principal advocate for science- and technology-based companies in Arizona.
Through the collective strength of its members, the Council informs and educates policymakers on issues that are important to Arizona’s technology sectors.
The Council continuously monitors federal, state and local legislation and policies that impact the sustainability and growth of Arizona’s technology industry. From the U.S. Congress and the Office of the Governor to legislative committee rooms and city halls across the state, the Council serves as the voice advocating for a technology-based, pro-growth, business-focused agenda.
Renewable Energy: A Powerful Solution to Restore Arizona’s Economy
Renewable energy is the answer to moving toward a cleaner, more prosperous and healthy future, as well as a powerful solution to restoring economic security at a time when Arizonans need it most. Instead of sinking money into a polluting and shrinking sector like fossil fuels, the Arizona Technology Council supports investing in an industry that has a vibrant future. The time to invest in renewables is now, especially when our economy needs solutions so badly.
Business Support for Increased Clean Energy, Renewable Energy and Energy-Efficiency Standards
An open letter to the Arizona Corporation Commission expressing support for strong, enforceable clean energy standards in Arizona: As major businesses, trade associations, employers and large energy consumers in Arizona, a distinguished group of Arizona business and technology companies are committed to increasing the use of renewable energy and energy efficiency in the state. View or download the business support letter >>
2020 Public Policy Guide
In creating the 2020 Public Policy Guide, Council and its Public Policy Committee relied heavily on the Council’s mission by preparing key ideas, goals and legislative initiatives to:
- Improve the business climate for technology-based companies
- Provide sources of risk capital that encourage entrepreneurship
- Create an environment that supports science and technology-related job retention and creation
- Attract, train, retrain and retain the talent required to compete in a global innovation economy
The Committee created a list of principles in a number of subject areas then established related positions to be used as the foundation of the Council’s public policy efforts in 2020. In some cases, the positions will advance through development and advocacy of legislation that will be introduced during the Arizona Legislature’s 2020 session. In other instances, the positions will be used on an ongoing basis as regulators introduce new regulations or changes to existing regulations pertinent to Council members. At all stages, the Committee will be engaged in various efforts to advance the position of Arizona’s technology-based companies. The following principles and positions will aid elected officials and other stakeholders at all levels of government and business as they craft legislation and policies that will affect Arizonans and the Arizona economy for years to come.
ARIZONA TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL STATE LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES 2020
- Ensure proven economic development programs such as the Angel Investment Tax Credit and current levels of the Research and Development Tax Credit are reauthorized past their sunset dates of 2021.
- Obtain state support of $3 million annually for five years to cultivate a statewide Arizona STEM ecosystem. Focus on long-term, shared, sustainable and flexible STEM missions that bridge, integrate and strengthen the learning opportunities offered by organizations across sectors instead of isolated, independent entities. This will result in expansion of STEM business and education opportunities throughout rural and urban Arizona communities, fueling a strong, diverse talent pipeline prepared to meet the state’s anticipated growth.
- Consistently and sustainably fund the state’s education system, including pre-K, K-12, career and technical education (CTE), equitable access to dual enrollment, and post-secondary programs.
- Support Arizona tax system improvements to strengthen competitiveness, fairness and predictability, specifically establishing statutory clarification on taxation of digital goods and services.
View or download the current and previous versions of the Council’s Public Policy Guide here:
The Arizona Technology Council is calling on the Arizona Corporation Commission to increase the state’s Renewable Energy Standard and Tariff, or REST, to at least 50% renewable energy by 2030 and 100% carbon-free by 2050. Read more >>