Legislative Priorities
2020 Legislative Priorities
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 2020 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-related tax credits 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 modernizing and extending the biofuels tax differential, and supports the Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program (RFIP). |
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| PHARMACEUTICALS | ||
| Drug Pricing, Patient Access, and Public Health | 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. Patients should have access to new medications and technologies developed by IowaBio members that prescribers believe would improve the health of patients. IowaBio will closely evaluate any proposed legislation dealing with drug pricing and transparency. IowaBio will support non-medical switching/continuity of care legislation, and support legislation expanding infant testing panels in accordance with federal recommendations. IowaBio supports increasing the utilization of immunizations to protect public health, and opposes additional exemptions to the Iowa law requiring childhood vaccinations. |
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| BIOSCIENCE TALENT PIPELINE | ||
| STEM Education and Workforce Initiatives | Over the last 20 years, IowaBio has contributed $185,000 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. |
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Downloadable Handouts
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