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GUEST COLUMN |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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CONTACT: Ruth
A. Myers |
State Rep. Chelsa Wagner State Rep. Matt Smith |
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To: Editorial page editors
From: State Representative Chelsa Wagner, D-Allegheny
State Representative Matt Smith, D-Allegheny
Subject: Jonas Salk Legacy Fund proposal
Please consider the following commentary for your Editorial/Op-Ed section. If you have any questions, please contact Ruth Myers at 717-787-7895 or by e-mail at rmyers@pahouse.net
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Investing in our economic future and promoting public health
Pittsburgh is perhaps best known for its steel mills and industrial-based economy -- providing the materials for railroads, bridges and buildings across the nation. Thanks to the work of a scientist who spent years conducting research in Pittsburgh, however, millions of people around the world were spared from suffering the pain of polio. It is in this spirit that we are excited to inform you about an initiative we believe will serve as a catalyst to spur our region's emerging biotech economy and improve and save the lives of millions of Pennsylvanians.
Dr. Jonas Salk's commitment to science and discovery inspired the Jonas Salk Legacy Fund (JLSF) -- a $500 million investment using a small portion of the Commonwealth's tobacco settlement fund to promote and expand Pennsylvania's strengths in biomedical research and development. Because each grant would be matched dollar-for-dollar by all applicants who are awarded funding, the total investment over the next two years will total $1 billion. Importantly, the $1 billion will be leveraged without a single tax and without an additional Commonwealth debt.
We are proud to be the two prime sponsors of the legislation that would create the JLSF. This is a ground-breaking proposal that would move Pennsylvania to the front of the line in the ultra-competitive biomedical research field, not only in the United States, but around the world. As a region, we have made the commitment to this 21st century-based economy and it is imperative that Western Pennsylvania has the resources to compete with both Cleveland and Beijing.
There are two main components to the JLSF: "brick and mortar" grants offered to universities, academic research institutions and hospitals to pay for the construction, renovation or expansion of biomedical research facilities and highly sought specialized laboratories; and "starter kits" to furnish or update facilities with the equipment needed to attract researchers.
The brick and mortar grants will lead to approximately 2.2 million square feet of new or redeveloped facilities. The recipients of such brick and mortar grants will be able to construct labs to conduct studies related to biochemistry, molecular biology and cell biology - to name just a few.
The starter kits are necessary to enable recipients to acquire specialized, high-tech equipment so they may recruit the world-class researchers necessary to drive this new economy.
This funding is more than just an investment in technology. The economic impact of the JSLF will ripple through our cities and across our Commonwealth. By bringing stable, well-paying jobs to Pennsylvania, the state will generate additional tax revenue. New jobs will be created in construction and the high-paying research-related and support-sector jobs that follow biomedical economic development. Indeed, it is estimated that 12,000 jobs with an average salary of $65,000 will be created and generate approximately $24 million in new state tax revenue. Further economic development is promoted via the JLSF by way of redirecting 2 percent of the tobacco fund each to the Health Venture Investment Account and the Life Science Greenhouses for early-stage startups.
Equally as important as the economic dividends it will pay, the JLSF will attract the best and brightest to world-class research facilities right here in Western Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth could very well be the site of new cures and prevention methods for devastating diseases like Alzheimer's, diabetes, Lou Gehrig's Disease, and all types of cancer. Penn State University, the University of Pittsburgh, Thomas Jefferson and UPMC have all endorsed the JSLF, and other research centers across the state are also considering endorsement as well.
By demonstrating that we have a firm commitment today to the future of biotechnology and related fields, we will make Pennsylvania a more attractive place for startup companies and existing companies looking to expand or relocate operations. These companies will drive our economy in the future.
In 2005, Pennsylvania's national ranking was fifth in terms of state National Institute of Health funding - down from fourth in 2003. If we want to rise, we must make these investments now. At least 40 other states have identified bioscience and life sciences as targeted areas for investment and growth. This investment will catalyze this emerging industry in Western Pennsylvania. We cannot afford, from both an economic and health standpoint, to follow the crowd. We lead by example, with Dr. Salk's legacy as our guide.
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