Two weeks ago, Techwire spoke with Assembly members who were active on the Tech Caucus. These are the same questions, answered by Senators who sat down with Techwire as the fiscal deadline approaches for all new bills. The interviews have been edited for length and clarity.
Techwire: What caused you to join the Tech Caucus?
Sen. Bob Wieckowski (D-10): I represent the 10th State Senate District, which stretches from southern Alameda County to parts of Santa Clara County, including north San Jose and all of the city of Santa Clara. I have an enormous number of tech companies in my district, and we have seen tremendous growth in north San Jose and other parts of the district. Since getting elected to the Legislature in November of 2010, I have worked on a number of bills and held several important hearings on tech issues. When the caucus was formed, I didn’t hesitate to join because I know how important the tech industry is, not only to my district, but also the state of California.
Sen. Ben Allen (D-26): First of all, my district has a considerable amount of tech going on. I'm the senator who represents Silicon Beach, which is a growing and exciting tech space. I'm very interested in trying to figure out ways to help grow that infrastructure out. I'm also acutely aware of what an important role tech has played in helping to make the state the strong economic driver that it has become. I think also, maybe as a younger member of the Legislature, there is a certain familiarity with and support for trying to help the tech economy grow, a certain digital literacy.
TW: What priorities do you think the caucus should address?
BW: California is the sixth-largest economy and is a global leader in several tech industries, with a long track record of creating innovative products. But we cannot rest on our laurels. The competition is fierce both globally and among the states. Many of the organizations that represent tech companies highlight the challenges posed by traffic congestion, lack of affordable housing and the need for skilled workers. We need to invest in all three of those areas and pursue sound policies that will maintain our leadership in innovation.
BA: We have to figure out a way to act as a bridge between old and new economy and our members. Obviously, the membership of the Assembly skews a little older, so helping to craft policies that are going to be consistent with core American principles of both the free market and also respect for individual rights and privacy. I think ultimately our priority has to be acting as a clearinghouse, as a discussion point where we all come together and have really honest and robust and difficult conversations in what role we want to play in helping to both grow and regulate tech all at once. That's always a bit of tension.
I've been really getting to know a lot of my folks in Silicon Beach and it's been interesting hearing some of their concerns. What are the tie-ins between some of the physical infrastructural challenges and the opportunities and challenges that tech startups face in our state? A lot of my employers say one of their biggest concerns is just the housing crisis, transportation and their employees wanting to be in a vibrant urban area and be able to afford a house. I think understanding the nexus there is important and how much it is impacting the state's ability to thrive. How do we make sure tech doesn't become a victim of its own success? That the innovative, scrappy new businesses that are coming up the pipe aren't being stifled by their inability to pay people enough to have a decent life in the cities where these businesses set up shop? These are all things that are part of the mix that maybe aren't on the obvious tech-related prioritizes, but we start to realize they are all interlocking issues.
TW: How does the caucus help shape policy?
BA: We educate ourselves, we go to conferences, we take tours. We see it as our responsibility to stay on top of economic trends in the industry. Half of the value of the caucus is the conversations that start up on our tours and continue in the hallway or Legislature. It's not as formal a caucus structure, but it's an important convening point, and those conversations end up finding their way into policy.
BW: We have several meetings and events in the Capitol and around the state to educate and inform members of the Legislature and to gain a better understanding of the needs and problems facing companies. We go out and talk to the company presidents and workers face-to-face and learn about their products, how they are made, what goes in to the manufacturing process. These site visits and policy discussions help us when we hear particular bills in our committees. Caucus members also rank bills to determine what should be a higher priority.
TW: How does the Caucus prioritize science, technology, engineering and math (STEM)?
BA: There's always more that can be done in that area. We've worked with businesses to promote STEM education in general. There's the whole question of diversity and gender diversity. Part of it has to do with friendly pressure. On the macro level, we did the pay equity bill a few years ago. We've been funding programs to promote a passion for STEM among young women.
BW: Legislators have pushed for 21st Century Science Standards to make sure our students are getting a sound education with improved content. Information technology is a critical job sector in California, and we need to do make sure we are educating students for these job openings and the state is moving forward with a plan to improve computer science education. Caucus members regularly highlight and build awareness around STEM issues. This week I selected Latinas in STEM as my Nonprofit of the Year. It is a national organization that inspires Latinas in K-12, college and in their professional careers to thrive in STEM fields. They have done tremendous work locally in San Jose and Hayward building interest among Latinas in STEM.
TW: What are the biggest obstacles you face in trying to advance a tech-friendly agenda or legislation?
BA: There's the disruptive nature of certain tech industries. You run into industries that have been doing things a long time and as a result are better represented and more savvy at navigating the political landscape. Tech is coming in here and displacing, and that can often cause tensions, from housing gentrification to labor, to older industries that were heavily regulated by government feeling put out and trying to protect their industries. Privacy is also a big issue. Tech companies are nervous about the tendency of some legislators to really prioritize privacy. People of different generations have different levels of willingness to give up privacy rights.
BW: As a member of the Judiciary Committee, I have to balance the privacy needs of consumers with the innovations that occur frequently in tech industries. The legislative process is open and deliberative, so we are often playing catch-up to the concerns that some in the public express.
Sometimes I find that some members who might not have a large tech presence in their district have a different perspective about Silicon Valley. They don’t always recognize the challenges and problems that exist in the region. That is an occasional obstacle.
TW: What is your long-term goal for the caucus?
BW: I want to see the caucus continue to grow and thrive. It is a bipartisan caucus, which is also beneficial. I want the caucus to be a strong voice for tech in California and continue its work in partnering with companies and organizations to enable us to build on our position as an innovative, global economic leader.
BA: I just want the caucus to continue to be a place where we can get together and talk about the various issues facing the tech caucus. I want it to be an important clearinghouse of members with shared interests. I hope it will continue to help inform me about the issues shaping the global economy and my local economy. For me, it is most important that it continues with learning and brainstorming and creativity.
