Advocating for policies that grow our state’s bioscience industry.

In this fast-moving industry, BioCT keeps policy makers and influencers abreast of the latest developments and changing needs of the bioscience community.

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.

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 new 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

Government Affairs Committee

The Government Affairs Committee is comprised of BioCT board members, industry executives and business advisors including the government relations firm of Rome, Smith, Lutz & Kowalski, which has deep expertise in matters impacting our industry.

Jodie Gillon
President & CEO,
BioCT 

Joni Arvai
Senior Manager, State Government Affairs,
Bristol Myers Squibb

Kathy Andrews Bilotas
Director of State Government Affairs,
Eli Lilly

Bill Claffey
Partner, Tax Services,
Fiondella, Milone & LaSaracina

Sean Cassidy
Chief Financial Officer
Arvinas

Jennifer Herz
State Government Affairs, Regional Director,
Boehringer Ingelheim

Jillian Jackson
Associate Director of State Relations,
Yale University

Kathryn Lavriha
Director, State Government Relations,
Sanofi

Katherine Lutz
Partner,
Rome, Smith, Lutz & Kowalski

Matthew O’Donnell
Senior Director, State Government Affairs,
Alexion

Joseph Oros
Regional Director, State Government Affairs,
AbbVie

Sandra Catherine Riberio
Director, State Government Relations
GlaxoSmithKline

Marie DeSanto Schweitzer
Director, Government Relations for Health Affairs
University of Connecticut

Dmitri Siegel
Director, Alliance Development
Bristol Myers Squibb

Christopher Smith
Vice President,
Rome, Smith, Lutz & Kowalski

Karla White
State Government Affairs Manager, East Coast,
CSL Behring

Testimony and Issues of Interest  (recent posts)

testimonyon 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.

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BioCT Legislative agenda

January 24, 2023

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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2021 Legislative End of Session Report

July 14, 2021

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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.

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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.

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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.

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