High-tech investment as an engine for economic growth in Southern Arizona

There is a far-reaching problem in the Arizona community. Despite the draw of sunny weather and beautiful landscapes, the state is unable to attract enough brainpower to fuel the economic climate. Arizona definitely has the potential to be a major player in the new knowledge and idea-based national economy. Currently ranked 10th in the nation for progress into the New Economy (The State Economic Index), Arizona supports seven high tech clusters, one of which, optics, …

…framework. Funding is the key. Without it we risk squandering our human resources -- perpetuating the cycle of an under-trained and under-staffed workforce. Funding is the most significant component of our proposal, but is potentially the most controversial. There should be no controversy over Arizona's future; if Arizona is too succeed in the New Economy, additional funding for workforce development must be accrued and apportioned intelligently, otherwise Arizona faces a grim future of economic mediocrity.