HR1474: HR1474 Georgia House of Representatives; creation of a life sciences caucus; encourage

26 LC 52 1039 House Resolution 1474 By: Representatives Mathiak of the 82nd, Dubnik of the 29th, LaHood of the 175th, Yearta of the 152nd, Thomas of the 21st, and others A RESOLUTION Encouraging the creation of a life sciences caucus in the Georgia House of Representatives;1 and for other purposes.2 WHEREAS, the Georgia House of Representatives recognizes the life sciences sector as a3 critical component of this state's economic growth, workforce d evelopment, and public4 health infrastructure impacting urban, suburban, and rural communities in this state; and5 WHEREAS, the life sciences encompass the scientific study of li ving organisms and life6 related processes and span diverse fields, including biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical7 devices, diagnostics, industrial biotechnology, and agricultural biotechnology; and8 WHEREAS, Georgia is home to world-class research universities, academic medical centers,9 technical colleges, innovative start-ups and established compan ies, and local, regional,10 national, and global manufacturers that focus on the life sciences and contribute significantly11 to this state's economic competitiveness; and12 WHEREAS, continued advancement in therapeutics, diagnostics, me dical devices, and13 agricultural innovation by the life sciences sector is essential to improving patient outcomes,14 H. R. 1474 - 1 - 26 LC 52 1039 strengthening food security and sustainable practices, addressing unfulfilled medical needs,15 and enhancing quality of life; and16 WHEREAS, the life sciences sector provides high-income employme nt opportunities that17 require diverse skill sets and contribute significantly to this state's workforce development18 and long-term economic competitiveness; and19 WHEREAS, continued investments in infrastructure, talent develo pment, education, and20 advanced manufacturing in the life sciences sector strengthen this state's position as a leader21 in innovation and enhance healthcare access, food security, environmental sustainability, and22 public health in this state; and23 WHEREAS, policymakers will benefit from ongoing education and e ngagement with life24 sciences industry leaders, academic institutions, workforce partners, and patient communities25 to better understand the opportunities and challenges facing this rapidly evolving sector; and26 WHEREAS, a life sciences caucus in the Georgia House of Represe ntatives will establish27 a bipartisan forum for legislators to develop a comprehensive u nderstanding of this state's28 life sciences ecosystem and promote education and dialogue rega rding workforce29 development, research, innovation, manufacturing, and commercialization; and30 WHEREAS, a life sciences caucus in the Georgia House of Represe ntatives will allow31 legislators to support policies that enhance the state's compet itiveness and foster a strong32 environment for growth and investment in the life sciences sect or and engage with33 stakeholders through briefings, site visits, and informational sessions to better inform34 legislative decision making.35 H. R. 1474 - 2 - 26 LC 52 1039 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that36 the members of this body encourage the creation of a life scien ces caucus in the Georgia37 House of Representatives.38 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized39 and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution avai lable for distribution to the40 public and the press.41 H. R. 1474 - 3 -