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New Look, Same Commitment
We revamped our monthly Public Policy Newsletter to better inform you of the work of our dedicated advocacy team. From local city council meetings to Sacramento and the halls of Congress, we’re advocating on behalf of all our members every day.
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What’s Inside: Our Roundtable with Reps. Peters and Schiff; Life Science Health Trust Bill Before State Legislature; University Community Plan Update Passes City Council; LA County Government Reform; and more.
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Biocom California Hosts Roundtable with Reps. Peters and Schiff
On July 19, Biocom California co-hosted a board-level executive roundtable in San Diego with Reps. Scott Peters (D-CA-50) and Adam Schiff (D-CA-30) to discuss our industry’s priorities. While Rep. Peters is a proven champion for the life science industry, it was a great opportunity to strengthen our relationship with Rep. Schiff, who many project will represent California in the U.S. Senate next year. It was an engaging dialogue around important issues including conducting R&D in California, the impact of the IRA, cost drivers and funding challenges, and supporting local clusters, among others. The event was co-hosted by California Life Sciences and held at JLABS.
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Advocating for Our Members
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Federal ► Biocom California Submits Comments on Cures 2.0 Request
for Information
- On August 2, Biocom California submitted comments in response to an RFI seeking to build on the landmark 21st Century Cures Act.
- Our comments focus on public health, patients, FDA, CMS and federally funded research; and urge the inclusion of IRA fixes, Part D Access,
e-Labeling and reauthorizing PAHPA and the Rare Pediatric Disease PRV.
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State ► Bill to Maintain Life Science Health Trust Before the Legislature
- In 2021, Biocom California sponsored SB 718, which allowed qualified life science trade associations to offer association health plans. A sunset date was forced into SB 718, necessitating renewal of the enabling legislation.
- Biocom California is working with Assemblymember Akilah Weber (D-La Mesa) on AB 2072, which extends the sunset date to January 1, 2033. The bill has successfully moved through the State Assembly, and if it passes the state Senate in August, Gov. Gavin Newsom will have final consideration of the bill in September. Read more.
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San Diego ► University Community Plan Update Receives Final Approval
- On July 30, San Diego City Council gave unanimous final approval to the University Community Plan Update, the land use document that will govern future development of San Diego’s life science hub in Torrey Pines and UTC over the next 30-plus years. The plan adds capacity for an additional 29,000 homes and 72,000 jobs.
- Biocom California was directly involved from the beginning, representing the life science industry’s interests during monthly meetings and advocating for its passage with decision makers. Read more.
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Bay Area ► An Update on Bay Area Tax Reform Efforts
- Four Bay Area cities are seeking to increase tax rates in response to budget shortfalls. Redwood City, Foster City, South San Francisco and San Francisco voters will decide in the upcoming November election whether to support new business license and gross receipts tax.
- Biocom California is closely monitoring these measures and was actively involved in the discussions with cities, their local chambers and other communities to advocate for our members. Read more.
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- LA County Board of Supervisors voted 3-2 on a ballot measure that would increase the board from five to nine members, create an elected position to oversee day-to-day operations and an independent ethics commission to address issues like campaign finance and corruption.
- Biocom California will closely monitor the measure and work with the county to advocate on behalf of the life science industry should it pass.
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Federal:
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San Diego:
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Bay Area:
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Greater Los Angeles:
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Upcoming Committee Meetings and Events
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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. With over 29 years of experience, Biocom California works on behalf of more than {{{dynamic_content_1600}}} member companies statewide.
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