Innovative new technologies are rapidly reshaping our country’s industries, workplaces, mobility patterns, and ways of communicating. Based on our readings of State of the State addresses in 2019, governors are responding to the challenge. Many speeches brim with optimism about the power of new technologies to spur productivity and growth; many also focus on managing the downsides of technological innovation, including privacy risks and a digital divide.

By our count, at least 18 governors highlighted substantial new investments to help residents access broadband, compared to just six governors who mentioned broadband in 2013.

John D. Ratliff and Nathan Arnosti