Latest News > U.S. Business Community Applauds President for Emphasizing Improved Math and Science Education in State of the Union Address

January 24, 2007

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U.S. Business Community Applauds President for Emphasizing Improved Math and Science Education in State of the Union Address

Coalition Calls on President to Remain Committed to All Components of American Competitiveness Initiative

Washington, DC - Tapping America's Potential (TAP), a coalition of 16 of the nation's leading business organizations, commended President Bush for singling out math and science education as a key area of focus in U.S. education reform efforts during his State of the Union address. TAP members cited the President's special emphasis on math and science as a sign of his continued commitment to boosting U.S. scientific and technological capabilities, which is key to maintaining U.S. innovation leadership.

"We applaud the President for continuing to recognize the link between a child's education today and our nation's productivity tomorrow," said Susan Traiman, Director of Education and Workforce Policy at Business Roundtable, a TAP founding member. "Providing all students with an education that is well-grounded in math and science is key to developing the next generation of workers equipped to maintain America's lead in the global technology race."

Improving math and science education is included in the President's American Competitiveness Initiative (ACI), which he introduced in last year's address. The ACI also includes greater access to highly educated talent and increased investments in basic research. TAP members believe all three components are central to maintaining U.S. innovation leadership. "We encourage the President to remain steadfast in his commitment to all elements of the ACI," continued Traiman.

In July 2005, the U.S. business community formed the TAP campaign in an effort to ensure that America develops the talented and capable workforce that is needed to meet the growing demands of the ever-changing global marketplace. They set the goal of doubling the number of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) graduates by 2015, and TAP members have actively worked since that time to advance their agenda with policymakers in Congress and the Administration. While numerous bills were introduced in the last Congress, including authorizing legislation for the President's ACI, no competitiveness legislation was enacted last year. TAP will continue to urge for policies that improve U.S. science and technology capabilities and enhance U.S. competitiveness.

"Maintaining U.S. innovation leadership is one of the most important challenges facing our nation, and the U.S. business community remains committed to playing its part to keep America in the lead," concluded Traiman.

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TAP is composed of 16 prominent business organizations that represent the largest and most innovative companies in America. They have set the goal of doubling the number of U.S. science, technology, engineering and mathematics graduates with bachelor's degrees by 2015.