Idaho Legislative Editorial Board
Thursday’s announcement that Boise-based memory storage maker Micron will invest $15 billion over the next 10 years to build a new manufacturing plant in Boise is big news for Boise and Idaho.
According to Micron, this will be the first new memory manufacturing plant built in the United States in 20 years and the largest private investment ever made in Idaho.
According to the company, it is expected to not only provide 2,000 new direct Micron jobs, but also create 17,000 new American jobs.
Other good news included in Micron’s announcement:
- Our partnership with Western Idaho University provides essential curricula such as Advanced Mechatronics Engineering Technologies to prepare students for the Micron Technician Apprenticeship Program.
- Operated by the Treasure Valley Family YMCA across from Micron Headquarters, this world-class child care facility offers STEM-based programming and easy access for parents to interact with their children during the day, helping children, especially Ease the transition for mothers. back to the workforce.
People are also reading…
We have previously reported that the US is facing a massive labor shortage as baby boomers retire and there are not enough young workers. Other factors include a lack of childcare, spurring millions of women to leave the workforce entirely. By backing, Micron will have a competitive advantage for years to come.
It is the first of several Micron investments in the United States planned after passage of the CHIPS and Science Act, a $52 billion federal incentive package designed to boost U.S. competition against foreign competitors in the memory storage industry. The purpose is to maintain power. Micron is delivering on its promise to deliver if the bill is passed.
The bill has received widespread support, and Boise Mayor Lauren McLean wrote a guest opinion urging the bill to be passed and was in Washington, D.C., when President Joe Biden signed it.
Idaho Gov. Brad Little signed a letter in February urging passage of the CHIPS law, along with governors of 21 other states, including New York, California, Utah and Kansas.
In Thursday’s announcement, Micron referred to “incentives and governor support provided by the state of Idaho.”
Earlier this year, the Idaho Legislature passed the Idaho Semiconductor Act, which exempts construction materials used in the construction, expansion, or modernization of semiconductor factories in Idaho from excise taxes.
Thursday’s announcement is the culmination of all the support.
However, not everyone can take credit and celebrate with other members. His four Congressmen in Idaho — Republican Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch, and Representatives Russ Fulcher and Mike Simpson — all voted against his CHIPS legislation.
Micron’s announcement on Thursday is certainly welcome news, but more work is needed.
To continue supporting Micron’s growth, we need support from across the state.
The Idaho Legislature’s pending investment in public education and “careers in demand” education will be discussed in an extraordinary session this week and would be a good first step.
But for everyone who wants to take credit for this investment, ask yourself. Are we doing all we can to foster an environment that supports the workforce needed to make this investment successful?
Micron expects another 2,000 employees in its own ranks. The company has repeatedly demonstrated its commitment to higher education, diversity, equity and inclusion, and training and hiring underrepresented people. Idaho legislators should show the same level of commitment.
We need everyone to make this investment a success.
.
Comments
Post a Comment