Public Policy Briefing
A BioNJ Members-Only Newsletter
February 2018
CALL TO ACTION:   Please join BioNJ in Washington on April 17-18 for the BIO Fly-in. It's your opportunity to share your views directly with New Jersey's Congressional Delegation, receive the latest briefings on current issues, and network with biopharmaceutical leaders from across the country .

BioNJ Sets Agenda with Governor Murphy, State Legislators and the New Jersey Congressional Delegation

BioNJ has been in full swing on both the State and Federal legislative fronts since last month's Briefing, starting with welcoming New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and Cong. Frank Pallone (D-6) to BioNJ's Annual Dinner Meeting on February 1. Governor Murphy welcomed guests at a private reception held before the dinner, noting his support for a strong industry in New Jersey .

Cong. Pallone also stopped by the reception to greet guests, as did Sen. Bob Gordon (D-38) and Asm. Dan Benson (D-14). Asw. Nancy Pinkin (D-18) and Asm. Andrew Zwicker (D-16), who chairs the Assembly Science, Innovation and Technology Committee, attended the dinner as well.
BioNJ New Jersey Activity

The New Jersey Biotechnology Task Force, chaired by BioNJ President and CEO Debbie Hart, held two meetings in January, hearing testimony from academia and industry representatives on the status of New Jersey's life sciences ecosystem and suggestions for strengthening it.  Click here for a copy of the transcripts. 

The Task Force will meet on March 8 to hear additional presentations on how we can effectively compete with other life sciences regions in the country.

BioNJ presented tes timony at the inaugural hearing of the Assembly Science, Innovation and Technology Committee on February 1. Rebecca Perkins, Vice President of Government Affairs, put forth the suggestions offered by BioNJ in the recent whitepaper, " The New Jersey Biopharma Industry: A Prescription for Growth." Click here for a video of the hearing.
BioNJ in Washington D.C. 

BioNJ and the HealthCare Institute of New Jersey presented a briefing in Washington for New Jersey Congressional Delegation staff on February 16. Staffers participated in an interactive exercise that demonstrated the complexity of research, capital investment and drug pricing.
New Federal Budget Hits Medicare Part D Payments

As part of the recently passed Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018, the share of beneficiary costs in the Medicare Part D coverage gap paid for by biopharmaceutical companies has been increased to 70%, while decreasing the share paid for Part D plans to 5%. This policy change would fundamentally alter the successful structure of the Part D program by reducing the financial risk for insurance companies, undermining the purpose of having private sector delivery of program benefits. The Part D program relies on private market competition to hold down costs for millions of seniors and taxpayers.

Additionally, experts estimate that the impact on the biopharmaceutical sector of a 70% coverage gap discount will far exceed expected Federal government savings. These scoring experts indicate that 10-year costs to the industry would range from $30B to $41B. In contrast, the Congressional Budget Office estimates that the policy would save the government less than $10B over 10 years.

BioNJ is addressing this issue with our Congressional delegation in meetings in Washington and in district offices.  BioNJ holds in-district meetings with each Member at least once a year and meets with the delegation more frequently in Washington. If you would like to participate in a visit to your Congressional representative's district office, please contact Rebecca Perkins at 609-890-3185.
Upcoming BioNJ Public Policy Events: (Open to BioNJ Member Participation)
  • March 1: Industry Legislative Reception, 5 p.m.-6 p.m.
    • Caucus Room Brasserie, Washington, DC
  • March 5: Rare Disease Day, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
    • NJ State Museum, Trenton, NJ
  • March 15: Congressional Staff Reception, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. 
    • Hawk 'n' Dove, Washington, DC
  • March 23: NJ Life Sciences Virtual Tour (Cong. Staff Briefing), 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
    • Rayburn HOB, Washington, DC
  • April 17-18:  BIO Fly-In, Washington, DC 
BioNJ will continue to meet and communicate regularly with our elected and appointed government officials both in New Jersey and in Washington. If you would like to schedule a facility tour or meet with your Congressional representative or your New Jersey legislators, we at BioNJ are happy to work with you to facilitate. BioNJ Member participation is the key to our successful public policy program. Thank you for your support!
Thank You to Our Public Policy Sponsors



We Work for Health of New Jersey
If you would like information on how your organization can support our public policy efforts or how to develop an employee advocacy program, please contact Rebecca Perkins, BioNJ Vice President, Government Affairs, at  [email protected]. For more information on BioNJ, visit www.BioNJ.org.