Colorado House Democrats

Critical Biosciences Eco Devo Program Passes House

Program makes $26.5 available in funds for start ups and research institutes

DENVER – The Colorado House gave a big boost to a critical economic development project today.  A bill expanding Colorado’s much lauded Bioscience Discoveries Grant Program passed the House by a bi-partisan vote of 52 to 13.  House Bill 1001 – sponsored by State Representative Jim Riesberg (D-Greeley) – will make $26.5 million available in grants over the next five years.   

“This program will lead to exciting new technologies and with it, new companies and new jobs across Colorado.  We’re already a leader in this industry, but HB 1001 will allow us to blaze new trails,” said Rep. Riesberg.

Building upon the award-winning grant program created by Rep. Riesberg in 2006 and extended last year, HB 1001 will provide as much as $150,000 per project to Colorado research institutions, accelerating the development of new technologies and new Colorado-based companies.  It will also make up to $250,000 available to early stage, Colorado-based companies.

The grant program is one of seven elements of Governor Ritter’s comprehensive economic development package announced last fall.  Estimates suggest the biosciences industry already contributes $415 million per year in tax revenue.  The program has provided funding for 27 projects at institutions across the state, including CU, CSU, UNC, National Jewish Medical & Research Center and the University of Denver.

Research from the program has led to potential new treatments for schizophrenia, HIV, cancer, lung disease, and technologies that can be applied to environmental pollution, gait problems from chronic illness, optical microscopy and several other diagnostic tools and medical devices.   

The bill now moves to the Senate.

-- Posted by staff

Colorado Biosciences get Big Boost

Rep Riesberg advances major eco devo program

DENVER – The Colorado House gave a big boost to a critical economic development project today.  A bill expanding Colorado’s much lauded Bioscience Discoveries Grant Program passed the House by an initial voice vote.  House Bill 1001 – sponsored by State Representative Jim Riesberg (D-Greeley) – will make $26.5 million available in grants over the next five years.   

“Bioscience presents us with unique and thrilling opportunities,” said Rep. Riesberg.  “By fostering this critical industry, everything from finding cures for AIDS and cancers to discovering new biolfuels is on the table.  Colorado is already a leader in this industry, but House Bill 1001 truly will allow the state to blaze new trails.”

Building upon the award-winning grant program created by Rep. Riesberg in 2006 and extended last year, HB 1001 will provide as much as $150,000 per project to Colorado research institutions, accelerating the development of new technologies and new Colorado-based companies.  It will also make up to $250,000 available to early stage, Colorado-based companies.

Lawmakers Push to Strengthen Successful Biosciences Program

Grants lead to new companies, high-paying industry jobs and advances in technology

DENVER – It was a great day for innovation in the state of Colorado. First, State Representative Jim Riesberg (D-Greeley) and State Senator Bob Bacon (D-Fort Collins) announced their commitment to creating jobs and advancing promising new technology by expanding Colorado’s much-lauded Bioscience Discoveries Grant Program.  Then, the bill supporting the program passed out of the House Finance Committee by a bipartisan vote of 7 to 4.  House Bill 1001 supports bioscience industry development across the state.

“This legislation will help us move our most exciting technological discoveries out of the lab and into the marketplace,” said Rep. Riesberg.  “The grants support symbiotic research partnerships between the private sector and our institutes of higher-education: whether it’s finding a new cure for AIDS or fighting pollution, this program will support the most vital research in the state.”

Building upon the award-winning grant program created by Rep. Riesberg in 2006 and extended last year, HB 1001 will increase the grant program by making $3.5 million available for each of the next five years.  Grants will provide as much as $150,000 per project to Colorado research institutions, accelerating the development of new technologies and new Colorado-based companies.  It will also make up to $250,000 available to early stage, Colorado-based companies.

“These relationships are the basis for a strong economy in Colorado, a healthier population and a greener world,” said Sen. Bacon.  "It’s a no-brainer: this program strengthens industry and bolsters higher learning.”

Estimates suggest that the industry has already contributed $415 million to the state economy.  Rep. Riesberg held up sample laboratory equipment and summed it up, “We are turning this research into jobs for Coloradans.”