Cory A. Booker and Tech Executives Call for Policies to Support Growth, Job Creation

Technology executives met for a tech policy networking breakfast yesterday, where the CompTIA joined with the New Jersey Technology Council, New York Technology Council and Connecticut Technology Council to announce the formation of a new Tri-State chapter of TechVoice.

The breakfast featured remarks from Newark Mayor Cory A. Booker and Robert Feldstein from New York Mayor Michael A. Bloomberg ‘s office. Their participation highlighted the TechVoice mission: to create and channel a powerful grassroots voice for the IT industry.

“The Tri-State Area is home to several of the fastest growing privately held technology companies in America, so it’s very timely for TechVoice to mobilize on policy issues that advance the industry,” said Elizabeth Hyman, vice president, public advocacy, CompTIA.

Booker, who recently launched the social media start-up #waywire, shared his vision for how social media and technology policy can rejuvenate politics and help achieve greater national dialogue.

“President Abraham Lincoln said 150 years ago that as our cause of democracy and liberty is new, we must think anew. Those words are still important today, as we see the great revolution in communications that is taking place around us. Social media and its associated technology have made it possible for our leaders to directly connect with the citizens they serve. More than ever, we can have an immediate dialogue with our citizens, hearing their concerns, sharing ideas, and engaging them in our work, enabling them to become full partners in our efforts to bring prosperity, empowerment, and hope to our entire nation,” Booker said.

Feldstein, who leads the Partnership for a New American Economy, addressed the issue of high-skilled immigration reform, a priority for some in the technology industry seeking to narrow an IT skills gap.

“At small startups and tech giants alike, immigrants play a critical role in driving innovation, creating American jobs, and powering the U.S. economy,” Feldstein said. “But to remain competitive in the global marketplace, we need an immigration system that makes it easier for us to attract and retain the talented workforce that lets our country thrive. It’s time for comprehensive reform that fits the needs of America’s 21st century economy.”

“The Tri-State TechVoice Chapter will present opportunities to discuss issues with national and local policy makers and build local networks dedicated to advancing an small business tech policy agenda,” said Maxine Ballen, founder and CEO, New Jersey Technology Council.

“Everyone in the IT industry, no matter what size your business, needs to get involved in policy advocacy,” said Erik Grimmelman, executive director, New York Technology Council.

For more information on this announcement, visit www.techvoice.org.