October 30, 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 .

Because Patients Can't Wait ®
FEDERAL
Drug Pricing Update 
Congressional action continues on drug pricing with the focus remaining on H.R. 3, the U.S. House Majority proposal to address drug costs. Three Congressional Committees – the Committees on Ways and Means, Education and Labor, and Energy and Commerce, respectively – have passed the legislation on party-line votes. However, a vote of the full U.S. House of Representatives has been delayed while lawmakers await a full Congressional Budget Office (CBO) score of the legislation. Consideration of the final proposal has slipped to sometime after November 12.  

In the meantime, in a letter to New Jersey’s Members of Congress, BioNJ President and CEO Debbie Hart articulated BioNJ's concerns with H.R. 3’s impact on both Patients and the life sciences sector in New Jersey. Hart urged New Jersey’s House delegation to reconsider H.R. 3’s coercive approach to “negotiation” in favor of bipartisan efforts to improve Patient access, lower Patient out-of-pocket costs and protect innovation in the Garden State and beyond.  
BioNJ Submits Comments on Bioeconomy RFI
BioNJ has submitted comments in response to a White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) request for information (RFI) on ways the federal government can help ensure a strong and vibrant bioeconomy. BioNJ President and CEO Debbie Hart’s comments focused on continuing policy items that have resulted in the development of breakthrough cures, such as work ongoing in basic research at the National Institutes for Health. In addition, Hart urged the Administration to reexamine policy proposals that could harm the life sciences sector and reduce availability of new Patient cures. Hart urged OSTP to reject the International Pricing Index proposal and to reconsider eliminating the section 338 approach to net operating losses (NOLs). Comments on the RFI were due October 22.  
STATE
Assemblymen Schaer and Calabrese Visit BioNJ Member Cancer Genetics 
BioNJ was proud to work with Cancer Genetics to host NJ Assembly Representatives Gary Schaer and Clinton Calabrese at Cancer Genetics in Rutherford, NJ. The Assembly Representatives were given a tour and shown clinical research in action in New Jersey’s 36 th legislative district. Following the tour, Assemblyman Schaer and Assemblyman Calabrese joined participants for a discussion on ensuring a robust life sciences ecosystem in New Jersey. Thank you to Cancer Genetics CEO Jay Roberts and Interpace CEO Jack Stover for hosting the site visit. Thank you to Assembly Representatives Schaer and Calabrese for their support of both Patients and innovation.  
Treasury Releases $114 Million of Held Funding
NJ Governor Phil Murphy has released $114 million in funding held in reserve per this summer’s fiscal year 2020 budget discussions. The NJ Treasury had withheld $235 million in funding pursuant to an executive order based on the possibility of inadequate funding. The released $114 million will go to a wide array of projects, including Cooper Medical School at Rowan University.  
BioNJ, Caregivers of NJ Team up for Caregivers Event
Join BioNJ and the Caregivers of NJ for an event commemorating National Caregivers month. The November 15 event will feature a keynote presentation from NJ Assemblyman Dan Benson (D-15) followed by an educational panel featuring Caregiver stories. The event will be held at the Family Resource Network in East Windsor, NJ, from 8:30 – 11:00 a.m.  
2020 Public Policy Sponsorship Opportunities Available 
Bi oNJ’s Public Policy Support Series sponsorship opportunities are available for 2020. Sponsorship opportunities help make sure that BioNJ’s message is delivered in both Trenton and Washington, D.C. Help ensure BioNJ continues to deliver our message of improved Patient access and enhanced innovation through a public policy sponsorship. More information is available here  
Thank You To Our Public Policy Support Series Sponsors