Sen. Franken: New Report Shows Minnesota Can Expand Leadership in Creating Biotechnology Jobs

Press Release

U.S. Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) said a new report released today by Minnesota's biobusinesses shows that the state is already a leader in creating good-paying biotechnology jobs, and he will use his posts on key Senate committees to help Minnesota meet the challenges of maintaining that position in the coming years.

"This report points out that Minnesota is already creating tens of thousands of good-paying jobs in areas as diverse as medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture and biofuels, as well as R & D and life sciences," said Sen. Franken. "But we also know there are challenges we must overcome to remain a leader in these areas. I'm committed to using my positions on key energy and health and education committees to help our state tap the great potential we have for new jobs in these areas."

Sen. Franken discussed the new report commissioned by the Biobusiness Alliance of Minnesota (BBAM) with Minnesota reporters on Monday. He was joined by Dr. Kelvin Willoughby, who authored the report entitled "Minnesota's Competitive Position in the Biobusiness Technology Industries." The full report is available on the BBAM website: http://www.biobusinessalliance.org.

Since the beginning of the year, Sen. Franken has met with dozens of Minnesota manufacturers, educators, researchers, and entrepreneurs. He said these meetings have reinforced his belief that Minnesota has the potential to expand its position as one of the top biobusiness states in the nation. His new appointment to the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, as well as his post on the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, will help him continue his work to promote new opportunities in Minnesota's wind and biofuels industry. Sen. Franken's committee memberships will also help ensure Minnesota employers have a well-trained workforce to fill the new biobusiness jobs.

"Just last month I visited the internationally-renowned research and laboratory resources at both the Mayo Clinic and the University of Minnesota," Sen. Franken said. "I also saw the success of our many innovative companies and entrepreneurs across the state and am very optimistic about our future as a leader in biotechnology and creating biobusiness jobs, and I plan to do everything I can to help our state realize this potential."

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