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Impact of Government Shutdown on the Life Science Industry; Engagement in Sec. 232 Investigations into Medtech; SB 41 Signed Into Law Reining in PBMs; San Diego Water Rate Hike Vote Delayed; and more.
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Urging Congress to Resume Government & SBIR/STTR Funding
It has been two weeks since the federal government shut down after the Senate failed to reach the 60 votes needed to pass House-approved legislation that would have maintained current funding levels for federal agencies through November 21. For the life sciences community, this means stalled regulatory reviews, delayed grant awards, and interruptions to critical research. The Senate also failed to take up the House-passed bill to reauthorize the SBIR/STTR programs, preventing federal agencies from issuing new awards in the new fiscal year. Biocom California urges Congress to act swiftly to end the shutdown and restore funding stability for the nation’s research and innovation ecosystem. Send a letter to your Senators urging immediate action.
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Advocating for Our Members
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Federal ► Biocom California Engages in Sec. 232 Investigations into Medtech
- The Department of Commerce initiated Section 232 investigations on the national security effects of imports of personal protective equipment and medical devices (medtech), as well as robotics, with a comment deadline of October 17.
- Biocom California will be submitting comments to highlight the strength of the medtech manufacturing industry, need for access to a diversified global supply chain, and negative impact of tariffs. We submitted comments on the investigations into pharmaceuticals in the spring.
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State ► Governor Gavin Newsom Signs SB 41 Into Law Reining in PBMs
- SB 41 (Wiener) lowers prescription drug costs by regulating pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), the intermediaries between drug manufacturers, insurers and pharmacies. The law bans spread pricing, prohibits steering patients to affiliated pharmacies and requires drug rebates to go directly to health plans and consumers. PBMs will now be licensed and overseen by the Department of Managed Health Care to increase transparency and accountability.
- Biocom California supported greater transparency in the drug supply chain while protecting patient access to life-saving medicines. As implementation begins, we will monitor impacts on manufacturers, payers and providers, and advocate for oversight that balances affordability and innovation. CEO Tim Scott noted that the bill’s passage marks an important step toward fair and affordable healthcare.
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San Diego ► San Diego City Council Delays Vote on Water Rate Hike
- The San Diego City Council voted 8-1 to postpone a decision on a proposed citywide 63% water rate increase until October 28. The hike was to cover rising costs of wholesale water and to fund local infrastructure improvements. Councilmembers said they want additional discussions with the mayor’s office and the Water Authority to explore ways to reduce the size of the hike.
- Biocom California was founded on water availability issues in San Diego. Since 1995, we have continued to advocate for affordable, reliable water for our members.
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Bay Area ► Mingle with Fellow Facilities Colleagues at Our Annual Reception
- Join us on Tuesday, November 4, for our annual Biocom California Facilities Reception—a relaxed evening of networking geared toward facilities and EH&S industry professionals and service providers, but open to all. Come for the good food and chilled refreshments but stay for the time well spent with your fellow facilities colleagues. Admission is complimentary for Biocom California members and $50 for non-members. Register today as rates will increase onsite.
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- The City of Pasadena is seeking community input to help reimagine nearly 50 acres of land originaly reserved for the 710 freeway. The item will be heard at city council on October 20. We encourage members to show support for including life science in the plan by testifying at the meeting.
- Biocom California’s Greater Los Angeles Executive Director, Dan Gober, will be testifying in support of the proposed plan.
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Federal:
- The Administration gave 17 drug manufacturers until the end of September to lower drug prices and announced its first deals with Pfizer and AstraZeneca to bring Most-Favored-Nation prices to the U.S.
- President Trump signed a proclamation to require a $100,000 payment fee to accompany H-1B petitions for new applications.
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State:
- Celebrating Manufacturing Month, Governor Newsom highlighted California’s continued leadership in U.S. manufacturing. Biocom California recognizes manufacturing as a critical part of the life sciences ecosystem and advocate for policies that strengthen California’s innovation infrastructure, protect research incentives and ensure that life sciences manufacturing remains globally competitive.
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Biocom California Advocacy
Biocom California is the largest, most experienced leader and advocate for California’s life science sector. Our public policy staff is strategically located in the Bay Area, Los Angeles, San Diego, Sacramento and Washington, D.C. We work with federal, state and local governments to collectively pursue outcomes that benefit regional life science growth and contribute to a more innovation-friendly state.
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