Policy

Advocacy Alert

Fund LD 1643 – Maine’s Life Science Innovation Center

On May 1, the Maine State Legislature’s Joint Standing Committee on Housing and Economic Development unanimously advanced LD 1643, a bipartisan bill to establish the Maine Life Science Innovation Center. This Center would serve as a statewide hub to accelerate economic development in one of Maine’s most promising sectors—life sciences—where health, natural resources, and innovation converge.

Next Steps: Final Votes, Then Funding

Given the unanimous support in committee, LD 1643 is expected to be approved by the full House and Senate. Once passed, the bill will move to the Joint Standing Committee on Appropriations and Financial Affairs (AFA), which must decide whether to allocate the $3 million proposed by Governor Mills to launch the Center.

With legislative passage likely, our advocacy must now focus on the AFA Committee and legislative leadership to ensure the Center is funded in the final budget. This is where your voice can make the difference.

How You Can Help – ASAP

Please take these three quick steps to make your voice heard:

1. Email AFA Committee Members: Use the sample email below. Personalize if you can, your connection to Maine and this sector matters!
2. Call AFA Committee and State Legislative Leaders: See the sample call script provided.
3. Call Your Local State Legislators: Urge them to talk to leadership and AFA Committee members in support of LD 1643.
4. See sample email and phone call scripts
5. See list of AFA Committee Members and Senate and House Leadership

BioME will also be contacting each AFA Committee member and legislative leader with background materials including a letter, one-pager, FAQ document, and a recent MaineBiz article. Your voice adds the grassroots power needed to secure funding.

Contact

For more information, contact Dana O’Brien at [email protected] or Agnieszka Carpenter at [email protected].

Advocacy Update

LD 1643 Advances with Strong Bipartisan Support

On May 1, the Maine State Legislature’s Joint Standing Committee on Housing and Economic Development unanimously approved LD 1643, a bill to establish the Maine Life Science Innovation Center. The vote was bipartisan and broad-based, with support from lawmakers across the state, a clear signal that Maine’s leaders understand the value of accelerating life science economic development.

The Center would provide a unified strategy to coordinate workforce development, support startup growth, attract investment, and strengthen R&D across health, agriculture, marine innovation, and more. A central organizing entity ensures Maine can compete for limited federal and philanthropic funding, which increasingly favors states with purpose-built strategies and metrics-driven impact.

We are grateful to the committee leadership and members for their thoughtful consideration of this bill, and to Senator Teresa Pierce (Cumberland) for her continued leadership as the bill’s sponsor. We look forward to full Senate and House consideration and continued work with the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee to secure funding for the Center this year.

BioME Legislative Webinar Featuring a Maine Life Sciences Panel

On May 1, BioME hosted a webinar featuring a panel discussion focused on the proposed formation of the Maine Life Sciences Innovation Center. Panelists shared their perspectives on the significance of the Center, the opportunities it presents for Maine-based companies and research institutions, and how it can strengthen our state’s economy for years to come. Panelists included Dr. Aileen Huang-Saad (The Roux Institute), Owen McCarthy (MedRhythms), Sarah Delmar (Delmar Group), and Jeri Bowers (MDI Biological Laboratory). Thank you to all who joined and contributed to the conversation. View the webinar recording here.

Senator Collins Champions Science in Washington

On April 30, U.S. Senator Susan Collins, chair of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee, led a hearing focused on preserving America’s global leadership in biomedical research. She warned that proposed federal cuts to research funding would not only harm public health and economic competitiveness but also pose a national security risk by allowing adversaries like China to outpace the U.S. in scientific innovation.

Dr. Hermann Haller, President of MDI Biological Laboratory, testified at the hearing, providing a powerful example of how Maine-based research institutions are making global contributions and creating jobs here at home. The hearing highlighted how federal funding supports research across Maine in areas ranging from cancer to aging to regenerative medicine, with impacts that ripple through universities, hospitals, startups, and rural communities.

Senator Collins has long been a champion of NIH, NSF, NOAA, and USDA research funding, all of which are vital to Maine’s life sciences sector. Her continued leadership reinforces how deeply federal science investments matter to our state’s economy and innovation future.

A Unique Moment for Maine

With strong support from our federal delegation and new momentum at the state level through LD 1643, Maine is poised to align its strategy, secure investment, and lead in the next generation of science-driven economic development. This is a defining opportunity to connect the dots and drive forward together.

Contact

For more information, contact Dana O’Brien at [email protected] or Agnieszka Carpenter at [email protected].

Advocacy Update

Over the past two weeks, the Bioscience Association of Maine (BioME) has made major strides advancing key legislative priorities that are critical to Maine’s life sciences growth.

Stakeholder Webinar Highlights Policy Progress

On April 18, BioME hosted a stakeholder webinar updating allies on our policy priorities. We provided a preview of LD 1643, An Act to Establish the Maine Life Science Innovation Center and outlined the path ahead. Thank you to all who joined and contributed to the conversation.

View the webinar recording here.

LD 1643 Advances in the Legislature

On April 24, the Maine Legislature’s Joint Standing Committee on Housing and Economic Development conducted a public hearing on LD 1643. The bipartisan bill, which proposes the creation of a lean, action-driven Life Science Innovation Center, drew strong support from stakeholders across Maine.

Key Highlights:

Bill sponsor Senator Teresa Pierce, D-Cumberland, delivered a strong opening statement that resonated with committee members. Supportive testimony came from a cross-section of Maine’s leading research institutions, startups, and economic development organizations, including:

• Bioscience Association of Maine
• The Roux Institute at Northeastern University
• Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences
• The Jackson Laboratory
• MDI Biological Laboratory
• Primagene Therapeutics
• HamFord Ventures
• BBI Solutions
• Maine Discovery Museum
• Maine Center for Entrepreneurs
• FocusMaine

The Maine Department of Economic and Community Development also testified, offering encouraging remarks. Read Commissioner Michael Duguay’s testimony here.

BioME submitted testimony in strong support and helped organize stakeholders to testify, demonstrating the momentum and readiness of Maine’s life sciences community.

A work session on LD 1643 is expected to take place as soon as May 1.

Spotlight: Senator Teresa Pierce – Champion for Maine’s Innovation Economy

We are proud to recognize Senator Teresa Pierce of Cumberland as a leading champion for Maine’s innovation-driven future.

As the Senate Majority Leader, Senator Pierce is helping shape a forward-looking economic vision for the state, one that prioritizes innovation, research, and opportunity across all regions of Maine. She is the lead sponsor of LD 1643, legislation to establish the Maine Life Science Innovation Center, and LD 506, a $50 million research and development bond to strengthen Maine’s innovation infrastructure.

Senator Pierce understands that a strong future economy must be built on Maine’s strengths, in science, technology, natural resources, and education, and she is working to ensure the state is well-positioned to compete for national investment and grow high-wage careers for Maine people.

Her leadership on innovation builds on a distinguished record of public service. Senator Pierce previously served four terms in the Maine House of Representatives, including as House Chair of the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee, where she helped guide the state’s budget through challenging times. Before her time in the Legislature, she spent six years on the Falmouth Town Council, including two as chair, and had a professional career in nonprofit development, including roles at the University of New England.

Today, as a legislative leader, Senator Pierce continues to advocate for the policies Maine needs to grow a resilient, sustainable, and innovation-driven economy ensuring that Maine’s young people and communities have opportunities to thrive for generations to come.

Contact

For more information, contact Dana O’Brien at [email protected] or Agnieszka Carpenter at [email protected].

Advocacy Alert

We’re excited to share that LD 1643, An Act to Establish the Maine Life Science Innovation Center is scheduled for a public hearing this Thursday, April 24 at 4:30 PM in Cross Building, Room 206. This bill represents significant opportunity to bolster Maine’s growing life sciences industry.

About LD 1643
LD 1643 proposes the creation and initial funding of the Maine Life Science Innovation Center—a centralized coordinating organization that will provide essential support for innovation, research, and growth within Maine’s life sciences sector. The Center would play a vital role in promoting Maine as a premier destination for life sciences by focusing on key priorities:

• Strengthening Maine’s talent pipeline
• Enhancing research, patent development, and commercialization
• Supporting business development and industry attraction
• Advocating for policies, grants, and partnerships to boost Maine’s competitiveness

Testifying for LD 1643
If you would like to testify in person, submit written testimony, or testify via Zoom, please contact us or find more information in linked documents below
Public Hearing: Thursday, April 24 at 4:30PM in Cross Building, Room 206
Helpful Documents:

• LD 1643 Testimony Guide
• LD 1643 Talking Points
• LD 1643 FAQ’s

Webinars

• April 18 Webinar:To help you stay informed and engaged, BioME hosted a Zoom webinar on April 18 to share insights into the legislative process and offer suggested talking points for the upcoming public hearing. Watch the recording now.
• May 1 Webinar: Register now and join us on May 1 from 12-1PM for a webinar featuring a Maine life sciences panel discussion focused on LD 1643. Learn more here.

Contact

For more information, contact Dana O’Brien at [email protected] or Agnieszka Carpenter at [email protected].

Advocacy Alert

We’re excited to share that LD 1643, An Act to Establish the Maine Life Science Innovation Center has officially been printed in the Maine Legislature.

This bill proposes the creation and initial funding of a Life Science Innovation Center—a centralized coordinating organization that will provide essential support for innovation, research, and growth within Maine’s life sciences sector. The Center would play a vital role in promoting Maine as a premier destination for life sciences by focusing on key priorities:

• Strengthening Maine’s talent pipeline
• Enhancing research, patent development, and commercialization
• Supporting business development and industry attraction
• Advocating for policies, grants, and partnerships to boost Maine’s competitiveness

To help you stay informed and engaged, BioME will be hosting a Zoom call on Friday, April 18 at 11:00 AM. We’ll share insights into the legislative process and offer suggested talking points for the upcoming public hearing (date to be announced soon).

Stay tuned for more details—and thank you for your continued support in advancing Maine’s life sciences industry.

Contact

For more information, contact Dana O’Brien at [email protected].

Legislative Update

The Bioscience Association of Maine (BioME) is hard at work ensuring that Maine’s life sciences sector has a strong voice at both the state and federal levels. We’re excited to share recent advocacy highlights with our members and partners:

Testifying in Support of LD 506: Investing in Maine’s Future

On April 9, BioME testified before the Maine State Legislature’s Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee in strong support of LD 506, a $50 million bond proposal for research, development, and commercialization. Dana O’Brien, representing BioME, emphasized the critical role continuous investment in innovation plays in securing Maine’s long-term economic future. His testimony highlighted:

• Maine’s thriving life sciences sector, which employs nearly 10,000 Mainers, contributes $2.3 billion annually to the economy, and offers high-wage, high-quality jobs.
• The growing convergence of cutting-edge life sciences innovation with Maine’s traditional industries — like farming, fishing, and forestry — creating opportunities for rural economic growth.
• The urgent need to elevate research and development (R&D) investment above competing priorities to meet Maine’s goal of boosting R&D spending to 3% of GDP by 2030.

BioME was proud to stand alongside other strong voices supporting research investments, including:

• Maine Department of Economic and Community Development
• Maine Venture Fund
• University of New England
• Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences
• Maine State Chamber of Commerce
• Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO)
• FocusMaine
• A recent graduate of the University of Southern Maine

The widespread and diverse support underscores how vital R&D investment is for Maine’s future across sectors.

Testifying in Support of LD 281: Expanding STEM Education Statewide

In addition, BioME submitted written testimony in support of LD 281, An Act to Provide Support for Certain Maine Discovery Museum Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Educational Programming Throughout the State. The testimony, delivered by BioME Education Programs Manager, Billie Cary, emphasized the critical role of STEM education in shaping Maine’s future workforce.

With over 580 life sciences companies in Maine and nearly 10,000 jobs contributing $2.3 billion to the state’s economy, the demand for skilled STEM workforce is growing. BioME underscored that sustained funding for MSM’s outreach is essential to inspire and prepare the next generation of scientists and innovators across Maine.

Washington, D.C. Advocacy: Elevating Maine’s Life Sciences Voice

On April 1 and 2, BioME leadership traveled to Washington, D.C., to advocate on behalf of Maine’s life sciences sector and engage with national bioscience leaders. While in Washington, BioME Executive Director Agnieszka Carpenter and Dana O’Brien:

• Held face-to-face meetings with Senators Susan Collins and Angus King, reinforcing the importance of sustained federal investment in research funding through agencies like NIH, NSF, and USDA.
• Discussed state-level priorities, including support for the creation of a Maine Life Science Innovation Center and advancing the state’s R&D bond efforts.
• Built strong connections with life science association leaders from across the country, forging valuable relationships that will help BioME bring national best practices back to Maine.

We were pleased to find strong support and engagement from Maine’s Congressional leaders, who recognize Maine’s growing life science strength.

Looking Ahead

BioME will continue working tirelessly to ensure that Maine’s life science industry has the support it needs to thrive. Looking forward, we expect the bill to establish a Maine Life Science Innovation Center to be printed soon. This will be another major step toward strengthening Maine’s innovation foundation and supporting commercialization of new discoveries.

Thank you to our members, partners, and elected officials for your ongoing support. Together, we are building a stronger, more resilient Maine economy powered by life science innovation.

Contact

For more information, contact Dana O’Brien at [email protected].

Advocacy Alert

There will be two hearings on BioME supported bills that will be occurring this week. They include the following measures:

• LD 506, An Act to Authorize a General Fund Bond Issue for Research and Development and Commercialization (Sen. Teresa Pierce)
  Hearing: Wednesday, April 9, at 10:00 AM in State House Room 228
• LD 281, An Act to Provide Support for Certain Maine Discovery Museum Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Educational Programming Throughout the State (Sen. Joseph Baldacci)
  Hearing: Thursday, April 10, at 1:00 PM in Cross Building Room 208

This $50 million bond proposal (LD 506) is a smart investment to close Maine’s R&D gap and grow our innovation economy. Maine currently ranks 37th in total R&D funding among U.S. states, investing just 1.1% of its gross state product compared to the 3.6% national average. Public R&D investments have been shown to deliver a 31x return, with a previous bond generating 5,350 jobs and $1.4 billion in economic activity.

If you would like to testify in person, submit written testimony, or testify via Zoom, please contact us or find more information in this helpful LD 506 Testimony Guide document.

Contact

For more information, contact Dana O’Brien at [email protected] and BioME at [email protected].

Legislative Update

BioME is excited to share that one of its top legislative priorities, a bill to enact a $50 million bond to accelerate transformative life science research and development and the commercialization of cutting-edge technologies and products in Maine, is officially introduced and is pending consideration by the Joint Standing Committee on Appropriations and Financial Affairs. The legislation, known as LD 506, is authored by Senator Teresa Pierce (D-Cumberland). We will provide updates when a hearing and work session are announced for LD 506.

The importance of research investments to Maine’s economy is the topic of an op/ed authored by BioME’s Executive Director, Agnieszka Carpenter, and printed in the Bangor Daily News. While its premise is centered on the essential role of federal research dollars in Maine’s economy, the piece points out that federal agencies can’t and don’t fund 100 percent of R&D and expect states to have some “skin in the game.” As risks to federal research funding grow, state government’s responsibility to invest in innovation becomes critical. This is particularly true in Maine, where data show our state ranks 37^th in the nation for R&D activity, with only one percent of the state’s GDP coming from R&D – far below the national average of about 3.6 percent.

Senator Pierce also recently introduced LD 788, a bill to codify Maine’s goal of increasing research and development spending as a percentage of the State’s economy to meet the national average by 2030. BioME supports this measure, which is consistent with recommendations in the Maine Innovation Economy Action Plan. We will provide testimony in support of LD 788 at a public hearing in the Joint Standing Committee on Housing and Economic Development (HED) to be held on March 11^th.

Speaking of the HED Committee, we are pleased to report that a majority of its members voted to support the Governor’s inclusion of $3 million in her budget specifically earmarked for accelerating Maine’s life science sector. These funds will be critical to retain as BioME and its partners work with legislators in support of the Maine Life Science Innovation Center legislation that will soon be introduced by Senator Pierce. The budget bill will face additional scrutiny by other committees and the full State Legislature in the coming days.

Contact

For more information, contact Dana O’Brien at [email protected].

Legislative Update

On February 5, BioME submitted testimony to a joint meeting of the Committee on Appropriations and Financial Affairs and the Committee on Housing and Economic Development, supporting the Governor’s proposed budget and specifically $3 million earmarked for catalyzing Maine’s life science sector. In its testimony, BioME noted that this additional funding represents “a critical step toward expanding Maine’s innovation economy, ensuring that our state remains competitive in the rapidly growing life sciences industry.”

In its testimony, BioME took the opportunity to emphasize how Maine’s life science sector is diverse, dynamic, and vital to our state’s economy and public well-being, noting the industry spans multiple fields, including:

• Human and Veterinary Medicine
• Marine Biology
• Food and Agricultural Science
• Forestry and Biomaterials

On February 7, The Trump Administration announced a major policy change to immediately cap “indirect costs” at 15 percent for research getting funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). When researchers receive grants, a certain percentage of the total award goes to cover overhead – keeping the lights on and the labs running. Those “indirect costs” vary, but average 30 percent and can be as high as 50 percent or more depending on the research being done. Immediately capping “indirect costs” at 15 percent will have an immediate financial hit on laboratories across the country, including those in Maine.

In response to the NIH decision, several state Attorneys General, including Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey, as well as medical, pharmacy, and public health schools and Boston and New York hospitals filed federal lawsuits to stop the policy from taking place. A federal judge in Massachusetts temporarily blocked the policy from taking effect.

Maine’s Congressional delegation also spoke out against the NIH policy with Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Susan Collins calling it “poorly conceived” and “devastating” to Maine research institutions.

On February 12, BioME hosted a Legislative Update webinar. 45 people attended the Zoom meeting in which BioME staff and public affairs consultants provided an overview of the Maine life science sector’s legislative priorities in Augusta and Washington, D.C.

Contact

For more information, contact Dana O’Brien at [email protected].

BioME Strategy to Catalyze Life Sciences in Maine

Legislative Priorities

The latest report from the Bioscience Association of Maine (BioME), Life Sciences in Maine: State of the Industry 2024, showcases the industry’s potential to create jobs and generate revenue in Maine. Although there are positive trends in employment and earnings, Maine lags other states making rapid investments in life sciences. For instance, Maine ranks 44th nationally in research and development activity, with workforce training and investment remaining hurdles. Key recommendations to boost life sciences in Maine are outlined in state strategies like the Maine Innovation Economy Action Plan, the 10-year Economic Development Strategy, and the Blue Economy Task Force report.

BioME is intensifying efforts to catalyze Maine’s life science sector through enhanced education, collaboration, and advocacy. Our thoughtful, engaged Advocacy Committee developed two legislative concepts and is working to advance them through the State Legislature in Augusta. BioME’s 2025 legislative priorities include:

• Maine Life Science Innovation Center: legislation to establish a centralized coordinating organization to grow the life science sector and ensure work is aligned with State plans to enhance the economy, protect the environment, and promote the health of Maine residents. The Center will develop and implement strategies to 1) promote Maine as a premier destination for life sciences; 2) strengthen the talent pipeline within Maine; 3) enhance research, patent generation, and commercialization efforts; 4) improve business development and attraction; and 5) advocate for policies, grant funding, and partnerships that align with enhancing Maine’s competitiveness. A Board will govern the Center and oversee the management of a new Maine Life Science Innovation Fund, which will make strategic investments to facilitate clinical trials, provide business support, and manage real estate operations for the Center.
• Research and Development Bond: legislation to enact a $50 million general fund bond issue in support of technological innovation leading to commercialization of products in Maine’s targeted sectors. Funds must be awarded for infrastructure through a competitive process and to Maine-based public and private institutions.

The Advocacy Committee will monitor various other state bills, including those related to financing, research, workforce training, and housing. The Governor’s budget includes $3 million to support Maine’s life sciences, which BioME supports. And, of course, the Committee will keep a close eye on Washington, as federal policy activity, including actions by the White House, federal agencies, and Congress may directly impact on our state’s ability to conduct research and grow the sector.

Introducing the BioME Advocacy Team

BioME is deploying resources to increase the probability of achieving successful outcomes on its advocacy goals. It has retained Maine Street Solutions (Contact: Clara McConnell and Mike Saxl) and BioHarbor Strategies (Contact: Dana O’Brien), firms with deep policy and public affairs experience. Clara and Dana will drive the advocacy strategy in partnership with the BioME team and the organization’s Advocacy Committee.

Legislative Update

• The Trump Administration jolted the research community in Maine and beyond by ordering a freeze on federal grants and loans. The White House action unnerved our state’s world-class research institutions and the people and communities that support them.
• In response to the White House action, several state Attorneys General, including Maine’s, and various associations filed federal lawsuits to stop the funding freeze from going into force. Two judges have issued orders to temporarily stop the funding freeze, but the situation remains fluid due to mixed signals from the White House.
• By mid-week, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) officially rescinded its order. However, the future of federal grants and their availability to Maine institutions is uncertain. BioME, its members, and its partners will remain vigilant on this issue.
• To express Maine’s gratitude to its congressional delegation for their roles in pushing back against the White House action, BioME joined several allies in our state’s research community in sending them letters.
• At the state level, the Maine State Legislature will conduct hearings this week on the Governor’s budget. BioME will submit testimony supporting the budget, specifically referencing the $3 million in the budget earmarked for life sciences. We are monitoring bills as they are filed and will track them via the Advocacy Committee.

Contact

For more information, contact Dana O’Brien at [email protected].