The 439th Session of the Maryland General Assembly commenced at noon on January 9th. Following the November election, there are an unprecedented number of new legislators (approximately 40%). The first two weeks have focused on organizational meetings and orientation for the new legislators. We expect it to be a very active session, and the work is just beginning.
The Maryland Tech Council (MTC) is a collaborative community, actively engaged in building stronger life science and technology companies by supporting the efforts of our individual members who are protecting our national security and improving the quality of life through innovation. MTC has emerged as the region’s voice of over 460 innovative member companies to promote policy that creates a favorable business climate for industry companies to thrive and grow. MTC believes there is tremendous opportunity to foster an innovative environment for cutting edge life science and technology companies.
Our 2019 Policy Platform reflects the top priorities for spurring innovation and achieving our vision to position Maryland as a top-three innovation economy for the life science and technology communities. To that end, our legislative committee and coalition meets regularly to evaluate emerging policy issues, to update our priority agenda items and to develop an advocacy strategy promoting a positive business climate.
We support policies that are patient-centered, holistic and promote patient access to cures. This approach is also a proven job creator, helping to employ more than 34,000 Marylanders in good, high-paying jobs in the biotechnology field, with billions invested in the state annually. We will be paying close attention this legislative session and will oppose legislative proposals that could harm patient access to needed care by undermining competition, disrupting existing drug product availability or reducing investment in the innovation ecosystem in Maryland.
We will focus on targeted incentives that grow innovative companies, whether they are in early, middle or later stages of development. This also includes a focus on Maryland’s transportation infrastructure to alleviate traffic and improve aging highways, roads and bridges. It is important to cultivate a dynamic higher education system with a focus on STEM disciplines that trains a pipeline of workers needed to fill the jobs of today and tomorrow. A fair and predictable tax climate is critical to keep Maryland competitive and allow businesses every opportunity to succeed and create jobs.
We will influence and support legislation to keep Maryland a national leader in entrepreneurship and innovation. Together with our members and policymakers, we can find solutions to Maryland’s problems and help create an environment where innovative companies can grow and succeed.
