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Legislative Priorities

2021 Legislative Priorities
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Since 1994, the Iowa Biotechnology Association (IowaBio) has provided benefits and services to promote the interests and growth of the life sciences industries in Iowa. We are a non-profit, membership-based organization with a diversified membership including industry companies from all segments of biotechnology, universities & colleges, state & federal associations, as well as numerous service and support companies. Our Association seeks to promote the success and growth of biotech-based business in Iowa, ultimately securing our strong biotech economy while growing our business and increasing our influence nationally and around the globe. The following 2021 Legislative Priorities reflect these aims:

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Tax Credits and Tax Policy		IowaBio’s diverse members, from startups to international industry leaders, positively impact the Iowa economy and provide high-paying jobs to Iowa workers. To continue to provide a business climate where companies in these fast-growing industries can thrive, our members overwhelmingly support tax policy that is competitive, growth-oriented, simple/straightforward, permanent, predictable, certain, fair, and responsible. IowaBio will take a lead role in coalition and advocacy efforts to protect bioscience tax credit and economic development programs such as the research activities credit, the renewable biochemical tax credit, biofuels tax credits and angel investor credits. IowaBio also supports the Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Fund (RFIF).

PHARMACEUTICALS AND PUBLIC HEALTH

Drug Pricing, Vaccines, and Patient Access		IowaBio member companies are some of the top innovators in the pharmaceutical development space. They provide invaluable impact on patient health and quality of life, as well as cutting-edge Research and Development and the ability to draw in public and private investment to Iowa. IowaBio will closely evaluate any proposed legislation dealing with drug pricing and transparency. IowaBio supports increasing the utilization of immunizations to protect public health, and opposes additional exemptions to the Iowa law requiring childhood vaccinations. IowaBio will strive to be a resource to the legislature on Industry’s efforts on researching and developing innovative vaccines and treatments for COVID-19 and the pandemic, and on how the vaccine will be disseminated and its effectiveness and safety, once it is available for human use. IowaBio will support non-medical switching/continuity of care legislation, and support legislation expanding infant testing panels in accordance with federal recommendations.
BIOSCIENCE TALENT PIPELINE

STEM Education and Workforce Initiatives		Over the last 20 years, IowaBio has contributed nearly $195,000 in student scholarships, teacher stipends and travel expenses to encourage and support STEM education. Our individual member companies care deeply about a robust talent pipeline and a strong workforce, particularly in STEM fields. IowaBio will also support legislation that funds workforce attraction and retention programs such as Future Ready Iowa, STEM initiatives and appropriations, and Empower Rural Iowa programs.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

IP Rights and Innovation Protection		IowaBio will closely monitor any legislation affecting intellectual property rights, to ensure our member companies can continue to develop and protect their most important asset—their innovations.

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