Alex Padilla: “I rise to speak in support of the University Centers for Growth, Development, and Prosperity Act, which I introduced…”

“I rise to speak in support of the University Centers for Growth, Development, and Prosperity Act, which I introduced today. The U.S. Economic Development Administration created the University Center Program to allow institutions of higher education and consortia to establish and maintain university centers, with the understanding that our higher education institutions play a critical role in our Nation's economic growth. University centers are Federal partnerships that leverage the assets of higher learning institutions to strengthen regional economic growth by promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation. They encourage economic development in economically distressed regions, which helps spur job growth, high-skilled regional talent pools, and business expansion. Despite EDA's important work, many communities across the country have yet to benefit from the Agency's programs, including smaller communities, communities of color, and rural areas experiencing higher rates of poverty. The current University Center Program is not specifically authorized by Congress and is instead part of EDA's Technical Assistance Program. That is why I am proud to introduce legislation that would codify and expand the University Center Program, leverage more resources for minority-serving institutions, and support a greater diversity of innovation and entrepreneurship in their communities.…”