Biocom CEO Advocates for the Life Sciences in California, D.C. and China; The Governor’s Proposed Permanent R&D Credit Limitation; Berkeley Faces Looming Budget Deficit and Service Reductions; New Life Science Funding and Infrastructure in LA County; and more.
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Life Science Advocacy Across the Nation
Last month, Biocom’s President and CEO, Tim Scott, met with legislators in Sacramento to discuss concerns about proposed antitrust legislation and to advocate for important rare disease bills. He then traveled to Washington, D.C. to join meetings on Capitol Hill discussing the importance of small and mid-sized companies in the biomedical innovation ecosystem, the need for a predictable regulatory environment and appropriations for NIH, FDA and CDC, and the negative effect of most-favored nation price controls. Most recently, Scott traveled to China, where Biocom took a group of life science executives to meet with Chinese biotechs, healthcare systems and investors. In his LinkedIn post, Scott explains how the Chinese and American innovation economies are inextricably linked yet also compete at the frontiers of science to determine who is the leader in biomedical research. He explains how the U.S. needs support from Congress and continued investment to maintain a global level of competitiveness.
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Advocating for Our Members
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Federal ► FY27 Budget Request Includes Reductions to NIH, CDC and More
- In April, President Trump released his FY27 budget request, proposing significant reductions to non-defense discretionary spending, including cuts to NIH, CDC and other federal health and research programs. The President’s budget serves primarily as a proposal; ultimately, Congress is tasked with determining final funding levels.
- Biocom submitted our FY27 appropriations request letters for Ag-FDA and Labor-HHS. We will continue to advocate for strong, sustained federal investment in biomedical research and innovation.
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State ► Governor’s May Revise: Permanent R&D Credit Limitation Proposed
- On May 14, the governor released his revised budget proposal. Notably, he proposes a permanent business tax credit limitation beginning in tax year 2027 — when the current temporary credit limitation lifts — capping credit use at the greater of $5 million per year or 50 percent of a company’s tax liability. The proposal, which includes limiting the Research and Development Tax Credit, is projected to capture $850 million in 2026-27 and $1.7 billion in 2027-28.
- Biocom has reconvened our multi-organization business coalition and are lobbying the legislature to continue the R&D Tax Credit at full value — emphasizing the importance to our economy and innovation. The R&D Tax Credit refundability that we negotiated in 2024 remains protected, and the payback provision will not be challenged. The Legislature has to pass the state’s budget bill by midnight on June 15. Read more.
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San Diego ► Stop by Biocom’s Bike to Work Booth on May 21
- Bike Anywhere Day is a regional event that encourages commuting by bike and highlights the importance of sustainable transportation, community connection and healthier ways to travel across San Diego.
- Biocom’s policy team will host our annual booth on the morning of May 21 in front of One Alexandria Square at the corner of N Torrey Pines Road and Science Park Road alongside member partners. Stop by for coffee, food and giveaways while connecting with peers and supporting a more accessible, sustainable commute for the life science community.
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Bay Area ► Berkeley Faces Budget Shortfall and Potential Service Reductions
- Berkeley officials are addressing a nearly $30 million budget deficit and are considering layoffs, service reductions and a proposed 0.5% sales tax increase to stabilize finances. Even with new revenue some cuts may still be necessary, and without new revenue deeper reductions may close a fire station, reduce public safety staff and scale back community programs.
- Biocom is monitoring developments closely and will continue to keep members informed of any updates that may affect local services and the broader operating environment.
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Greater Los Angeles ► LA County Advances Life Science Strategy and Funding Initiatives
- LA County’s Department of Economic Opportunity convened its Life Science Advisory Board on May 1, introducing a new Life Science Liaison and providing updates on the county’s Industry Strategy and Action Plan. Key efforts include launching grant-funded programs such as the Graduation and Manufacturing Space Fund and Tenant Improvement Fund, along with planned working groups.
- These efforts signal new funding opportunities, expanded collaboration and continued focus on infrastructure and regulatory clarity. Biocom staff serves on the advisory board and will participate in upcoming working groups on physical space and zoning/permitting. Members interested in participating in the working groups or learning more about the county’s efforts are encouraged to reach out to Biocom for additional information.
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State:
- CalRecycle’s permanent SB 54 regulations for the Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act have been approved, with the exemption Biocom negotiated for FDA-defined medical devices, prescription drugs and certain medical products that maintain sterility. A major win for the safety of patients — and eight years in the making.
- The recently launched UC Degree Plus Program is showing early signs of success, connecting UC students with certificates and paid internships in project management, data analysis and quality operations — without adding time-to-degree or tuition. Biocom continues to advocate for workforce pipelines that align California’s higher education system with the life sciences industry’s need for job-ready talent.
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Biocom Policy & Advocacy
Biocom is the leading advocate for California’s life science sector. Our Policy & Advocacy staff across the Bay Area, Los Angeles, San Diego, Sacramento and Washington, D.C. work with lawmakers and regulators to shape policy and strengthen government relations through coordinated regional, state and federal engagement, supporting industry growth and keeping California globally competitive.
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