House to debate $1 billion life sciences bill

By Globe Staff

The Legislature is expected today to debate a $1 billion bill to fund life sciences, a plan first proposed 10 months ago by Governor Deval Patrick.

Earlier this month, House Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi unveiled his own version of the 10-year plan.

While DiMasi's proposal to boost the biotechnology and medical-device industry differs in some key respects from the one Patrick proposed last year, it does incorporate the major elements of the governor's initiative to build on the state's reputation as a national hub for scientific research.

Patrick first introduced the life-sciences measure in May 2007, and with DiMasi and Senate President Therese Murray smiling at his side, it appeared it would be quickly passed. But the governor did not file the bill until July, the House did not assign it to a committee until the end of summer, and there were disagreements over how the money should be distributed.

If the bill passes, it could be a major victory for Patrick.

The debate, which was set to begin in the House at 1 p.m., can be watched live here.

• Comment
• Permalink
• Email