LANSING, Mich. — Sen. Mark Huizenga will co-chair the state’s Biosciences Legislative Caucus (BLC) for the 102nd Legislature.
“I’m proud to help lead the Biosciences Legislative Caucus as we work together to help grow our life science industry in West Michigan and across our state,” said Huizenga, R-Walker. “West Michigan is home to incredible bioscience assets –– like Grand River Aseptic Manufacturing, the Medical Mile consisting of the Van Andel Research Institute, BAMF Health, and the North American headquarters of Perrigo –– that represent just a small piece of the state’s life sciences industry.
“I look forward to engaging with industry experts, patient groups and the public on ways to further support the biosciences industry in Michigan.”
Huizenga will co-chair the caucus with Sen. Sam Singh, D-East Lansing, Rep. Julie Rogers, D-Kalamazoo, and Rep. Doug Wozniak, R-Shelby Township.
The BLC was formed in 2007 to be a bipartisan, bicameral body whose membership is open to any legislator committed to learning from state and national industry experts regarding policies that will support the growth of the biosciences industry in Michigan.
The caucus recognizes communication, outreach and education as the tools to raise awareness of issues that are important to the life sciences industry in a balanced and factual manner. In addition to being engaged with industry professionals, the group holds briefings with bioscience experts to inform decision-makers about key or emerging issues and enable better policy development and ensure a sustainable future for this high-wage, knowledge-based industry.
Michigan’s life science industry is one of the oldest in the nation and is currently home to more than 2,400 establishments, including many global brands, and employs more than 44,000 individuals directly.
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