Compiled from media reports
Arizona Sen. Jon Kyl has been named “Legislator of the Year” for 2007-2008 by the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO), the nation’s largest biotech trade group. He received his award from BIO representatives during the organization’s Legislative Fly-In Day on April 16.
“BIO honors Sen. Kyl for his leadership during the patent-reform process and his ongoing support for healthcare issues,” BIO President and CEO Jim Greenwood said. “The senator recognizes the value of innovative, patented new medicines and has worked tirelessly to maintain America’s gold standard of drug safety.”
“Sen. Kyl has a long track record of leadership in life-science research,” said Bob Eaton, President and CEO of the Arizona BioIndustry Association, BIO’s Arizona affiliate. “I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this award than Sen. Kyl and his staff. Their efforts have strengthened the bioscience industry in Arizona and nationwide.”
Along with Sen. Kyl’s efforts on patent-reform and healthcare issues, the Republican Whip is a member of two of the chamber’s committees with significant bearing on science and technology policy. He is the ranking member of the Finance Subcommittee on Taxation and IRS Oversight and the Judiciary Subcommittee on Terrorism, Technology, and Homeland Security.
Along with Sen. Kyl, BIO gave Legislator of the Year awards to California Sen. Dianne Feinstein, Texas Rep. Kevin Brady, and Pennsylvania Rep. Allyson Schwartz.
BIO represents and supports some 1200 biotech firms, academic institutions, state-level trade groups, and biotech nonprofit organizations. Along with its advocacy role, BIO annually presents an international biotech convention that draws some 20,000 participants. This year’s convention will take place June 17-20 in San Diego.
For more information:
“Arizona’s Sen. Kyl among legislators honored by Biotechnology Industry Organization,” Business Journal of Phoenix, 04/15/2008