A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE SECRETARY OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TO TESTIFY TO THE APPROPRIATE INTERIM LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE ON NEW MEXICO AS THE WORLD LEADER IN MICROSYSTEMS AND NANOTECHNOLOGY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AND IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF RELATED INDUSTRY CLUSTERS.

     WHEREAS, the interest and awareness of microsystems and nanotechnology is rising on a national and international scale; and

     WHEREAS, various United States federal agency and department programs are expected to grow pursuant to emerging national technology policy and concern for energy, biological, economic and military security; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexico is now ready to take a leadership role in research, development, manufacturing and integration of microsystems and nanotechnology products and systems, and microsystems and nanotechnology represent great promise for innovative solutions to a wide variety of vital industrial, environmental, health and governmental concerns; and

     WHEREAS, for over twenty years, New Mexico has been a leader in the world microsystems and nanotechnology research and development, and these technologies offer New Mexico a way to use its strong business base, educational and research institutions to produce innovative technology, create jobs, increase its research base and contribute solutions to national energy, health and security needs; and

     WHEREAS, the economic development department has developed a statewide plan for microsystems and nanotechnology research and development that include:

          A. programs that encourage industry to locate microsystems and nanotechnology research, manufacturing or service operations in New Mexico;

          B. leverage state resources, including incentive programs that focus on bringing microsystems and nanotechnology products and solutions to the state's rural communities; and

          C. develop the economy through job creation and job training;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that, during the 2005 legislative interim, the secretary of economic development be requested to appear before the appropriate interim legislative committee and report on the economic development department's plan for microsystems and nanotechnology research and development in New Mexico, as well as on any suggested legislation; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the secretary of economic development and the governor.