$41M life sciences plan approved

Demonstrating what some state and University leaders called a “commitment” to the life sciences, IU moved a step closer Monday to securing a significant funding hike.\nThe Indiana House of Representatives’ Ways and Means Committee approved a $41 million plan to bring increased life sciences funding to IU as a part of proposed the state’s two-year, $26 billion spending plan outlined by Democratic leaders.\nThe proposal, which passed through committee with a 15-8 vote of approval, approved about half of the $80 million life science funding plan that IU President Adam Herbert and other top University officials have called for over the past several months.\nIn addition to all other general state funding, the two-year proposal calls for the University to receive $20.4 million in life sciences funding in fiscal year 2007-08 and about $20.8 million in 2008-09.\n“This is the first key step in the process,” said J.T. Forbes, IU executive director of state relations. He said the committee approval was “a strong sign in recognition and support” of the life sciences at IU.\nAnd even though the proposed funding falls significantly short of what the University had initially requested, Forbes said that as the proposal begins to receive discussion in the Indiana General Assembly, amendments to the spending plan would likely bring increased funding for the life sciences.\n“We are going to fight very hard,” Forbes said, referring to what he said will be continued University efforts in gathering funds for University life sciences.\nDespite receiving committee go-ahead, Democratic Rep. Peggy Welch also said it was still early to predict whether $40 million would be the final approved funding. Welch, a member of the Ways and Means Committee who also supported the full $80 million funding, said the conclusive picture of life sciences funding would be determined in part by Indiana’s economic forecast update, which she said will be released in mid-April.\nIf a strong economy is reported, Welch said there was a possibility more capital would be pumped into the initiative, but also warned the funding could be cut if a bleaker financial picture is depicted.\nHerbert has stressed the importance of developing the life sciences throughout his tenure as the University’s leader. Over the past several months, he has addressed members of the Indiana General Assembly, while also meeting privately with legislators to promote the University’s plan. \nUnder the original program, the University said it would hire about 500 new scientists who would participate in research at both IU-Bloomington and IU-Purdue University at Indianapolis. Officials involved in the process have said all along that these plans will not only affect Bloomington and IU, but could also help transform Indiana’s economy into one based around medical technologies.\n“This is not just a Bloomington initiative,” Welch said. “This is for the whole state.” \nThe extra capital would be used for both economic development and ensuring the personal health of Hoosiers, Welch said.\nCapital allotments for the Life Science Initiative will be in addition to general University funding. According to the budget proposal, IU-Bloomington will receive about $220 million in state cash for 2007-08. \nAnd even though some Indiana Democrats campaigned last year that they would give greater financial consideration to higher education, Welch said the proposed funding has been a bipartisan effort.\n“I think if the Republicans were in the majority, they would have been supportive of this also,” she said, adding that the initiative was a “proven vehicle for economic development.” \nThe spending plan will come up for debate in House later this week, Forbes said, and if approved, will then face Senate consideration. Welch said she expects a final budget determination by April 29.