Bi-Partisan Coalition Launches “Life Science Caucus” in the Delaware General Assembly

– Bi-Partisan Coalition Launches “Life Science Caucus” in the Delaware General Assembly –

Legislators form working group to focus on state’s thriving bioscience sector

Dover – (May 4, 2021) A bi-partisan group of state legislators today announced the formation of the Delaware General Assembly’s new Life Science Caucus, launched to engage with and support Delaware’s thriving bioscience sector.

The caucus will serve as a key forum for exchanging information on innovative bioscience research and important business development across the state’s life science research community with the goal of informing policies and programs to catalyze growth of the sector in Delaware.

The Life Science Caucus’ first virtual meeting will be held on Monday, May 10th at 11:00 a.m. Please register in advance for the ZOOM meeting by clicking here: https://tinyurl.com/3dsrepv3. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

More than 8,000 people are employed in the state’s life or bioscience industry, working across hundreds of different establishments of every size with an average wage of $114,000. The sector accounts for millions of dollars in investment and research grants, including $52 million in NIH grants in 2019, another $70 million in academic R&D investment annually, and nearly $300 million in venture capital investments over a three-year period.

“Delaware is fortunate to have such a dynamic and growing bioscience community,” said Rep. Mike Smith (R-Pike Creek Valley), one of the new caucus founders and co-chair of the group. “It is essential that legislators and policymakers understand the array of companies and researchers and their innovative work so that we can develop policies that ensure their continued success.”

"As we have seen during the past year, the bioscience industry plays a critical role in our lives. But more than public health, the bioscience industry contributes significantly to Delaware's economic health," said Rep. Krista Griffith (D-Fairfax/Hockessin), co-chair of the Life Science Caucus. "With thousands of residents working in this growing field, it's my hope that this new legislative group will educate and advocate for policies to facilitate a strong industry for years to come. Personally, I want to focus on expanding opportunities in the biosciences for women and minorities and explore ways to partner with our colleges to train the next generation of workers in a rewarding and valuable field."

“The biosciences are so critical from both a public health and economic standpoint for our state and the world,” said Rep. Smith. “This caucus will be an important platform for listening, learning, and sharing information on the science, technology, and investment so vital to the state’s future.”

The caucus will meet on a regular basis throughout the 151st General Assembly, serving as a forum for presentations from leading academic and private research organizations and businesses on topics ranging from scientific advances (e.g. gene editing, biopharmaceutical manufacturing, etc.) to issues such as nurturing an entrepreneurial environment for start-up science companies and ensuring a strong, diverse STEM talent pipeline and workforce development strategies.

“Companies and researchers across the state have played a key role in combatting the global COVID-19 pandemic through development of vaccines, diagnostics, and production of essential protective equipment,” said Michael Fleming, president of the Delaware BioScience Association. “Delaware researchers are on the cutting edge of gene editing technology and pediatric medical advances. The state has a rare opportunity to ensure and accelerate the continued growth of the biosciences here, making Delaware a magnet for investment, life-saving innovation, and job growth – and this new caucus will be a critical vehicle for making that happen.”

“This will be a unique, effective opportunity to facilitate ongoing engagement between academic, industry, and government leaders,” said Rep. Smith.

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Contacts:
Stephanie Becker, House of Representatives, 302-584-6304
Stephanie.Becker@delaware.gov

Michael Fleming, Delaware BioScience Association, 302-463-7873
Michael.Fleming@delawarebio.org