The state Legislature’s Technology and Innovation Caucus on Wednesday introduced its 24 members and talked about how the new group could support California’s tech economy and introduce new bills, putting emphasis on the need for legislation that brings tech education to schools, and how they plan to maintain California’s national lead and reputation in tech industry.
Many members of the bipartisan, bicameral caucus spoke of their wishes to see greater hands-on computer science and technology courses for students, which they said could ultimately lead to opportunities for high-paying jobs.
The technology industry contributes to more than 10 percent of the state’s economy, and while Silicon Valley has experienced the most dramatic growth, “the entire state has benefited from its success,” according to a press release from the caucus. There are more than 46,300 tech companies across the state. “In 2014, technology companies created 33,000 new tech jobs in California, the highest in the nation,” the release said.
Assemblymember Susan Bonilla, D-Concord, said, “we need to make sure tech is built into our priorities when it comes to education funding.” She also pointed to the growing clean fuel and autonomous car projects that are gaining interest and viability.
“We need to make sure that our companies are at the forefront of autonomous vehicle creation,” Bonilla said.
Assemblymember Rob Bonta, D-Alameda, mentioned the importance of Uber, the ride sharing service, which recently relocated its headquarter to his district. Bonta praised the company for helping to grow the community.
Assemblymember Ling Ling Chang, R-Diamond Bar, also introduced at the meeting as a member of the 24-person caucus, spoke of the group’s determined plans to keep tech industries growing in the state.
Caucus Co-Chair Assemblymember Evan Low said, “As the representative from Silicon Valley, where creativity and innovation are constantly making dreams a reality, this caucus will allow us to continue to create policies that will foster the innovation that makes California the Golden State.”
Caucus Members:
(Co-Chair) Assemblymember Evan Low (D-Silicon Valley)
(Co-Chair) Assemblymember Ian Calderon (D-Whittier)
Senator Ben Allen (D-Santa Monica)
Assemblymember Travis Allen (R-Huntington Beach)
Senator Jim Beall (D-San Jose)
Assemblymember Richard Bloom (D-Santa Monica)
Assemblymember Susan Bonilla (D-Concord)
Assemblymember Rob Bonta (D-Alameda)
Assemblymember Autumn Burke (D-Inglewood)
Senator Anthony Cannella (R-Ceres)
Assemblymember Ling Ling Chang (R-Diamond Bar)
Assemblymember David Chiu (D-San Francisco)
Assemblymember Matt Dababneh (D-Los Angeles)
Assemblymember Richard Gordon (D-Menlo Park)
Senator Jerry Hill (D-San Mateo)
Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks)
Senator Ricardo Lara (D-Bell Gardens)
Assemblymember Kevin Mullin (D-San Mateo)
Assemblymember Jay Obernolte (R-Hesperia)
Assemblymember Rudy Salas (D-Bakersfield)
Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco)
Senator Bob Wieckowski (D-Fremont)
Assemblymember Scott Wilk (R-Santa Clarita)
Assemblymember Jim Wood (D-Healdsburg)