Our mission is to provide education and advocacy for Connecticut’s bioscience and life science communities at the policy level and ensure synergy of action and alignment of state and federal initiatives that have a significant impact on our members.
BioCT’s 2024 Legislative Agenda
BioCT works to ensure Connecticut remains economically competitive for life sciences industries and jobs.
Advocacy At the State Level
BioCT’s advocacy wins at the state level include:
- A $100 million-10-year stem cell research program, the first of its kind
- 6% tax credit for continuing research and development
- 20% tax credit for incremental increase in research and development
- 65-cents-on-the-dollar refundable R&D tax credit
- Biopharma sales and use tax exemption
- 20 year net operating loss carry-forward period
- Bioscience Innovation Act, a $200 million fund for start-ups and entrepreneurs
- $1.5 billion Next Generation Connecticut legislation for strengthening STEM education
Advocacy at the Federal Level
Federal advocacy focuses on the continuing robustness of these agencies:
Testimony and Issues of Interest
testimony on Bill 5014 – an act concerning the cap on research and development tax credits
February 27, 2023
BioCT respectfully requests that the committee amend the bill to: (1) increase the cash exchange rate for biotechnology companies from 65 percent to 100 percent; (2) increase the R&D tax credit rate from 70 percent to 100 percent for biotechnology businesses;
and (3) expand the R&D tax credit to include biotechnology S Corporations and LLCs.
2023 BioCT Legislative agenda
January 24, 2023
HB 5488, An Act Concerning A Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit for Pass-Through Entities
March 25, 2022
We support the bill and respectfully ask for a modification of the existing language to expand the refund exchange from the current level of 65% to 90% as well as increase the current credit percentage from 70% to 90% for the biotech industry.
Fix Connecticut prescription costs in ways that help people directly
March 22, 2022
Rarely in our history has the power of science and innovation to keep our communities safe and healthy been in such clear focus.
statement in opposition to senate bill 260
March 8, 2022
We respectfully opposes SB 260, creation of a Prescription Drug Affordability Board, tasked with reviewing prescription drug costs and setting upper payment limits for specified prescription drugs.
Testimony in Favor of Raised House Bill 5260 Public Health Committee An Act Establishing a Rare Disease Council
March 9, 2022
BioCT and our members are very supportive in passing this bill.
Testimony in Opposition to Bill SB 13- An Act Reducing Prescription Drug
Prices – Oppose
March 1, 2022
We recommend Connecticut be on the cutting edge and take a holistic approach to drug pricing that truly reduces patient out of pocket costs, while also supporting the entire bio/pharma industry and encourages continued innovation.
2021 Legislative End of Session Report
July 14, 2021
The Connecticut biopharmaceutical community opposes HB 6447. This bill does not address medicine affordability in a practical and effective way and would undermine biomedical research and development innovation.
May 12, 2021
We believe the legislation, though well-intentioned, is flawed on at least five fronts.
BioCT encourages the Biden Administration to work WITH the pharmaceutical industry, NOT set harmful precedents.
May 8, 2021
In the recent letter to President Biden from BIO’s President & CEO, Dr. Michelle McMurry-Heath, BIO suggests the establishment of a COVID Global Strategy for Harnessing Access Reaching Everyone (SHARE) Program, to be implemented immediately.
Senate Bill 1099- AN ACT AUTHORIZING BONDS OF THE STATE FOR A RESEARCH FACULTY RECRUITMENT AND HIRING PROGRAM BY THE UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT TO ENCOURAGE THE CREATION OF NEW BUSINESS VENTURES-SUPPORT
April 20, 2021
On behalf of BIO, BioCT and our Board of Directors, as shown, we are writing in support of SB 1099, An Act Authorizing Bonds of the State for a Research Faculty Recruitment and Hiring Program by the University of Connecticut To Encourage the Creation of New Business Venture.
STATEMENT ON GOVERNOR LAMONT’S BUDGET PROPOSAL TO IMPOSE PRICE CONTROLS ON PHARMACEUTICAL INNOVATIONS
February 10, 2021
Imposing arbitrary mandates on biopharmaceutical innovation can dry up investment into early stage companies who are innovators in the development of health solutions, and potentially risk lives.
LETTER TO GOVERNOR LAMONT REGARDING ESSENTIAL WORKER STATUS FOR CONNECTICUT’S BIOTECHNOLOGY PERSONNEL
January 5, 2021
Those workers involved in research, development and manufacturing of biopharmaceuticals and agricultural biotechnology products should be included in Phase 1B of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) framework.
Life Sciences Association Letter Against Invoking the March-In Clause of the Bayh/Dole Act & The Importance of Protecting Innovation
August 21, 2020
BioCT, along with state and regional associations, co-signed a multi-state life sciences association letter to HHS Secretary Alex Azar expressing our strong concern with invoking the March-In clause of the Bayh Dole Act.
Life Sciences Association Letter Opposing International Reference Pricing
October 17, 2019
BioCT, along with 42 state and regional associations, co-signed a multi-state life sciences association letter to House and Senate Leadership, expressing our strong concerns with recent legislative proposals that threaten to undermine America’s global leadership in biomedical innovation by introducing foreign reference pricing or price controls.
2019 Legislative Session
February 4, 2019
Democrats in the Connecticut General Assembly announced joint priorities for the 2019 legislative session. The legislative package focuses on establishing a paid family and medical leave program, raising the minimum wage, investing in job training and the state’s workforce pipeline, supporting small businesses, making prescription drugs more affordable, creating a Green New Deal for Connecticut and increasing access to the ballot box.
Legislature’s Bioscience Caucus, Industry Partners Announce Strategic Plan
January 31, 2019
January 30th, the co-Chairs of the Legislature’s Bioscience Caucus met with their main industry counterpart, BioCT, to discuss the strategic plan developed since the last legislative session, and announce specific goals for the coming session. Alongside co-Chairs State Senator Tony Hwang (R-28), State Senator Christine Cohen (D-12), State Rep. Stephen Harding (R-107), and Rep. Jonathan Steinberg (D-136) was BioCT President & CEO Dawn Hocevar and Dr. Mark Adams, Director of Microbial Genomic Services at Jackson Labs.
2018 Legislative Session Report
February 7, 2018
We are happy to provide you with the 2018 End of Session Report. The Connecticut General Assembly adjourned sine die after making adjustments to close the projected $265 million deficit in fiscal year 2019 in a bipartisan agreement. Additionally, conversations continue as to whether the General Assembly will return for a special session to address sports wagering as a result of the recent Supreme Court case striking down a 26-year federal law that barred all but four states from that practice.
An Act Concerning a Study of the Bioscience Industry
March 9, 2017
For the foregoing reasons, BioCT urges this Committee to progress S.B. No. 960. It is important for the State to conduct the study, particularly if it is to remain competitive in biotechnology. The Bill is therefore in the best interest of the State’s biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, and for developing new and innovative medicines and therapies for our people.
An Act Concerning the Development of Evaluative Metrics for Bioscience Investments in the State
March 9, 2017
For the foregoing reasons, BioCT urges this Committee to progress S.B. No. 962. It is important to pursue the development of evaluative metrics for bioscience investments in the Connecticut, particularly if it is to remain competitive in biotechnology. The Bill is therefore in the best interest of the State’s biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, and for developing new and innovative medicines and therapies for our people.
The Importance of Sustained Support for Bioscience in Connecticut
January 23, 2017
The bioscience industry represents a significant share of the State economy and has potential for substantial growth in the coming decade. We hope that the General Assembly will sustain that commitment to growing the bioscience industry through support for research and tax incentives, particularly in view of the current economic climate and the budgetary challenges facing the state.
An Act Concerning Biological Products
March 8, 2016
For the foregoing reasons, CURE urges this Committee to progress S.B. No. 313. It is in the best interest of patients, the State’s biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, and the public at large. The legislation will update Connecticut’s Pharmacy Practice Act to establish a clear substitution process for FDA approved interchangeable biological medicines. Patients here in Connecticut will thereby be provided treatment options, which have already been addressed through legislation in many other states, which would otherwise not be available to them here in this State.
An Act Concerning the Right to Try Experimental Drugs
February 24, 2016
For the foregoing reasons, H.B. No. 5270 is not in the best interest of critically ill patients, the State’s thriving biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, and the public at large. While this legislation is well-intended, it neglects to consider serious challenges associated with providing access to experimental medicines.
Seeing Through Drug Pricing ‘Transparency’ Legislation
Legislative “transparency” initiatives typically describe efforts to give consumers information they can use to make informed decisions. But drug pricing transparency bills are not that kind of legislation. Here, “transparency” refers to the government’s effort to force drug manufacturers to disclose proprietary and competitively sensitive business information in an attempt to coerce companies into restricting the price of their products to artificial, government-set thresholds.
Your Comprehensive Guide to the Drug Cost Ecosystem
The Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) today launched DrugCostFacts.org, a new interactive web tool designed to help healthcare stakeholders gain a better understanding of the true facts surrounding drug costs, spending and value.