ANN ARBOR ? Life sciences trade association MichBio announced Thursday that it had formed a new Biotechnology Legislative Caucus during its annual Expo & Conference being held this week in Lansing.
The Biotechnology Legislative Caucus is a bipartisan, bicameral body whose membership is open to any interested legislators. The BLC?s leadership group includes Reps. Hildenbrand (R-Lowell), Huizenga (R-Zeeland), Jones (D-Kalamazoo), and Warren (D-Ann Arbor), along with Sens. Hunter (D-Detroit), Richardville (R-Monroe), Stamas (R-Midland) and Whitmer (D-Lansing).
“MichBio very much looks forward to working with the Biotechnology Legislative Caucus (BCL) to bring the life sciences community closer to the legislative process,” said MichBio Executive Director Stephen Rapundalo. “In so doing we believe that we can ultimately impact policies and programs to benefit the state?s life sciences industry and help make Michigan a leader in this market sector.”
MichBio and its Public Policy Committee will provide advice and educate the BLC on life sciences issues important to Michigan?s future.
?The Caucus wants to contribute to a business and regulatory climate in Michigan that will help maintain and enhance the state?s stake in biotechnology,? said Sen. Richardville, who will chair the BLC. ?We want input from the industry on such possible needs as tax incentives, funding, workforce development, incubators and facilities, and what business and academia deem necessary in order for them to grow a successful life sciences cluster.?
The BLC hopes to open an important dialogue between policymakers, the industry and public.
For more information, click on MichBio.Org
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