Arizona Technology Council Publishes 2012 Public Policy Guide Crafted to Inform and Educate Elected Officials

PHOENIX, Jan. 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- As the leading advocate for technology companies in Arizona, the Arizona Technology Council and its Public Policy Committee today announced the publication of its "2012 Public Policy Guide,"(http://bit.ly/wpaqpT), a document featuring principles and positions to aid elected officials at all levels of government as they craft policies that will affect Arizonans and Arizona's economy for years to come.

The Arizona Technology Council continuously monitors federal, state and local policies that impact the growth of Arizona's technology industry. Through the collective strength of its members, the Council informs and educates policymakers on issues that are important to the state's technology-based industries.

"By working with all levels of city, state, county and federal government and developing deep relationships with both elected and appointed officials, the Council serves as the voice calling for a technology-based, pro-growth, business-focused agenda," said Steven G. Zylstra, president and CEO of the Arizona Technology Council.  "Our positions on tax, education policy and tort reform support policies, and initiatives that create an environment for technology-related jobs, provide sources of capital that encourage entrepreneurship, and train and attract the required talent to compete in a global, innovative economy."

The Arizona Technology Council's policies and principles in the area of Tax, Education and Tort Reform are listed below. To view and download the complete document that includes positions for each policy, please visit: http://bit.ly/wpaqpT.

Tax Policy

The Arizona Technology Council believes many taxes, especially those solely targeted at businesses, may have the effect of limiting potential growth in existing and new technology businesses.  Further, policymakers should strive to institute tax reform that encourages existing business to expand, increases Arizona's competitiveness in business attraction, allows a broad and stable tax base, and ensures similar businesses are treated fairly and equitably.

Education Policy

The Arizona Technology Council and its more than 600 member technology companies rely on the availability of a highly skilled and qualified workforce.  Accordingly, the Council believes Arizona's education system must be improved at all levels, including Pre-K, K-12, and post-secondary.  Further, the Council believes leveraging technology to ensure the availability of high quality instruction, including a focus on "E-Learning," is key to producing students capable of competing in the global economy and delivery of a first-rate education for our families.

Tort Reform

The Arizona Technology Council is committed to an Arizona tort system structured to eliminate lawsuit abuse as well as the use of the tort system as an industry in and of itself. The Council is also committed to fairly distributing awards to those who are truly harmed, but not unfairly distributed to legal counsel. Finally, the Council is committed to having Arizona's system of tort viewed by business as a key reason for locating in our state.

About the Arizona Technology Council
The Arizona Technology Council is Arizona's premier trade association for science and technology companies.  Recognized as having a diverse professional business community, Council members work toward furthering the advancement of technology in Arizona through leadership, education, legislation and social action. The Arizona Technology Council offers numerous events, educational forums and business conferences that bring together leaders, managers, employees and visionaries to make an impact on the technology industry.  These interactions contribute to the Council's culture of growing member businesses and transforming technology in Arizona. To become a member or to learn more about the Arizona Technology Council, please visit http://www.aztechcouncil.org.

SOURCE Arizona Technology Council