Gubernatorial Candidate Talks Business And Technology

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(UNDATED) - Small business and environmental technology are the centerpieces of a gubernatorial candidate’s economic-development proposal.

Democrat Jim Schellinger is proposing $33-million dollars in spending on job creation over the next two years. Nearly half that would be seed money for so-called green technology, especially alternative fuels.

Governor Daniels has emphasized alternative fuels too, cutting the ribbon on two dozen ethanol plants and supporting tax incentives for biofuels research.

Schellinger says the state has lacked direct support for environmental research. He's proposing a fund similar to the 21st century research and technology fund created by Gov. Frank O'Bannon to encourage high-tech startups.

Schellinger wants to add state money to a federal program to help small manufacturers, and create a new state office of small business advancement to advise companies on available tax incentives and help them land lower-cost health insurance.

He's also proposing scholarships for nursing students in exchange for promises to teach nursing for four years after they graduate.

Schellinger is facing former U.S. Rep. Jill Long Thompson in the Democratic primary.

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