Press Release
GA Gubernatorial Candidates Respond to Bioscience Questions
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Posted: Tuesday, June 08, 2010
Atlanta, Ga. (June 8, 2010) – In advance of the July 20 gubernatorial primary elections, Georgia Bio asked the seven Democratic and seven Republican candidates to submit written answers to three questions of critical significance to Georgia’s life sciences industry and the state’s future.
“Georgia’s life sciences industry is an essential driver of our state’s economy and the health and well-being of all Georgians,” Georgia Bio President Charles Craig said. “It includes a rich mix of pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, diagnostics, agribusiness and biofuels companies, along with related university research, that have a $17.3 billion annual economic impact and are responsible for more than 62,000 jobs.
“However, to be competitive with other states and nations in attracting life sciences industry development, GaBio believes our next governor should have a vision of government’s role in supporting industry growth, from nurturing start-ups in university incubators to fostering a positive environment of innovation that welcomes 21st century bioscience companies and their high-paying jobs.”
The three questions are:
-- What is the role of state government in supporting life sciences economic development?
-- How can Georgia ensure that its students will be able to compete for 21st century advanced technology jobs and that our state will have the skilled work force to support life sciences industry growth?
-- What, if anything, is the most critical need for Georgians when it comes to health care reform?
The following candidates submitted answers: from the Democratic Party, Attorney General Thurbert Baker, former Governor Roy Barnes, Bill Bolton, Mayor Carl Camon and General David Poythress; and from the Republican Party, former Congressman Nathan Deal, former State Senator Eric Johnson and Otis Putnam. Click here to view the answers.
Those candidates who have not responded can still send answers. Those not yet responding are: from the Democratic Party, State Rep. Randal Mangham and State Rep. Dubose Porter; and from the Republican Party, State Sen. Jeff Chapman, former Secretary of State Karen Handel, Ray McBerry, and Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine.
Georgia Bio (www.gabio.org) is the non-profit association representing pharmaceutical, biotech, medical device and diagnostic companies, healthcare systems, universities, research institutes and other organizations involved in the research and development of life sciences products that improve the health and well-being of people, animals and the environment.