Statement from MassBio CEO and President Kendalle Burlin O’Connell on the end of the legislative session:
“MassBio is disheartened that the next iteration of the Life Sciences Initiative could not make it across the finish line this year. We remain grateful to House leadership and the Healey-Driscoll Administration for their steadfast support of the Life Sciences Initiative and a key industry driving the economy in Massachusetts and continue to be disappointed with the Senate and its prolonged inability to embrace the value that this industry has for the Commonwealth and patients.
“Through its 15 years, The Mass Life Sciences Center has been a glowing example of a public-private partnership and was the catalyst for Massachusetts establishing itself as the global leader for the life sciences industry. Its programs have created tens of thousands of jobs, laid the infrastructure for continued innovation and growth, and funded the training of students across the Commonwealth. Another reauthorization this year would have reaffirmed the Commonwealth’s commitment and allowed us to lengthen our lead by supporting an industry that is crucial both to the economy here at home and to innumerable patients benefiting from innovative therapies worldwide.
“We look forward to continuing to work with our partners in the legislature and the Healey-Driscoll Administration to secure and promote the life sciences cluster in Massachusetts, however possible, especially as other states begin to follow our example.”