INDIANAPOLIS - The Indiana Technology & Innovation Association, which launched in November and has grown to more than 100 members, has announced its policy agenda for the 2019 legislative session. The organization's priorities focus on attracting tech talent and capital to the state, along with strengthening quality of place. The agenda includes support for hate crimes legislation, computer science funding for schools and attracting more non-stop international flights.
During an interview with Inside INdiana Business Reporter Mary-Rachel Redman, TechPoint Chief Executive Officer Mike Langellier said it's also in the state's interest to encourage venture capital firms to come to Indiana.
In the area of talent, the ITIA is pushing for funding for computer science training in schools, giving schools more flexibility to partner with employers and providing 50 percent tax credits for contributions to organizations that focus on workforce training. Langellier says it's "critical" to provide more technical education opportunities and "incent experienced technical workers to relocate to our state."
To bring in more capital, the organization is supporting making the Venture Capital Investment tax credit transferable to boost out-of-state investors, updating the Headquarters Relocation Tax Credit to allow more incentives for small companies and exempting data warehouse equipment purchases and electricity use from state sales and use taxes.
ITIA is also advocating for policies to improve quality of place in Indiana, including supporting Governor Eric Holcomb's proposed $100 million investment in high-speed broadband internet in underserved areas and allowing Certified Tech Parks to capture up to $500,000 annually to keep making investments.
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