Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly was recognized today as a 2018 ‘Innovator in Biotechnology’ by the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO). The biotechnology industry supports approximately 58,000 jobs and 1,700 businesses in Indiana, according to BIO.
Donnelly said, “Some of the most innovative progress in biotechnology is taking place in Indiana, and I’m proud to advocate for those important advancements. That includes efforts to create alternative, non-addictive painkillers, which I’m working to bring to market safely and more quickly in order to aid our fight against the devastating opioid epidemic. As your Senator, I will continue to tirelessly advocate for Indiana’s biotechnology community, from funding scientific research that improves our ability to treat different conditions to supporting Indiana-grown, advanced biofuels that increase our nation’s energy security. I’m honored to receive this award.”
BIO President and CEO Jim Greenwood said, “Senator Donnelly’s leadership in supporting the biotechnology industry has supported 58,018 jobs in Indiana. As we continue to grow and innovate, these good-paying jobs will not only strengthen the economy, but they will help to heal, fuel, and feed the world. We look forward to continuing to work with Sen. Donnelly to support these workers and the critical, life-saving work that they do in Indiana.”
Last week, Senator Donnelly introduced a pair of bipartisan bills with Senator Todd Young (R-IN) that both aim to help bring non-opioid or non-addictive pain treatments to patients more quickly. In 2017, Donnelly led a group of bipartisan senators in introducing legislation to reform the biodiesel tax credit, and also expressed concern about the EPA’s recent move towards cutting US biofuel blending volumes for 2018 and 2019. He also introduced bipartisan legislation to allow retailers to sell higher ethanol blends year-round.
