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Billion-dollar life sciences bill passes Senate; governor to sign Monday

E-Mail|Link|Comments () June 12, 2008 03:26 PM

By Globe Staff

A bill designed to spur development in the state's life sciences industry has been approved by the state Senate and is now headed to the governor's desk.

The $1 billion bill was enacted by the Senate this afternoon by a vote of 31 to 7. The bill, a cornerstone of Governor Deval Patrick's agenda, had been enacted Wednesday by the House.

The governor expects to sign the bill Monday, said his spokeswoman, Becky Deusser. Lawmakers are hoping to trumpet the legislation at an international biotechnology conference next week in San Diego.

Proponents of the bill said today in Senate debate that the bill would boost the state's economy while developing life-saving treatments.

"This isn't just for one industry. This will have an enormous impact over a longer run," said Senator Harriette Chandler, a Worcester Democrat. She said the bill would also have an "absolutely revolutionary" impact on healthcare.

Senate minority leader Richard Tisei told members that the bill was an example of "pork barrel spending.

"I just remind you that it's the taxpayers that are paying. ... It's taxpayers' money, it doesn't grow on trees," he said.