City of Boise stands with Micron in support of investments in semiconductor industry
I’m proud that Boise has long been a key player in the semiconductor industry, both domestically and abroad. Micron Technology, a home-grown tech startup, is the nation’s only domestic semiconductor manufacturer and is the fourth-largest manufacturer in the world.
It employs more than 6,000 people here in Boise and contributes, on average, $1.4 billion to our state’s economy. Micron’s innovation and pioneering spirit reflect the best of Boise and our local tech industries that fuel economic activity in our city and state.
So I’m encouraged to hear of forward progress in advancing the Bipartisan Innovation Act through Congress. Given Micron’s key role in our local and state economy, and the key role their products play in our national security and technology advancements, legislation like the Bipartisan Innovation Act is critical to protecting our city’s economic health, its leading industry and our workforce.
The Bipartisan Innovation Act will make investments in America’s global competitiveness, our supply chains and in domestic manufacturing. This important legislation will provide historic funding for crucial investments in advanced semiconductor manufacturing, innovation and research & development that will improve the nation’s supply chain resiliency and address bottlenecks that are driving inflation. Included in the Bipartisan Innovation Act is $52 billion in investments to help strengthen and sustain America’s leadership in chip technology, through manufacturing incentives and research initiatives over the next five to ten years.
Competitiveness legislation like the Bipartisan Innovation Act is critical to tackling supply chain disruptions and inflation head-on and lowering the higher prices we’re seeing in nearly all aspect of our lives — all necessary components to ensuring that our economy uplifts everyone in our community. It means making more of the products we rely on in America, including right here in Boise. The investments in domestic manufacturing will shore up our economic strength so we can compete globally and keep pace with demand.
Now more than ever we must build a more resilient economy to protect against the sort of global economic shocks that we’ve seen over the past two years with the pandemic and ongoing conflict in Ukraine. That’s why I’m urging members of Congress to move quickly, pass this bill and get it to the president’s desk so he can sign it as soon as possible. Leaders across the aisle agree that federal action is a must to revitalize domestic production.
This legislative package is not only a key step to bringing manufacturing back to America — for semiconductors and other key products — but a direct benefit for Boise and our economy given the industry’s presence in our community. Semiconductors power our everyday lives, from our computers to smart phones and even cars. They are integral to industries in every segment of our interconnected economy — from health care technology to telecommunications, agricultural processes, consumer goods and electronics, and so much more.
Domestic manufacturing of semiconductors and enhanced research & development to create new innovative solutions in America means lower prices, more secure supply chains, good-paying jobs and a stronger economy. It will also help our economy reduce its reliance on foreign countries and companies that may not share our values.
As mayor, I’ve long championed investments in an economy that uplifts everybody in our community, family wage jobs and access to economic opportunities for all. We’re deeply committed to supporting homegrown innovation and efforts to attract employers that share Boise’s vision of creating a city for everyone. That’s why the Bipartisan Innovation Act is a clear step forward in helping actualize that vision — to support a longtime Boise industry, our diverse workforce and to continue encouraging innovation and growth right here in Boise.