Tech CEOs in Washington to push for investment, tax reform

Nearly 60 executives from TechNet are working the town this week, meeting with leaders in Congress and the Obama administration.

TechNet, which is a network of technology CEOs, will be lobbying to improve the education system; provide incentives for competitiveness, including tax breaks; and increase investment in clean energy technology.

"To win the future, America must invest in innovation and the future discoveries that will create good paying jobs for more of our people," said Rey Ramsey, president and CEO of TechNet, in a statement. "To reach this goal, we must make the smart policy choices on R&D, education, comprehensive tax reform, high skilled immigration and protecting intellectual property. These are fundamental kitchen table issues that will help grow jobs here in America. Our message to our policy leaders is that we will work with you to ensure that America remains the world's center of innovation and economic growth."

While in Washington, D.C., the group of executives will push for a more modern tax system, including a permanent R&D tax credit, more access to foreign markets, and protections to increase access to Internet and keep it "safe, secure, and free."

Also on the agenda are tax incentives and federal investment for clean energy, as well as efforts to modernize the country's electrical infrastructure.

Finally, the group will also urge policymakers to invest in a quality workforce by improving science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education, and overhauling the immigration system to allow more highly skilled workers.

The executives will meet with a range of government officials, including, Energy Secretary Steven Chu, Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers Austan Goolsbee, Education Secretary Arne Duncan, National Economic Council Director Gene Sperling and Office of Management and Budget Director Jack Lew. Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski and Federal Trade Commission Chairman Jon Leibowitz were also on the schedule.