|
What’s Inside: Our 2023 Public Policy Recap Report; NIH Funding Infographics; California’s Budget Deficit Plan; UCLA’s New Research Center; Court Ruling on Natural Gas; and more.
|
|
2023 Public Policy Recap Report
Throughout 2023, our dedicated team of policy experts collectively made many regulatory and legislative efforts focusing on policy that was most important for our members. This recap report highlights last year’s priorities and our advocacy efforts across the state at all levels of government.
|
|
|
|
|
Happy New Year From the Biocom California Policy Team
|
|
|
|
|
Congress Announces Budget Deal
On January 7, leaders of the House and Senate announced an agreement on a $1.59 trillion budget deal to stave off a government shutdown, but there is a long way to go. The bill includes around $770 billion in non-defense spending and does not include supplemental funding for other Washington priorities. Instead, it allows appropriators to negotiate the 12 spending bills. However, the measure will need to be voted on by both chambers once completed, and another continuing resolution until March is expected while Congress works out the details.
|
Biocom California Publishes NIH Funding Numbers
California received over $5.3 billion in NIH funding in Fiscal Year 2023. The San Diego region received $1.1 billion, the Los Angeles region received $1.6 billion, and the Bay Area received $2.4 billion in NIH awards.
|
FDA Expands In-Person Face-to-Face Meeting Types
Beginning January 22, FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research and Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research will expand in-person face-to-face industry meetings to include all PDUFA, BsUFA, and OMUFA meeting types.
|
New FDA Medical Device Sterilization Town Halls
On January 10, FDA held the first of five town hall meetings to discuss the current sterilization landscape for medical devices, including ethylene oxide and other sterilization modalities. Additional town halls to discuss this topic will be held on January 26, February 7, February 29, and March 21.
|
Biocom California Unveils New R&D Amortization One-Pager
Research and development amortization has been a critical issue for the innovation economy since the recent implementation of provisions that dramatically limit the amount companies doing innovative R&D can deduct from their taxes. Biocom California has been working to reverse this detrimental policy that slows research, stifles innovation, and threatens U.S. global competitiveness. View our comprehensive R&D Amortization one-pager here.
|
|
Governor Outlines Plan to Cover State Budget Deficit
Last week, Gov. Gavin Newsom released his proposed state budget. Although acknowledging a significant state budget deficit, the Administration is projecting a shortfall ($38 billion) that is significantly lower than the Legislative Analyst’s Office’s estimate ($68 billion) in putting forward a budget of $291.5 billion. A more accurate number will be known in May, when the Governor and Legislature reconcile estimates with actual state tax receipts.
|
GO-Biz Now Accepting Applications for $164M in Tax Credits
The California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC) is an income tax credit available to businesses that want to grow in California. Biocom California was a key partner in creating this program and many life science companies have been successful in receiving a tax credit. Applications are due by Monday, January 22, at 11:59 p.m. PDT and application assistance is available.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Greater Los Angeles
|
UCLA’s New Research Center Could Boost Biotech in LA
University of California, Los Angeles recently announced the purchase of a former mall for the purpose of establishing a new biotech hub. The property will be home to two research organizations: the UCLA Center for Quantum Science and Engineering and the newly created California Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy at UCLA. The $700 million deal, $500 million of which was funded by the state of California, has the potential to attract more research and life science companies to the region.
|
LA City Council Resumes Meetings
Following winter recess, the Los Angeles City Council is returning to discuss issues around homelessness and housing. Council members are scheduled to discuss a proposed lease extension for interim housing and review two reports regarding affordability and homelessness.
|
Inglewood Receiving $1 Billion for Transit Connector
More than $1 billion in federal funding will be given to support the Inglewood Transit Connector Project, covering 50% of the anticipated cost. The project is intended to address a transportation gap between the Metro and popular tourism, housing, and commercial destinations.
|
|
|
|
San Diego
|
San Diego County Board of Supervisors Votes on Leadership
At their first meeting of the year, the Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to re-elect Nora Vargas chair of board. This came as the county’s longtime chief administrative officer, Helen Robbins-Meyer, officially departed from her role. The board unanimously approved Sarah Aghassi as the temporary CAO until a permanent successor has been appointed.
|
Mayor Todd Gloria Delivers State of the City
In his fourth annual address, Mayor Todd Gloria spoke on the biggest issues facing San Diego including public safety, homelessness, affordable housing, infrastructure and more. He highlighted the progress that has been made since he assumed office and work that is ongoing.
|
San Diego City Council New Committee Assignments
City Council committee assignments for the year were announced by Council President Sean Elo-Rivera with members receiving between three to five assignments. Councilmember Kent Lee from District 6 will chair the Budget and Government Efficiency Committee and the Land Use and Housing Committee.
|
|
|
|
Bay Area
|
Court Rules Berkeley Cannot Enforce Ban on Natural Gas
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit denied Berkeley’s petition for the court to re-hear the case after the ban on natural gas pipes in new construction was ruled illegal last year. The ruling will become final unless the U.S. Supreme Court agrees to review it.
|
San Mateo County Board of Supervisors’ New President
District Four County Supervisor Warren Slocum is the 2024 president of the San Mateo Board of Supervisors, his third presidency since assuming office in 2013 and his last due to term limits. He has set a vision of evaluation and change for the year. District 5 Supervisor David Canepa was selected as vice president.
|
James Coleman Sworn in As New South San Francisco Mayor
South San Francisco has sworn in James Coleman, the youngest and first openly LGBTQ+ person to serve as mayor. Biocom California looks forward to working with Mayor Coleman and the city council to continue supporting the life science industry in the area.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Upcoming Committee Meetings and Events
|
|
|
|
Biocom California Advocacy
Biocom California is the largest, most experienced leader and advocate for California’s life science sector. Our public policy staff is strategically located in the Bay Area, Los Angeles, San Diego, Sacramento and Washington, D.C. We work with all levels of federal, state, and local governments to collectively pursue outcomes that benefit regional life science growth and contribute to a more innovation-friendly state. With over 28 years of experience, Biocom California works on behalf of more than {{{dynamic_content_1600}}} member companies statewide.
|
|
|
