Tester Tackles Topics During Media Call
U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., discussed the importance of the Montana tech hub designation during a call with state media members on Thursday, Oct. 26.
Montana was selected as a regional tech hub by the Economic Development Administration.
The highly competitive designation follows a yearslong push by Tester to secure a rural tech hub in the state and opens the door to compete for millions of dollars in new private and federal investment.
“We beat out 200 applicants from other states,” Tester said during the call. “It will create more good paying jobs in Montana.”
The senator noted that he worked to develop the application group and then leaned on the administration about the benefits of Big Sky Country.
“It will put Montana on the cutting edge of innovations globally,” Tester said.
Montana State University will be a member of a statewide consortium to develop the Headwaters Regional Technology and Innovation Hub along with companies; state, local and tribal governments; regional economic development organizations; and other academic institutions in the state. Along with the crucial Tech Hub designation, Montana was also awarded $450,000 in Strategy Development funding for immediate use to help launch the hub’s activities.
“I’m proud to have led the charge to secure this competitive designation that will unlock new private and federal investments to turbocharge Montana’s economy, small businesses and academic institutions,” Tester said.
Also during the conference call, Tester discussed strengthening national security and support U.S. allies. In addition to strongly condemning the terrorist attacks and calling for a freeze on $6 billion in Iranian assets, Tester has publicly called for congressional support for President Biden’s request for supplemental funding to support Israel.
