Senator Toomey Honored as BIO Legislator of the Year
Washington, D.C. (April 15, 2015) – The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) announced today its selection of Senator Pat Toomey (R-PA) as a Legislator of the Year for 2015. Senator Toomey receives the award in conjunction with today’s BIO Legislative Day Fly-In.
"Right here in Pennsylvania, we have the potential to create tens of thousands of additional jobs in the life sciences industry and be a leader in the creation of life-saving technologies and products. Many of our up-and-coming medical device companies are on the cutting edge of exciting innovations and discoveries, from handheld devices that help our troops detect traumatic brain injuries during battle to non-invasive respirators," Sen. Toomey said. "I'm proud to support legislation that promotes this growing industry, helps improve lives and creates new job opportunities for Pennsylvanians. I thank Pennsylvania Bio for this recognition and am honored to accept this award."
“Senator Toomey has distinguished himself as a champion of America's biotechnology industry. We particularly appreciate his sponsorship of the Start-up Jobs & Innovation Act and co-sponsorship of the COMPETE Act," said BIO President and CEO Jim Greenwood. "Furthermore, through his important work on the Banking Committee, he has been a champion of legislation important to the biotech industry, such as the JOBS Act, which has created an environment in which the biotechnology industry can thrive."
“The life science industry in Pennsylvania delivers an enormous economic impact and provides jobs, both directly and indirectly, to over 400,000 people, making us a leading biotech center in the United States. Senator Toomey understands the challenges facing our industry, especially emerging companies, and has been an invaluable resource for our state’s bioscience community. We thank him for his outstanding leadership on behalf of the biotechnology industry in Pennsylvania and throughout our country," said Pennsylvania Bio President & CEO Christopher Molineaux.
More than 300 biotechnology industry representatives from over 40 states, representing hundreds of thousands of American workers, will participate in hundreds of meetings with Members of the House and Senate during the BIO Legislative Day Fly-In. Participants will discuss issues critical to the biotechnology industry including, drug development, discovery and delivery reforms, targeting abuses of the U.S. patent system while protecting innovation, providing adequate reimbursement for vital therapies under Medicare, FDA funding, tax policy, support for science-based GMO food labeling solutions and capital formation issues relevant to biotechnology companies.
Photos of the award presentation are available upon request.