Hanna Honored with National STEM Award

From US Rep. Hanna's Office:

U.S. Representative Richard Hanna (R-NY) recently was honored at a special reception in Washington where he was presented with the George E. Brown, Jr. Leadership Award for his for active leadership on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) and his strong public advocacy in support of the role of the federal government in research.

The Science-Engineering-Technology Working Group presents the award annually to two Members of Congress – either Representatives or Senators. This year, U.S. Representative Mike Honda (D-CA) also received the award.

Here’s what they said about Rep. Hanna:

A staunch proponent of federal investment in STEM education – science, technology, engineering, mathematics – Hanna introduced the “STEM Education Opportunity Act” in Aug. 2012. The bill would allow an income tax deduction for STEM higher education expenses and grant a business-related tax credit to companies that donate STEM property, e.g. computer hardware, software, microscopes and lab equipment, to elementary or secondary schools.

Hanna also cosponsored the “National STEM Education Tax Incentive for Teachers Act,” which would allow certain full-time elementary and secondary school STEM teachers a refundable tax credit for 10 percent of their undergraduate tuition up to $1,000 a year. Teachers in schools serving disadvantaged children could receive an increased credit of $1,500.

In addition, Hanna is a co-chair of the congressional STEM Education Caucus and supports continued science testing by grade in America’s classrooms.

“I’m honored to receive the George E. Brown, Jr. award,” Rep. Hanna said. “I will continue working in Congress to prioritize STEM education and highlight the role it plays in making America’s economy competitive in the 21st century.”

ABOUT THE AWARD

The George E. Brown Jr. Science, Engineering and Technology Leadership Award is presented annually by the Science, Engineering and Technology Work Group (SETWG) to members of Congress who are effective advocates of federal investment in science and technology. It is named for the late Rep. George E. Brown Jr., a longtime member of Congress who made outstanding contributions to federal support for science and technology throughout his congressional service.

The award is presented in conjunction with SETWG’s Congressional Visits Day (CVD), the preeminent yearly event during which scientists and engineers from around the country come to Washington for two days of briefings and visits to their members of Congress.

Learn more at, www.setcvd.org