Barre, Vt - Today Democratic candidate for U.S. Congress Senator Peter Welch, joined by U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy, proposed investments in Vermont to support the future of our economy.

"Today, I offer a plan for enhancing the telecommunication and education infrastructure that serves as the backbone for Vermont's future economy. It relies on making affordable high speed internet access universal in Vermont, helping businesses tap partnership opportunities with Washington, and investing in our education system to promote the work and workers of our future economy," Welch said.

Welch and Leahy held the press conference at SB Electronics in Barre, a successful manufacturer of film capacitors that has roots back to 1945 and the Rock of Ages Corporation. SB Electronics recently began providing technology for GM's future hybrid cars, demonstrating that Vermont can be a leader in energy innovations that also create good paying jobs.

"Successful, cutting-edge businesses like SB Electronics, Optima Computers and the innovative businesses I have visited around the state demonstrate that with our support the economic future of Vermont can be bright," said Welch.

"Peter Welch is putting forth a plan of action today that is right on the mark to create the jobs Vermont needs to remain competitive in the global economy of the 21st century. Peter will hit the ground running in Washington working with Vermont businesses," Leahy said.

Mark Browning of SB Electronics, Gregg Noble and Josh Garza of Optima Computers and Great Auk Wireless in Brattleboro, Charlie Kireker, President of Middlebury investment firm Twin Birches, Ltd., and others supported Welch's plan at the Barre press conference.

Welch's plan for assuring Vermont is a leader in the 21st century includes:

• Creating Universal and Affordable Internet Access in Vermont: Vermont needs a modern telecommunications infrastructure. High-speed Internet service has become an essential utility, just like electricity and the telephone, and government at all levels should treat it as such. I will use the resources of the federal government to: complete the infrastructure necessary to deliver broadband throughout Vermont; cut through the red tape that creates impediments to progress of businesses; provide incentives for small business to join in partnership to be service providers; and preserve "net neutrality."
• Making Jobs and Business Development My Business: My congressional office will devote at least one staff member to assisting the business community in Vermont. I will work to link Vermont businesses with federal agencies and cut through red tape; assist Vermont companies in complying with federal regulations; and provide training on how to do business with federal agencies.
• Supporting the Education and Research Necessary for 21st Century Jobs: As we invest in infrastructure to develop jobs for the next generation, we must ensure our youth and adults have the skills necessary to succeed in those jobs. The federal government can play a significant role through: investments in education to promote the skills necessary for the 21st century jobs; making college more affordable through improving student aid programs; enhancing research and development at our institutions of higher education; ensuring that our business incubators have continued access to the resources needed to promote the innovative emerging businesses.

"My innovation agenda will help put Vermont at the front of an emerging world economy and help create well-paying jobs today and tomorrow," added Welch.

"From maple syrup producers and home businesses to Vermont manufacturers, this plan will help ensure Vermont's businesses have the resources they need to compete in the economy of the 21st century."

Garza, 21, the CEO of Optima Computers and Great Auk Wireless who started his business at age 17, noted that "Peter Welch has the experience Vermont needs to help this state foster a strong economy for the 21st century."

Noble remarked "Peter Welch is just the type of representative Vermont needs to help this state cross the digital divide into a more prosperous future."