In the last decade, we've seen a revolutionary change in our economy here in New Hampshire. We now have more than 1,000 software companies. We have one of the fastest-growing export rates in the country. The hard work and entrepreneurial spirit of our citizens are the prime forces behind our amazing economic success. But as public officials, we also have a responsibility to foster economic growth.
Small businesses are the backbone of our state's economy, employing most of our people.
So this budget invests in the Small Business Development Centers, which provide comprehensive planning assistance to small businesses. Our businesses need access to research and development to remain leaders in an innovation-based economy, so this budget invests in the Industrial Research Center. The customers for New Hampshire goods and services now come from across the world, so this budget continues our international marketing efforts to keep New Hampshire a leader in the global economy. A high-quality infrastructure is essential to our state's economy and the safety of our citizens. It increases grants to cities and towns for road repair and improvements, and allows us to pave more than 800 miles of highway and to make our roads safer.