Senator Annette Dubas introduced Legislative Bill 246 to develop a statewide strategic plan for biotechnology. On May 27, the bill was signed by Gov. Dave Heineman.
“Biotechnology helps to feed, fuel, heal the world and impacts our daily lives,” said Amy Recker, executive director of Bio Nebraska Life Sciences Association. “In addition, the industry provides employment opportunities in diverse organizations with typically higher-than-average wages.”
The legislature defines biotechnology as “a technological application that uses biological systems, living organism or derivatives of biological systems … to make or modify products or processes for specific use.”
“LB 246 would provide an assessment of our state’s strengths in the biosciences and establish a strategic plan to capitalize on these strengths,” said Recker. “A strategic plan would help to guide the utilization of resources and help to grow the industry.”
“The Legislature recognizes the importance of biotechnology and the role that biotechnology plays in the economic well-being of the state of Nebraska,” stated the final reading of LB 246. “The Natural Resources Committee of the Legislature shall be responsible for the development of a statewide strategic plan for biotechnology in Nebraska.”
The Natural Resources Committee will tackle developing a plan to generate research, testing and production of biotechnology.
“Bio Nebraska is the champion for biotechnology in our state,” Recker said. “We are the state’s affiliate to the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) and have access to data and resources through this relationship. We build bridges between industry, academia and government to grow the life sciences in Nebraska. In partnership with our member organizations, we host networking and educational meetings, and we lead a state delegation to the BIO Convention, the world’s largest convention dedicated to biotechnology.”
