The Tech Council of Maryland (TCM), Maryland’s largest technology trade association, released its 2014 Policy Platform, which outlines the organization’s specific priorities in the areas of advanced technology, life sciences, taxation, transportation, higher education and workforce development. TCM’s advocacy efforts during the 2014 session of the Maryland General Assembly, which begins January 8, will focus on further improving the business climate to encourage technology and biotechnology companies to grow and flourish in the state.
Specifically, TCM’s 2014 Policy Platform urges policymakers to increase funding for innovation incentives, such as the Research and Development Tax Credit, the Biotech Tax Credit and the Stem Cell Research Fund, and reject onerous changes to the tax structure, such as combined reporting, to provide more certainty for the technology and life sciences business communities. In addition, TCM would like to see implementation of continued long-term funding and policy solutions for development of Maryland’s transportation infrastructure, higher education institutions and next-generation workforce.