Ruppersberger Honored by Tech Council of Maryland as 2016 “Advocate of the Year”

(Rockville, MD) – Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD) last night was honored as the 2016 “Advocate of the Year” by the Tech Council of Maryland, the state’s largest technology trade association with more than 400 biotechnology and technology members employing more than 200,000 people across the region. Ruppersberger accepted the award at an event that drew about 600 executives from the technology and life science communities.

“Advocating for business owners in my district and throughout Maryland isn’t going above or beyond – it’s my job,” Congressman Ruppersberger said. “The Tech Council represents the employers who are keeping Maryland on the cutting-edge. As someone who has made a payroll, I understand cash flow and I understand that, when businesses are able to grow and innovate, everyone wins.”

Congressman Ruppersberger was selected for his work championing cybersecurity legislation that allows the government and private companies to work together to identify potential cyberattacks before they happen. As a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, Congressman Ruppersberger has also advocated for robust funding for medical research.

“Congressman Ruppersberger understands the critical role Maryland’s technology community plays in bolstering our national security,” said Rene B. LaVigne, the Tech Council of Maryland’s Chairman-elect and President and CEO of Iron Bow Technologies.  “He consistently reaches across the aisle to craft bipartisan cybersecurity legislation to make American citizens, businesses and infrastructure safer.  Lastly, he shares our belief that creating a 21st century technology workforce requires investing today in science, technology, engineering and math education programs in Maryland. We thank Congressman Ruppersberger for his many years of leadership on technology and life sciences initiatives, and look forward to working with him on industry priorities in the future.”