CONGRESSMAN JOE MORELLE RENEWS CALL FOR LEGISLATION TO STRENGTHEN ECONOMY AND CREATE JOBS IN WAKE OF COVID-19

(Rochester, NY) – Today, Congressman Joe Morelle reiterated his call to pass groundbreaking legislation that will drive economic recovery and build resiliency in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Innovation Centers Acceleration Act, sponsored by Rep. Morelle and Rep. Sewell, would establish an $80 Billion national investment in 9 Innovation Centers over 9 years, as determined by a national competition among major metropolitan areas. The legislation was recently included by the New Democratic Coalition as a top legislative priority as we work towards COVID-19 recovery.

"COVID-19 has posed an unprecedented challenge to our nation, and so it must be met with unprecedented action, investment, and ingenuity. We need bold solutions to jump-start our economy and get Americans back to work, and my legislation would do just that," said Congressman Joe Morelle. "Not only is this a sector in which Monroe County is uniquely poised to lead thanks to our world-class universities and high-tech institutions, it is one that holds significant untapped potential across the country. I'm so proud of the growing support the Innovation Centers Acceleration Act continues to receive I look forward to working with my partners toward its swift passage."

"We are facing a pivotal moment in the future of our economy. As we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and look to spur new job growth, we must look towards creative solutions like the Innovation Centers Acceleration Act which would provide newfound hope and opportunity for regions like Rochester," said Simon Johnson, economist and co-author of ‘Jump-Starting America: How Breakthrough Science Can Revive Economic Growth and the American Dream. "Moreover, these investments would have a ripple effect that uplifts our entire economy at a time when it's needed most. I'm grateful to Rep. Morelle for spearheading this legislation and look forward to continuing to advocate for its passage."

"On behalf of Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce and Finger Lakes area business, I want to thank Congressman Joe Morelle for his leadership in introducing the Innovation Centers Acceleration Act," said Bob Duffy, President & CEO of Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce. "Investment like this is exactly what our nation needs to recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and build an even stronger economy moving forward. We agree that Monroe County will be a strong contender for one of the nine designations, given our wealth of talent and legacy of innovation that continues today. We look forward to working with local stakeholders to secure this much-needed support."

The Innovation Centers Acceleration Act, originally introduced by Rep. Morelle in November 2020, launches a national race-to-the-top for new American Innovation Centers. The legislation marks one of his key legislative priorities for 2021 as we work to revitalize our economy in the wake of COVID-19. Details of the legislation are as follows:

• A national Selection Committee representing federal agencies and advised by labor unions, research institutions, and private industry will oversee a national competition among U.S. metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) to become an established Innovation Center.
• Eligible MSAs will apply for one of nine Innovation Center designations, in which the federal government will invest $80 billion over 9 years.
• Applicants will present a plan to devote state, local, and private sector resources in pursuing the takeoff of one or more innovation-based sectors, based on existing technical advantages, local research institutions, and industry core competencies.
• MSAs must include plans to foster racial equity and inclusive growth, ensure affordable housing, and scale up education and workforce development.

The primary federal support runs through the National Science Foundation (NSF), which will award grants rising to nearly $1 billion per year for each Innovation Center.

"Innovation is in the Rochester region's DNA and what will be needed to help drive our economic recovery. We should work to capitalize on the exceptional strengths and assets that have been forged through the historic partnerships between the federal government and research universities to build resiliency during the COVID-19 pandemic," said RIT Vice President for Research Ryne Raffaelle. "It's no surprise to see Congressman Joe Morelle leading the way with the Innovation Centers Acceleration Act, and we commend his vision and longstanding appreciation of the role that universities such as RIT play in contributing to our economy and thriving community."

"I thank Congressman Morelle for his leadership on behalf of our community, his incredible support of our institution, and his excitement for Rochester's future, which I share," said University of Rochester President Sarah Mangelsdorf. "The Innovation Centers Acceleration Act builds on the historic partnership between the federal government and research universities, like the University of Rochester, that has helped shape the modern world, driven U.S. global competitiveness, and is the bedrock of today's innovation economy. Sadly, U.S. leadership and prosperity is threatened due to declining federal support for scientific research, increased foreign investment, and inequities between a small number of cities that have reaped the benefits of the innovation economy versus the many that have not. By building on existing collaborations, targeting federal investment, strengthening university-industry partnerships, catalyzing technology commercialization, and retaining its talented labor pool, Rochester has all the necessary ingredients to be a next generation technology hub and regional growth center. I am happy to support the Innovation Centers Acceleration Act that would further power our work to help build an ever better future."

Only five innovation hubs—Boston, San Francisco, San Jose, Seattle, and San Diego—accounted for more than 90% of the nation's innovation sector growth from 2005 to 2017. Meanwhile, 191 of 382 U.S. metro areas have lost innovation jobs in the same period of time. These regions are losing out on productivity growth that play a vital role in creating jobs and raising living standards, which are critically important as we recover from the economic damage caused by the current global pandemic. In particular, the Rochester region has been identified by Brookings and the Information Technology & Innovation Foundation as one of the top growth opportunities.

The Innovation Centers Acceleration Act was recently listed as a top legislative priority of the New Democratic Coalition, of which Rep. Morelle is a member. Full details on the legislation can be found here. The bill is co-led by Rep. Terri Sewell, Senator Chris Coons, and Senator Dick Durbin and is supported by numerous national organizations:

"The Innovation Centers Acceleration Act takes a crucial step to establish the United States as a global leader in industries that will shape the 21st century. We have faced unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic," said Rep. Terri Sewell. "As we work to rebuild our economy, we must tap the talent and potential of cities like Birmingham and unleash innovation in growing sectors like advanced manufacturing and biomedical technology. The Innovation Centers Acceleration Act will make critical investments in communities across the country and expand our ability to compete in these critical industries."

"As we work to build the U.S. economy back better, we must do so in a way that both strengthens our ability to compete with China on the technologies of the future and ensures that our recovery equitably benefits Americans across all regions and socioeconomic groups," said Senator Coons. "The Innovation Centers Acceleration Act will not only strategically fund new R&D, but it will also ensure that growth does not concentrate in a handful of large cities, and instead gives new regions and diverse populations a chance to share in the growth of the global economy."

"I'm proud to work with Senator Coons and Representative Morelle on the Innovation Centers Acceleration Act. The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged us to reimagine how we invest in economic development, and our bill would make bold federal investments in U.S. cities so we can create hubs for innovation and economic growth," said Senator Durbin.

"If enacted, the Innovation Center Acceleration Act would play a key role in U.S. economic and innovation policy: helping more places in America becoming innovation hubs and create the good jobs and economic opportunity associated with that," said Rob Atkinson, President of Information Technology & Innovation Foundation (ITIF). "And to be clear: this legislation would not only help more regions of our nation thrive, it would boost overall U.S. global competitiveness by providing more opportunity for innovation-based firms to expand in America rather than overseas."

"The Association of American Colleges and Universities is pleased to endorse the Innovation Centers Acceleration Act of 2020, which would provide an urgently needed spur to innovation that is calibrated to meet the equally urgent need for equitable economic growth in the post-pandemic recovery," said David Tritelli, Vice President for Communications and Public Affairs at the Association of American Colleges and Universities.

"The American Chemical Society (ACS) applauds the leadership of Congressman Joe Morelle (D-NY-25) and Congresswoman Terri Sewell (D-AL-7) for in the re-introduction of The Innovation Centers Acceleration Act," said Glenn Ruskin, Vice President, External Affairs & Communications, American Chemical Society. "Together with Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and Dick Durbin (D-IL), this bicameral legislation would support research and development that is critical to our economy, and the current and future STEM workforce. Investments in R & D, small business support, workforce development and STEM apprenticeships are all key components of a diverse innovation pipeline. As our country continues to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, this bill has an eye toward recovery, both in the immediate and for generations to come."