January 25, 2007 – The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) applauded President Bush’s State of the Union speech and his comments regarding continued commitment to a Competitiveness Initiative, including the No Child Left Behind Act.

“Strengthening our children’s education, particularly in math and science, is key to ensuring our nation’s legacy as the innovation leader,” said SIA president George Scalise, in a statement, adding that the US federal government must also renew its commitment to fund basic R&D, and encourage private investment in research through R&D tax credit reform.

“The President’s comments tonight and those by Speaker Pelosi last week illustrate that fostering innovation is still an area of shared concern,” Scalise stated. “Congress could set an excellent example of bipartisan cooperation by acting expeditiously on legislation to enhance our nation’s innovative capabilities. We have a national consensus, and consensus should lead to action,” Scalise concluded.

The speech also touched on immigration reforms, something the SIA thinks should be further embraced to encourage and welcome highly skilled workers.

Scalise also pointed to SotU comments on the role of technology in energy efficiency and alternative energy sources, and the better use of IT to help control costs and improve efficiency and accuracy in medical care.