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Federal Directives Affecting Industry; Lawmakers Weigh PBM Reform Proposals; The Redwood LIFE Precise Plan; Meet February’s Policy Champions; and more.
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Biocom California Engages on Federal Directives Affecting Industry
“The far-reaching and conflicting nature of recently issued directives affecting a wide range of federal agencies and programs is driving uncertainty and concern within California’s innovation ecosystem. Biocom California is striving to ensure our companies and universities continue to have access to crucial federal programs and is actively communicating with high-level officials about policy changes that may negatively impact the life science community’s ability to conduct research and develop life-saving innovative medicines, diagnostics and devices,” said Tim Scott, Biocom California’s president & CEO. Biocom California members can share the impact of the various federal directives related to grant funding and industry communications, among others, with Laure Clark.
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Advocating for Our Members
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Federal ► Biocom California Hosts Meet & Greets with Freshman Representatives and Members
- Our Senior Director of Federal Policy & Government Affairs, Laure Clark, hosted four industry roundtables in our Washington, D.C. office with California freshmen Representatives Adam Gray (D-13), Luz Rivas (D-29), Laura Friedman (D-30), and Dave Min (D-47).
- In the coming weeks, Laure will stay busy co-hosting meet & greets for the remainder of the California freshmen: Reps. Lateefah Simon (D-12), Sam Liccardo (D-16), George Whitesides (D-27), Derek Tran (D-45), and Gil Cisneros (D-31). Contact Laure for details.
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State ► Top California Democrats Clash Over How to Rein in Pharmacy Benefit Managers
- Lawmakers are weighing proposals that would impose new transparency requirements and restrictions on pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), aiming to curb the influence of middlemen in the drug supply chain.
- The bill would require PBM licensing and passing along 100% of the rebates they get from drug companies.
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San Diego ► City Council Seeks Restrictions on San Diego’s ADU Bonus Program
- San Diego City Council directed staff to develop a plan to restrict accessory dwelling units (ADUs), which are currently limited to up to four units and 1,200 square feet. The city’s landmark 2020 ADU policy has been nationally recognized for addressing the lack of medium-density developments that can provide middle-income housing options. City staff has 60 days to return to council with a proposal.
- Middle-income housing has been a priority for Biocom California in our efforts to advocate for housing options for life science employees.
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Bay Area ► Biocom California Presents at Community Meeting for Redwood LIFE Precise Plan
- Biocom California joined Redwood City’s Economic Development Manager and two inspectors from San Mateo County Environmental Health on February 6 for a community meeting on the Redwood LIFE Precise Plan.
- Our Bay Area Executive Director and local policy team presented on what the life sciences are, how Redwood City fits into the greater life science ecosystem, our policy priorities and held a Q&A for community members.
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- To aid in the financial recovery of small businesses and displaced workers affected by the wildfires, the City of LA, in collaboration with LA County DEO, have launched the LA Region Small Business and Worker Relief Funds.
- Additionally, impacted businesses are invited to join the city’s Economic and Workforce Development Department webinars where government agencies across the region are providing information, guidance and resources to support businesses.
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Federal:
- Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. was confirmed by the U.S. Senate 52-48 as the next Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) was the only Republican opposing the nomination, along with all Democrats.
- Biocom California is monitoring current and upcoming tariffs on imports from China, Mexico and Canada and engaging with members on their company’s impact.
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State:
- Our Sacramento office has been busy hosting 12 meet & greets with freshmen legislators over the last few weeks. Claire Conlon, our Senior Director of State Government Affairs, will be hosting more in the coming weeks; reach out to learn more.
- Efforts of Sacramento rare disease advocate credited in announcement of clinical trial.
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Receive more policy news specific to your region by subscribing to our weekly Bay Area, San Diego or Greater Los Angeles newsletters.
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Upcoming Committee Meetings and Events
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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 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 29 years of experience, Biocom California works on behalf of more than {{{dynamic_content_1600}}} member companies statewide.
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