Obama Pledges Universal Broadband, Doubling Fedral R&D Budget

Obama Pledges Universal Broadband, Doubling R&D Budget

Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama Monday pledged universal high-speed Internet access and doubling the national research and development budget in a speech at Kettering University in Flint.

"At a time when technology is shaping our future, we devote a smalle rand smaller share of our national resources to research and development," the Illinois senator said. "I'll double federal funding for basic research and make the R&D tax credit permanent. We can ensure that the discoveries of the 21st century happen in America -- in our labs and universities; at places like Kettering and the University of Michigan; Wayne State and Michigan State."

The proposals found a receptive audience in Joe Heston, a 23-year-old Kettering senior who said he tends to vote Republican.

"I like his ideas, especially on the economy and education," said Heston, from Monterey, Calif., who attended Obama's speech. "I'm going to take a long look in this election."

Obama, making his third campaign swing through Michigan since mid-May, said Monday he wants to move America to a place where workers can compete in a global economy.

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