CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Delegate Moore Capito of Kanawha County believes West Virginia could be a major beneficiary of the next evolution of the tech economy.
“It’s not defined by geography. New York will always be New York because it’s the financial center, but as we become more mobile in the way we work, communicate, and live, West Virginia really has a great opportunity and a great story to tell,” said Capito.
He hopes his newly formed Legislative Tech Caucus will help jump start the idea of thinking more along the lines of policy which is more geared toward entrepreneurship and high tech jobs and industry.
The Millennial generation is geared toward tech more than any other and that will only increase in the years ahead. Capito believes West Virginia should embrace the idea as an option to transform the Mountain State’s economy because we are an attractive place for those involved in the tech sector.
“We have so many things they want outside of the work arena. We’ve got the recreation and the lifestyle, and he cost of living and the values you want to raise a family. Now we need to focus on professionally what this next generation is looking for.” he said.
The caucus is being co-chaired by Del. Shawn Fluharty, D-Ohio. He said the state has to react to the trend of the young generations becoming more mobile.
“West Virginia offers a great place to raise a family, (and) it’s about time we join the 21st century and make sure West Virginia also becomes a great place for innovation and technological opportunities so that we can truly compete in today’s economy,” Fluharty said.
Capito said the caucus is bi-partisan and he hoped to make it bicameral as well, inviting members of the Senate to get involved as well. He said the state’s transformation could be linked to this line of thinking.
“I think the next generation of jobs are going to come from this start up economy. I think we need to take part and to do that we need to jump in head first,” he said.
The new caucus will begin meeting next month following the beginning of the 60-day regular session.