GOVERNOR BALDACCI MEETS WITH BIOTECHNOLOGY REPS

The following information was released by the governor of Maine:

Governor John E. Baldacci met today with representatives from biotechnology associations and companies from Maine and around the country. The group expressed support for the Governor's bond package, which includes $131 million for the innovation economy and research and development, which will help to stimulate the biotechnology field in Maine.

"Research and development dollars provides a foundation for job growth and for people to relocate or stay in this state," Governor Baldacci said. "It provides opportunities - not only for employment, but for technological breakthroughs and new businesses."

Meeting with the Governor were H. William Harris, M.D., Ph.D., Co-Founder, President, and Chief Scientific Officer of MariCal Inc. of Portland, and president of the Biotechnology Association of Maine; Patrick Kelly, Vice President for State Government Relations and Alliance Development for the Biotechnology Industry Organization in Washington, D.C.; David Groggin, Director of State Governmental Affairs at Amgen in Thousand Oaks, CA; and James T. Brett, President and Chief Executive Officer of the New England Council.

"We know that investing in research and development pays dividends for the state," Governor Baldacci said. "By investing in innovation, we will help private-sector companies create sustainable, good-paying jobs with good benefits. That's an investment in the future and an investment in the people of Maine."

Governor Baldacci's $397 million bond proposal, which includes investments in higher education, natural resources and transportation in addition to innovation and R&D, is currently being considered by the Legislature.