<div id="readability-page-1"><div><div><p>&#34;God, please give us legislators who care about economic development and not just taxing our industry to pay for other things that we care about, as well.&#34; Microsoft <span>MSFT</span>  President <strong>Brad Smith</strong> said during the Technology Alliance's State of Technology luncheon, according to GeekWire.</p><p>He warned that Washington state's tech-powered prosperity could falter if lawmakers continue treating the industry &#34;like an endless cash machine.</p><p>Smith's remarks on May 20 came as new tax proposals threaten to slow innovation, even as artificial intelligence reshapes the state's job market and investment priorities.</p><p><strong>Don't Miss:</strong></p><ul> <li><strong>GoSun's breakthrough rooftop EV charger already has 2,000+ units reserved —</strong><strong> </strong><strong>become an investor in this $41.3M clean energy brand today</strong><strong>.</strong></li> <li><strong>Invest early in CancerVax's breakthrough tech aiming to disrupt a $231B market.</strong><strong> </strong><strong>Back a bold new approach to cancer treatment with high-growth potential.</strong></li> </ul><div><p></p><h3>Pre-IPO Offer: Get A Piece Of A Nearly $5T Global Opportunity By Joining BOXABL As An Early Shareholder At Just $0.80/Share</h3><p></p><div><div><div><ul> <li><strong>Massive Demand &amp; Disruptive Potential</strong> – Boxabl has received interest for over 190,000 homes, positioning itself as a major disruptor in the housing market.</li> <li><strong>Revolutionary Manufacturing Approach</strong> – Inspired by Henry Ford’s assembly line, Boxabl’s foldable tiny homes are designed for high-efficiency production, making homeownership more accessible.</li> <li><strong>Affordable Investment Opportunity</strong> – With homes priced at $60,000, Boxabl is raising $1 billion to scale production, offering investors a chance to own a stake in its growth.</li> </ul> </div></div><div><p><span><img src="https://imageproxy.pbkrs.com/https://cdnwp-s3.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/22181427/Paolo-and-Gali.jpg/query-YXV0bz13ZWJwJmRwcj0yJm9wdGltaXplPW1lZGl1bSZ3aWR0aD0yMzA?x-oss-process=image/auto-orient,1/interlace,1/resize,w_1440,h_1440/quality,q_95/format,jpg" width="460" height="306" original-src="https://imageproxy.pbkrs.com/https://cdnwp-s3.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/22181427/Paolo-and-Gali.jpg/query-YXV0bz13ZWJwJmRwcj0yJm9wdGltaXplPW1lZGl1bSZ3aWR0aD0yMzA"/></span></p></div></div><div><div><p><span><b>Share Price: </b></span><span>$0.80 </span></p><p><span><b>Min. Investment: </b></span><span>$1,000 </span></p><p><span><b>Valuation: </b></span><span>$3.5B </span></p></div></div></div><h2>Growth Engine Or Gravy Train?</h2><p>According to Smith, tech accounts for 9.4% of all jobs and 22.1% of total compensation paid in Washington — the highest share of any state.</p><p>Smith also pointed to concerns from the 2025 Benchmarking Report by the Technology Alliance, including slipping K–12 math scores, fewer university spinouts, and a shrinking pipeline of venture-backed exits — signs, he warned, that Washington's momentum is fading as rival regions ramp up innovation.</p><p>Hours after Smith's remarks, Washington Gov. <strong>Bob Ferguson</strong> signed Senate Bill 5813 which increases the capital gains rate to 9.9% up from 7% on Washington gains over $1 million and House Bill 2081 which imposes a temporary 0.5% B&amp;O tax surcharge on companies with more than $250 million in annual Washington taxable income.</p><p>In April 17, Ferguson described raising $12 billion in new taxes as &#34;unsustainable, too risky&#34; and emphasized the need for both revenue and spending reforms to close the projected. Ferguson also acknowledged potential unintended consequences and said the business community will be consulted during implementation.</p><p>Meanwhile, rival states are rolling out red carpets. New Jersey Gov. <strong>Phil Murphy</strong> has proposed $20 million for strategic innovation centers in the fiscal 2026 budget. The state has allocated $126.5 million to these centers since fiscal 2022. Smith applauded the investment approach as evidence that targeted incentives continue to shape tech talent clusters.</p><p><strong>Trending: This Jeff Bezos-backed startup will allow you to</strong><strong> become a landlord in just 10 minutes, with minimum investments as low as $100</strong><strong>.</strong></p><p>Microsoft marked its 50th anniversary with a celebratory blog post, highlighting AI's pivotal role in its ongoing evolution. At the Technology Alliance's State of Technology luncheon, Smith noted that growth follows investment. However, the milestone also coincided with the elimination of roughly 6,000 jobs—about 3% of the workforce—part of cost-cutting aimed at reducing management layers and reallocating resources toward AI.</p><p>The luncheon program in May closed with Technology Alliance CEO <strong>Laura Ruderman</strong> urging attendees to tell a stronger innovation story. Many voters still question the value of an invention-driven economy, she said. Washington State Commerce Director <strong>Joe Nguyen </strong>—a former Microsoft executive— echoed the concern, arguing that Washington wraps big ideas in tight red tape, urging a pivot toward speed and accountability.</p><p>Smith pointed to Microsoft's sprawling Redmond, Washington, campus as proof that research labs become paychecks and tax revenue when public and private sectors pull in the same direction. Each new building on that campus—whether a redone lab, a fresh office space, or an innovation center— marks a moment when lawmakers chose growth over short-term patchwork.</p><p><strong>See Next</strong>:</p><ul> <li><strong>$100k in assets? Maximize your retirement and cut down on taxes:</strong><strong> </strong><strong>Schedule your free call with a financial advisor to start your financial journey – no cost, no obligation</strong><strong>. </strong></li> <li><strong>Warren Buffett once said, &#34;If you don't find a way to make money while you sleep, you will work until you die.&#34;</strong><strong> Here’s how you can earn passive income with just $100.</strong></li> </ul></div></div></div>

MSFT

<p>Microsoft President Brad Smith urged legislators to prioritize economic development over taxing the tech industry, warning that new tax proposals could hinder innovation in Washington. He highlighted the tech sector's significant contribution to jobs and compensation in the state, while expressing concerns over declining educational outcomes and venture-backed exits. Following his remarks, Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson signed bills increasing capital gains tax and imposing a B&O tax surcharge on large companies. Smith emphasized the need for collaboration between public and private sectors to foster growth and innovation.</p>

- Microsoft President Brad Smith emphasized the need for legislators to prioritize economic development over increased taxation on the tech industry during a recent luncheon.  
- He warned that new tax proposals could hinder innovation in Washington, where tech accounts for a significant portion of jobs and compensation.  
- Following his remarks, Washington Governor Bob Ferguson signed bills raising capital gains tax and imposing a temporary B&O tax surcharge, raising concerns about the state's competitive edge in attracting tech investment.

'God, Please Give Us Legislators Who Care,' Says Microsoft President As He Warns Washington Is 'Taking Tech For Granted'