Davis introduces legislation to boost STEM, cut red tape
WASHINGTON – U.S. Reps. Rodney Davis, R-Ill., and Matt Cartwright, D-Pa., today introduced the bipartisan Innovate America Act, a measure to boost the global economy by promoting science, technology, engineering, and math education.
“The 13th District is home to several colleges and universities with quality STEM-focused programs that spur innovation and job creation,” said Davis. “The Innovate America Act builds upon these successful programs and extends STEM opportunities to high school students. Additionally, this legislation comes full circle by cutting government impediments to small manufacturers so more jobs will be available to graduates.”
“The United States has fallen behind in its efforts to compete in an increasingly competitive global economy,” said Cartwright. “This legislation not only devotes more resources into STEM fields, but also works to eliminate burdensome regulations, and provide our nation’s businesses with the workforce it needs to compete in today’s global economy.”
Specifically, the Innovate America Act would:
– Improve STEM education by doubling the number of STEM-focused high schools;
– Promote computer science training and expanding research opportunities for undergraduates in STEM majors;
– Study the impact of STEM field retention programs for students; Establish a website for technology commercialization ideas;
– Establish a manufacturing assistance program aimed at assisting small and medium-sized businesses; Identify and call for removal of regulatory barriers for small and medium-sized manufacturers; Identify the regulatory barriers for top 20 exporting industries for the purpose of improving global competitiveness.
