ACR 193: California Technology and Innovation Month.

WHEREAS, Technology, innovation, and the entrepreneurial spirit are woven into our identity as Americans. We are the pioneers that always look beyond to the next frontier. From sending a man to the moon, to leading the Internet revolution, and to developing cutting-edge technology, the world has always looked to America to lead into the future and, time and again, we have delivered that and much more; and

WHEREAS, American-born advancements have shaped every aspect of our modern world. Our smartphones, which evolve daily, have enabled instant global communication and a more robust exchange of ideas and knowledge. Our children and grandchildren have the chance for longer and healthier lives because of breakthroughs in medical technologies and drug treatments. Cutting-edge processes have turned the United States into a leader in energy production, while better data and advanced weather warning systems hold the promise of saving lives from natural disasters; and

WHEREAS, The next great medicine, energy source, or communication platform is waiting to be discovered by the people of California. Our greatest asset, and the biggest driver of California innovation, is Californias people, and we need laws that support and enable the people of California; and

WHEREAS, California is home to a thriving world-class region that is home to high-tech corporations and thousands of innovative startup companies. These California-based corporations have given us amazing technological advances, such as the iPhone and semiconductors, and have changed how we utilize the Internet; and

WHEREAS, Innovation and technology are essential to achieving and maintaining economic prosperity in this increasingly competitive world, and our place as the most innovative and technology advanced nation on Earth cannot be taken for granted. We must stay focused on promoting growth and expanding opportunities for the next great idea; and

WHEREAS, California leads the nation with nearly 1.1 million tech industry jobs. For each job created in the tech sector, approximately 4.3 jobs are created in other local goods and services sectors across all income groups, including lawyers, dentists, schoolteachers, cooks, and retail clerks, among many others. There are an estimated 46,000 information and communication technology (ICT) industry-related businesses in California. ICT industry-related businesses produce $172 billion in revenue. These businesses employ more than one million Californians and pay out close to $76 billion in wages annually; and

WHEREAS, Communities throughout California will commemorate the month of June as California Technology and Innovation Month, a month celebrating the innovation industry and the entrepreneurial spirit; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, That in recognition of the innovation and technology economy, the month of June shall be proclaimed California Technology and Innovation Month, a special time for Californians to celebrate this ever-growing industry that is changing the way we view communication, health care, transportation, energy, travel, business, and much more; and be it further

Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.