During a speech to the Silicon Valley Leadership yesterday, Senator John Edwards unveiled his agenda to promote technology, research, and scientific innovation in America.  Edwards laid out a bold and specific six-point plan that includes investments in research and education.

            "Americans have always taken impossible tasks and turned them into reality," said Edwards. "We need to take action today—not tomorrow—to ensure that we continue to lead.  If we're going to be the most innovative country in the world, we also need to reverse the philosophy of the Bush administration, which values ideology over science.”

            During the 20th century, America led the world in innovation but now America is challenged by other countries. Our students are falling behind in science education–American 9th-graders are 18th in the world in science education.  President Bush has repeatedly blocked progress by presiding over the most anti-science administration in American history, censoring research and slanting policy on issues ranging from climate change to air pollution to stem cell research.

            Here are the specifics of John Edwards’ six-point plan to recharge American competitiveness:

• Support American ingenuity by investing in education, science, technology and innovation.
• Build the New Energy Economy and create more than 1 million new jobs.
• Restore America's leadership in science and math education and ensure that American children are prepared to build on our current technology successes.
• Create universal broadband access and close the digital divide.
• Guarantee true universal health care. Skyrocketing health care costs are a heavy burden on manufacturing companies and other businesses. Edwards has offered a specific plan to guarantee true universal health care for every man, woman and child in America.
• Respect science and make sure that government professionals charged with the collection and analysis of scientific data—from medical research to mercury emissions—are insulated from political influence.

For more information on Edwards’ innovation policy, check out this fact sheet.

-Team Edwards