Message From Governor Bush, Volume 5, Issue 40

MESSAGE FROM GOVERNOR BUSH

The Scripps Research Institute's decision to open a world-class biotech research facility in Palm Beach County creates an unprecedented opportunity to forever change the destiny of our state. This development is a seminal moment in Florida's history and future and will propel the Sunshine State to the forefront of the biotech industry.

Henry Flagler's determination to build a railroad to Miami and beyond, John Gorrie's invention of the air conditioner that ultimately transformed Florida from winter destination to year round home for millions, Walt Disney's development in Orlando, and scientists at NASA who launched the race to space from the shores of Cape Canaveral, all shaped our state and created benefits we still enjoy today. The people of Scripps have a vision for Florida that is just as ambitious, and will have just as much impact on our state. Biotechnology is the industry of the future, and Scripps is the industry leader. The Scripps Research Institute brings together the brightest minds in biotech, including three Nobel Laureates and 14 National Academy of Science members, to create the future of healthcare. Name any major health concern - from Alzheimer's and cancer to diabetes and high blood pressure - and Scripps scientists have been involved in creating innovative, leading edge treatments. Every discovery brings new opportunities, for people around the world who benefit from new biotech drugs and healthcare advances; for entrepreneurs who build businesses based on new technology; for workers who want high-wage, high value jobs; and for states like Florida that are committed to building strong economies, and bright futures for the people they serve. The Scripps Research Institute also attracts critical funding for this biotech research, receiving more National Institutes of Health funding than any other independent research facility. Scripps also has a long history of supporting education and sharing knowledge and innovation with students and teachers. The Florida facility will continue this tradition by providing open access to all qualified researchers in the Florida university system and outreach programs to high school students and teachers to share the wonder of science and discovery.

The Institute will create as many as 6,500 jobs in our state, and add more than $3 billion to Florida's economy in the next 15 years. More importantly, it will serve as the catalyst to create a "cluster" of biotech firms, which could ultimately create more than 40,000 jobs in this state and more than $6 billion to our economy.

On October 20 I'll call the Florida Legislature to Tallahassee for a special session related to The Scripps Research Institute and other economic development initiatives. I'll ask them to appropriate $310 million from the one-time federal economic stimulus funds to secure the new Scripps Institute for Florida. I'll also ask them to allocate an additional $190 million of the stimulus package to an economic development "megafund" to help Florida secure other projects with long term, lasting impact on the prosperity of this state and the people who live here.

To learn more about this exciting development and what it means to the future of Florida, please visit www.myflorida.com.

Thank you for your continued support.

Volume 5, Issue 40 Friday, October 10, 2003