Sacramento, CA – February 26, 2002 –AeA, the nation’s largest high-tech trade association, today revealed the five names of the legislators to be presented with its respected High-Tech Legislator of the Year Award. The award recognizes significant individual effort to advance high-tech legislation. Two state Senators and three state Assemblymembers will be honored this year.

Senator Byron Sher for authoring the Internet Tax Freedom Act and the teacher credentialing bill.

Senator Bruce McPherson for playing an instrumental role in the privacy debate, education, protective orders.

Assemblymember Joe Simitian for his leadership role in opposing AB36/SB11 (protective orders) and for authoring protective orders compromise legislation.

Assemblymember Rebecca Cohn for authoring the Manufacturers Investment Credit (MIC) increase and for opposing AB 36 (protective orders).

Assemblymember Charlene Zettel for authoring several high-tech bills regarding tax incentives and education technology, as well as opposing protective orders legislation.

"AeA commends these legislators for their solid commitment to the advancement of high-tech legislation," said Mark Albertson, senior vice president California and the western United States. "They have demonstrated true leadership on issues of profound impact to the future of the high-tech industry and California’s economy."

AeA has been recognizing state legislators for their contributions to high-tech legislation since 1991.