September 18, 2019
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Keep your finger on the pulse of the most critical issues facing the industry, our Members and Patients with BioNJ's bi-weekly Public Policy Update .

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STATE
NJ Senate Meets, Senate Committee Continues Incentive Hearings 
The New Jersey Senate Select Committee on Economic Growth Strategies continued its work examining the State’s tax incentive programs with a September 5 hearing. The hearing featured testimony from a range of local and national experts on best practices for designing, evaluating and assessing incentive programs. The Select Committee will meet next on September 23, when invited guests will include representatives of businesses directly impacted by NJEDA tax incentives and other experts in economic development. New Jersey’s main tax incentive program, Grow NJ, expired at the end of the State’s 2019 fiscal year.  

In addition, the full New Jersey Senate considered legislation with impact on the State’s innovation economy during its September 12 session. S-1832, legislation sponsored by Senators Teresa Ruiz and Paul Sarlo, would create a loan redemption program within the State’s Higher Education Student Assistance Authority for public school teachers meeting both academic requirements and teaching STEM subjects or special education. S-1832 follows legislation Governor Murphy signed in late 2018 to create a loan redemption program for certain individuals working in high-growth STEM fields – including biotechnology. Enhanced STEM opportunities will help create the workforce necessary to ensure New Jersey maintains and grows our innovation economy. BioNJ thanks the sponsors for their continued efforts on behalf of this important issue.  
BioNJ Patient Advocacy Summit Coming Soon
Registration is now open for BioNJ’s Fourth Annual Patient Advocacy Summit , taking place October 4, at Celgene in Summit, NJ. The Summit will bring together Patients, Patient Advocacy Groups, Caregivers and Industry for a morning of Education, Engagement and Empowerment! Attendees will gain valuable tools and insights, share best practices and meet key stakeholders within the health care ecosystem. Registration is free to Patient Advocacy Groups and BioNJ Member R&D (Innovation) company Patient advocacy and government affairs professionals.
2020 Public Policy Sponsorship Opportunities Available 
BioNJ’s Public Policy Support Series sponsorship opportunities are available for 2020. Sponsorship opportunities help ensure BioNJ’s message is delivered in both Trenton and Washington, D.C.
FEDERAL
Congresswoman Mikie Sherill Visits Modern Meadow
BioNJ and the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) joined Modern Meadow Co-founder and CEO, Andras Forgacs, in welcoming U.S. Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) to a September 4 roundtable at Modern Meadow in Nutley, NJ. The roundtable was an opportunity for members of the NJ-11 life sciences community to discuss their work in finding tomorrow’s cures with Congresswoman Sherrill. The roundtable featured discussion on STEM and engineering education for women and ways to improve New Jersey’s climate for growth in the innovation economy. BioNJ thanks Congresswoman Sherrill for her participation in the roundtable, and we look forward to working with the Congresswoman to improve Patient access to lifesaving treatments while protecting innovation in the Garden State.
Congress Returns, Drug Pricing Discussion Continues
Congress has returned from its August District Work Period with a packed fall agenda. Drug pricing remains among the issues for consideration this fall, with several markups and hearings expected. In addition, U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is expected to unveil a long-awaited proposal to address drug pricing. Meanwhile, Congress will continue its work to complete appropriations bills in advance of the September 30 end of the 2019 fiscal year. Stay tuned for additional updates on federal consideration of drug pricing legislation and other life sciences issues.  
White House Office Seeks Input on “Bioeconomy”
The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy released a request for information (RFI) on bioeconomy policy. The RFI seeks public and stakeholder input from an array of biotechnology sectors (i.e., health care, agriculture, energy, etc.) in identifying areas – such as gaps and vulnerabilities – where federal government intervention may benefit the biotechnology economy.  Comments are due on October 22, 2019.  
Thank You To Our Public Policy Support Series Sponsors
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