Lower Moreland Patch - Allyson Schwartz Receives Awards for Role in Healthcare Innovation

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U.S. Rep. Allyson Schwartz received the prestigious "Legislator of the Year" award from the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) for her efforts to advance health care innovation, biotechnology, and the life sciences. Schwartz was also recognized by the Healthcare Leadership Council (HLC) today and received the "Champion of Healthcare Innovation" award for her leadership on transforming our healthcare system through the promotion of innovations in technologies, treatments, and the delivery of patient care.

"America's economy is on the rebound, and in strong part due to the strength of innovative emerging industries, including cutting-edge health sciences such as biotechnology," Schwartz said. "For over a decade, I have worked on bipartisan public-private policy solutions to grow the biotech sector, and I am proud that Pennsylvania is now one of the top 10 "biotech states" in the nation. This growing industry is pumping $6.7 billion into the local economy, and is responsible for one out of every six jobs in Philadelphia alone. I am honored to receive these awards and will continue to find innovative ways to improve our healthcare system and strengthen emerging industries."

Congresswoman Schwartz has a well earned reputation as one of Congress' most influential leaders on biotechnology and is one of the leading policymakers on the nation's healthcare system. One of her key legislative initiatives was a groundbreaking tax credit to help promote innovation. The Therapeutic Discovery Project Tax Credit -- a $1 billion tax credit program for small biotech companies -- encourages investment in new therapies that treat diseases. This initiative is helping more than 3,000 small biotech companies advance cutting edge research, bring new devices and therapies to the market, and employ high-skilled, high-wage workers. Schwartz and Rep. Susan Davis have introduced legislation to expand on the success of this tax credit.

"As the leading House advocate for the renewal of the Therapeutic Discovery Project Tax Credit and repeal of the Independent Payment Advisory Board, Representative Schwartz has been an ardent advocate for the growth of the life science industry, which is researching and developing new cures and treatments for debilitating diseases, and providing cutting-edge technologies to improve crop yields, and discover cleaner forms of home-grown energy," said BIO President and CEO Jim Greenwood, a former Republican Member of Congress from Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

"Congresswoman Schwartz has been a strong and consistent champion of the life sciences industry," added Pennsylvania Bio President Christopher Molineaux. "She recognizes the tremendous economic and societal benefits this industry produces and has distinguished herself as a leader for national policy that ultimately benefits people everywhere. Pennsylvania companies, universities, and research institutes are fostering one of the most robust biotechnology sectors in the country. To continue our leadership in the biosciences, the support of our policymakers is critical, and we have a great champion in Representative Schwartz."

BIO is the world's largest biotechnology organization, providing advocacy, business development and communications services for more than 1,100 members worldwide. BIO members are involved in the research and development of innovative healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products.

Pennsylvania Bio, the only statewide association in the Commonwealth dedicated to advancing the bioscience cause, was established to ensure Pennsylvania remains the global leader in the biosciences by creating a cohesive statewide community that unites the Commonwealth's biotechnology, medical device, diagnostic, pharmaceutical, research, and financial strengths.

The Healthcare Leadership Council is a coalition of chief executives of many of the nation's leading healthcare companies and organizations representing all health care sectors. The Council presents awards to lawmakers who demonstrate commitment, leadership and vision in working to improve the quality and affordability of healthcare in the United States.

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