DENVER – Democrat Hillary Clinton on Tuesday unveiled a technology policy agenda, which includes connecting every household to high-speed internet.
Clinton spoke at Galvanize Denver, a co-working space for entrepreneurs and startups that offers tech-focused education and training opportunities.
Surrounded by mostly young technology-minded individuals tapping at laptops upon long communal desk spaces, Clinton spoke of developing an “economy that works for everyone – not just those at the top.”
“There are good ideas out there, but they are not yet broad enough, deep enough, so that we are really doing what we should... to have a good future,” Clinton said.
The “technology and innovation” initiative is part of Clinton’s jobs plan for her first 100 days in office, if elected in November.
Presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump has not unveiled specifics on a technology platform, though he has attacked certain Silicon Valley companies for over-valuations.
Clinton took a jab at Trump on Tuesday during her Denver visit, suggesting that his “Make America Great Again” slogan is code for setting the nation back, a familiar attack she has used in recent weeks.
“I want America to get back into the future business,” Clinton said.
She met with Democratic Gov. John Hickenlooper before the event, when they discussed technology workforce pathways being created in Colorado.
Clinton’s plan includes spurring innovation in Silicon Valley-like settings across the nation by investing in business incubators that provide training and expanded access to capital for start-ups.
Communal innovation spaces – such as Galvanize – offer the ability to share ideas, which can lead to advanced technologies.
“When you bring together people who are learning, with people who are doing, with people who have already done, but are looking to innovate, it creates a really great atmosphere,” said Ben Deda, chief operating officer for Galvanize.
Clinton’s plan includes an issue critical to rural America – connecting households with high-speed internet. She hopes to do so by 2020.
Clinton’s proposal also calls for more public WiFi spaces and helping launch “next generation” systems, such as 5G networks.
Other highlights of the plan include allowing young entrepreneurs to defer their federal student loans for up to three years, so they can invest in ventures.
Clinton also wants to provide every student with access to computer science education.
“I intend to make sure we do what we did with electricity,” Clinton said. “We connect every home and business in America.”
