Tech Alliance sets out its legislative priorities

Improvements in education and voter access are among the top priorities identified by Austin Tech Alliance for the state’s 87th legislative session that takes place through late spring. ATA is a nonprofit group that advocates for tech-forward policies as well as those that address civic challenges. In a press announcement earlier this week the group expressed support for House Bill 557, which would create a state-funded scholarship program for science, technology, engineering and mathematics education for state residents, and HB 244, which would create grants to fund teacher education and professional development in coding and technology. The group also supports a pair of bills, HB 57 and 584, that would promote civic engagement and enact automatic voter registration upon issuance of a driver’s license or other state identification. In that vein, ATA opposes bills limiting voter access, including Senate Bill 7. The group also showed support for proposed laws around nondiscrimination, protections against harassment and making broadband connectivity more affordable.