CompTIA Supports Startup 3.0 Legislation to Provide Greater Support for STEM Jobs

Urges House and Senate to Vote Quickly

WASHINGTON, Feb. 15, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following statement regarding ''Startup Act 3.0" legislation introduced in both the House and Senate this week, was issued by CompTIA President and Chief Executive Officer Todd Thibodeaux.

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"As part of the 2013 TechVoice Fly-In organized by CompTIA and Technology Councils of North America (TECNA), more than 60 information technology leaders from around the country met this week with more than 60 Congressional leaders from 20 states to champion Startup 3.0.

"CompTIA and TECNA represent thousands of IT firms, many of which are small and medium-sized businesses. These companies are competing within a $3.6-trillion global industry because of a strong workforce and their ability to constantly innovate.

"Providing real support for the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) workforce will certainly further our national efforts to create and sustain high-paying tech jobs.

"We are especially supportive of the small business research and development credit included in this legislation which will help level the playing field between small startups and big corporations.  Startups are an important incubator of new innovations, and we encourage and support these new small companies.

"We also are highly supportive of steps to create new visas for U.S. educated students and entrepreneurs.  Providing these new visas for world-class talent will help to fill the thousands of IT-related jobs currently open, furthering opportunities for starting and growing new businesses in the United States.

"We urge Congress to move quickly to pass this legislation.  This is an important step that will aid in our continuing economic recovery."

CompTIA's support for Startup 3.0 is consistent with a newly released white paper titled Smart Tax Reforms for the IT Industry.

About CompTIA
CompTIA is the voice of the world's information technology (IT) industry. Its members are the companies at the forefront of innovation; and the professionals responsible for maximizing the benefits organizations receive from their investments in technology. CompTIA is dedicated to advancing industry growth through its educational programs, market research, networking events, professional certifications, and public policy advocacy. Visit http://www.comptia.org/home.aspx or follow CompTIA at http://www.facebook.com/CompTIA and twitter.com/comptia.

SOURCE CompTIA