Public Policy

CONNECT is a well-respected leader in shaping public policy on behalf of the region’s innovation economy. CONNECT gives innovators a voice in the policy arena that is heard at the local, state and federal levels. We proactively identify legislative issues that affect life science and high tech entrepreneurs, build coalitions to express the impact of policy changes and serve as advocates on legislative policy.

Current Public Policy Actions

On the policy front CONNECT has been extremely active. In the first half of 2009, Duane Roth, CEO of CONNECT made six trips to D.C. to meet key legislators in the House and Senate.

Patent Reform
Top on our Policy Committee's agenda is patent reform. CONNECT has been a strong voice on issues pertaining to first-to-file and apportionment of damages. We were extremely active in the Senate battle to establish proper determination of damages and won a significant struggle with the inclusion of the “gatekeeper” in the Senate’s final version of the bill (S. 515). We stay committed to ensuring that the House version (HR 1260) stays in line with the progress made in S. 515. Duane made a trip back to Washington to meet with Representatives and explain the detrimental impact the current House version could have on innovation, particularly in the area of post-grant review. CONNECT also led a local coalition which included a position letter signed by over 75 companies.

Biosimilars
CONNECT helped secure a second important victory in regards to the Promoting Innovation and Access to Life-Saving Medicine Act (HR 1427) by Rep. Waxman and Pathway for Biosimilars Act (HR 1548), by Rep. Eshoo. CONNECT supports Representative Eshoo’s “Pathway to Biosimilars Act” (HR 1548) and Duane met with key House Representatives and staffers in Washington on this issue. In addition, as Vice Chair of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Duane also authored a letter supporting the Bill. The House then passed Eshoo’s bill.

Wireless Communication Facilities Policy Stakeholders Review Committee
On the local front, in 2007 amendments were made by the City to San Diego’s municipal code to remove legacy wireless sites. When the City moved forward to implement the amendments it raised major concerns that removing legacy sites would result in a significant decrease in wireless coverage in the region. CONNECT, along with the wireless community, other business interests urged the City to reconsider. CONNECT is active on the Wireless Communication Facilities Policy Stakeholders Review Committee, created by the Mayor to examine the issue and recommend changes to the municipal code to preserve coverage.

Sunrise Powerlink
In late 2008, CONNECT travelled along with the Mayor of San Diego, Mayor of Chula Vista and 80 elected officials from the region and other local trade organizations to San Francisco to testify before the California Public Utilities Commission in support of the Sunrise Powerlink. The resulting approval by the PUC was the culmination of a major 3 year advocacy effort by many business leaders and organizations in the community on behalf of SDG&E to get the project approved. The power line will provide reliable power for our growing biotech and life sciences community and open up new avenues for delivering green energy.

UC Regents Autonomy
CONNECT recently supported autonomy for the UC Regents and successfully advocated against a constitutional amendment that would have given State Legislators control over the UC system.

Other important policy issues CONNECT has been championing include:

• Advocating increases to NIH and NSF federal budgets;
• Advocating reauthorization of SBIR endorsement of increases in set-asides proposed by the Senate;
• Urging Congress to reconsider the current size and ownership constraints with SBIR/ STTR grants;
• Working with patient advocacy groups to prospectively set FDA regulations and CMS expectations for reimbursement and providing a proper risk/benefit analysis as it effects start-ups and innovation;
• Workforce development, visa, trade and anti-trust issues;
• Supporting local efforts to attract federal funding for our local algae cluster and SmartGrid build-out; and,
• Supporting an increase in University of California funding.

CONNECT gives innovators a voice in the public policy decision-making process and is an advocate on behalf of early stage companies on issues affecting innovation and entrepreneurship. ”

Program Contact:

Jessie Womble Membership Coordinator Email: jwomble@connect.org Phone: (858) 964-1352 Fax: (858) 964-1301

Mailing Address 8950 Villa La Jolla Drive Suite A124 La Jolla, CA 92037

Office Address CONNECT 8950 Villa La Jolla Drive Suite A124 La Jolla, CA 92037 Phone: (858) 964-1300 Fax: (858) 964-1301