News Editorial Board
Buffalo’s future could burn even more if elected — and Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer, a New York Democrat, said it has a “good chance” of becoming a “tech hub” for up to 20 years. US
That opportunity may be revealed soon, as the so-called CHIPS Act passed the Senate on Wednesday by a 64-33 margin and the House the next day by 243-187-1. According to The Hill, 24 Republicans supported the measure, and one Democrat voted “no.”
A $280 billion science and technology spending bill over five years will go to President Biden to sign.
It will strengthen the domestic chip manufacturing industry, allowing the United States to better compete with China and become a leader in science and technology.
For Buffalo and Western New York, being selected for one of the nation’s tech hubs would be a coup. As Buffalo Next reporter Matt Glynn writes, the Commerce Department plans to designate up to 20 cities as “tech hubs.” The award provides hundreds of millions of dollars in federal investment.
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“Guess which city is among the top contenders for a regional tech hub in the country?” Schumer asked. He’s not shy about his chances in Buffalo when he asks.
Schumer has been the champion of this region, constantly presenting and demonstrating. His commitment – and vision – is extended in this bill, in any case, he will use the region to the fullest, which is completely ready for the opportunity with the help of Schumer: a high concentration of manufacturers, a strong presence of labor and high quality research at the University at Buffalo. It is the best ecosystem to receive one of the labels.
The federal designation is unrelated to M&T Bank’s existing tech hub in Seneca One Tower, but will provide comprehensive collaboration on the platform.
Schumer pointed out that if Buffalo is chosen as a technology hub, it will likely boost its manufacturing sector. Job training efforts at the Northland Workforce Training Center’s advanced manufacturing operations, for example, increase the skilled pool. Northland is located in East Buffalo, a location Schumer said he would like to see benefit from “growing” a skilled workforce to support the industry.
An estimated $52 billion in the bill will provide incentives to boost domestic production of semiconductor chips. Schumer will use his extensive influence on this platform to convince the chipmaker to build a plant at the Science Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park, or STAMP, near Batavia.
Schumer has said he will use his political power as majority leader to make Buffalo a tech hub. In fact, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondon has “talked a lot about the center in Buffalo.”
She should listen to our senator.
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