BioNJ issued this statement after last week's election:

BioNJ congratulates Governor-Elect Murphy and looks forward to partnering with him and his Administration to improve the health of our residents, grow our economy and ensure that New Jersey continues to be the "Medicine Chest of the World." Scientists at companies throughout our State are working tirelessly to find the next medical breakthroughs to treat cancer, Alzheimer's, heat disease and countless rare diseases. With proactive policies that support innovation through life sciences in New Jersey, we will see even more new life-saving treatments and cures created here.

BioNJ recognizes the many challenges that the new Administration faces. On behalf of Patients, their families and caregivers in New Jersey and around the world, we hope that Governor-Elect Murphy will seize this opportunity to grow the life sciences ecosystem in our state and realize all the benefits it will bring to New Jersey. 

Governor-Elect Murphy's campaign promised change, and for the first time in eight years, we will have a governor with his own party supporting him with a majority in both the New Jersey Assembly and Senate. The Governor-Elect's next few months will be largely devoted to appointments and staff hires and the shaping of his policy agenda as he prepares for his swearing-in on January 16, followed shortly by his inaugural State of the State Address and in February the presentation of his first budget.

The changes of governing will be realized quickly and we will see the early policy that emerges from the Office of the Governor.  Senate President Steve Sweeney and the designated Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin will have their own agendas.  BioNJ will contribute to the process through our post on the New Jersey Biotechnology Task Force, scheduled to meet for the first time on Friday, December 8. The outcome of the Task Force's findings, along with BioNJ's own analysis and recommendations, will be presented early in this Administration.

As the new Governor crafts his initial policy offerings, he has the opportunity to see how other states are dealing with issues, especially the economy and the quality of life for their residents. We hope that Governor-Elect Murphy will look to two governors especially: Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker and California Governor Jerry Brown.

Despite different party affiliations, Governor Baker, a Republican, and Governor Brown, a Democrat, both understand the importance of the life sciences industry to their States' economies. Gov. Baker took office in 2015 and inherited a billion-dollar budget gap. He also inherited a fiscal commitment to the life sciences industry created by his predecessor, Governor Deval Patrick, who signed a 10-year, $1 billion initiative in 2008. 

The continuation of the funding under Governor Baker was unclear, but in June of this year, he presented a five-year, $500 million life sciences initiative that would extend the State's decade-long commitment.  The proposal included up to $295 million in capital spending and up to $150 million in tax incentives for companies that create jobs. "We are committed to supporting the public-private partnerships and strategic investments that have made Massachusetts a global leader in the life sciences, research, development and medical advancements," said Governor Baker upon introduction of the bill. "This proposal empowers the Commonwealth and the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center to continue that success, attracting world-class companies in innovation and technology, giving researchers the best available tools and educational environment, training our workforce and providing successful careers here in Massachusetts."

Across the continent, and across party lines, California Governor Jerry Brown has also made support for the life sciences industry a priority. "California is committed to establishing and advancing thoughtful and innovative policies to support the life sciences and extend the State's worldwide leadership in this field," Governor Brown noted in the 2016 California Life Sciences Industry Report. The report, prepared by the California Life Sciences Association and PWC, noted that "California's life sciences community is continuing to grow and remains a global hub for innovation, creating high-wage jobs, bringing new therapies to patients and attracting significant investment from venture capitalists, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and more."

We believe that the lessons for New Jersey are clear:  in order to maintain our ranking as the country's 3rd largest biotechnology center and to grow the sector, the State must demonstrate the same type of commitment shown by Massachusetts and California.

BioNJ looks forward to presenting more detailed proposals in the coming weeks, and to working with the new Governor and Legislature to support innovation, improve and save lives and lower the hurdles of healthcare advancements for society.