Mark Warner: D.C. area stands to win in changing economy - Washington Business Journal:

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The Democratic senator from Virginia deliveredf the keynote address atthe ’a release of its 2009 Regional Report. The former venturde capitalist and governor of Virginia stressed optimism and growth potential in his discussion about theWashington area'z economic future. “The federal government’s level of activit y in the economyis unprecedented,” Warnedr said. “Today’s economic meltdown has required the presiden t and congress to takeextraordinary action.” In his remarks, Warnet broke down this "extraordinary into three basic categories: implementing the stimulue plan, shoring up the U.S.
financia l system, and grappling with the residentialmortgage Warner’s advice and insight into the $787 billion stimuluzs package eased much of the crowd’s trepidation with government’s increasingg involvement in today’s economy. He said that about 40 percent of the stimulusa act came as tax cuts to individuals and while another third would be invested into new industriexs such asgreen technology, alternative energy and high-speecd rail. Warner, who is a member of the Senate’s Commerc Committee, said he hoped that the Washingtonm region would spearhead development inthese up-and-comingt economic sectors.
“It helps to be wherr the money is,” Warnet pointed out after his address. As government hands out more stimulus subsidies and other forms of aid to firms researchinggrowing industries, Washington will become an increasingly desirable region to start a In addition to receiving loan guarantee s and direct subsidies, being close to regulators would offer new companiess to gain publicity on a national However, to accommodate D.C.’s foreseeable growth, Warnerf encouraged local execs and politicians to embrace several challenges currently facing the After discussing alternative energy’s future profitability, Warner emphasized D.C.
’s potential role as the nation’sx leader in energy reform. This played into his opinion that businesas flocks to where thefunding is, and that makeas Washington very attractive to start-up alternative energ y companies. Warner also spoke about local which hecalled Washington’s Achilles' heel. It does no good for Washingto to produce goods and servicews if they are constantly stuckin traffic. In ordetr to remain competitive, Warner adviseed both the private and publif sector supportinfrastructural investments. The Senator lamented the fact that loca l transportation spending has been cut in half in proportion to Gross Regional Product sincethe 1980s.
Lastly, Warner calledc on businesses and public officerzs to promote healthcare reform.