Technology and business leaders from over 100 companies called strategic investments in digital infrastructure a vital part of America's economic recovery and yesterday asked lawmakers to include them in the economic stimulus and recovery plan working its way through Congress.

In a letter to House and Senate leaders, 117 CEOs and business leaders said investments in health care information technology, broadband and energy smart grids "will provide our nation with a near-term stimulus and long-term comparative advantage."

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"Investments in America's digital infrastructure will spur significant job creation in the immediate term. An investment of $40 billion in America's IT network infrastructure in 2009 will create more than 949,000 U.S. jobs, more than half of which will be in small businesses," wrote the business leaders to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell and House Republican Leader John Boehner.

"Congress and the new Administration face a formidable task, restoring the nation's confidence and encouraging the innovation, risk-taking and entrepreneurship needed to get our country moving again. The investments in a smarter energy grid, health care IT (such as electronic medical records) and accelerating broadband deployment recommended by President Obama will not only stimulate the economy, but will also accelerate long-term growth. They fund the future," added the business leaders.

The letter was spearheaded by the Technology CEO Council, TechNet, the Information Technology Industry Council and the Technology Association of America.