biotech

HOUSE SPENDING BILL EXTENDS PROTECTIONS FOR MONSANTO

 

By Miriam Raftery

September 25, 2013 (Washington D.C.) – A spending bill passed by the House has drawn fire over its efforts to eliminate funds for healthcare reforms. But a less well publicized clause could also pose risks to human health by banning federal courts from stopping sale of genetically modified seeds, preventinglawsuits even if their products cause harmful health effects or harm small farmers, such as by contaminating organic foods.  

The law has been dubbed the “Monsanto Protection Act” by consumer groups and a petition has been launched asking the Senate to eliminate the special interest language protecting the biotech industry at the expense of consumers and small farmers.


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GOVERNOR SIGNS MEASURES TO REFORM ENTERPRISE ZONE PROGRAM

 

By Miriam Raftery

July 18, 2013 (San Diego) – Governor Jerry Brown has signed legislation into law that overhauls the state’s enterprise zone program of tax credits for employers hiring in designated areas.  The old Enterprise Zone system had been criticized as wasteful and ineffective at creating jobs.

The reforms were backed by labor and manufacturing interests, though some business representatives have raised concerns over elimination of the old enterprise zone program.

The new measures, including Senate Bill 90 and Assembly Bill 93, were signed into law  in San Diego on July 11 at Takeda, a local biotech firm.


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ECM WORLD WATCH: GLOBAL AND NATIONAL NEWS

 
June 21, 2012 --  (San Diego’s East County) – ECM World Watch helps you be an informed citizen about important issues globally and nationally. As part of our commitment to reflecting all voices and views, we include links to a wide variety of news sources representing a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social views. Top world and U.S. headlines include:     
 
 
 
 
  
U.S. 
  • White House threatens veto on GOP energy bill (The Hill)
  • U.S. trafficking report reports ‘modern slavery’ toll (BBC)
  • Biotech leader covered up animal deaths from GM corn (RSN)
  • Could the Supreme Court’s healthcare ruling kill patient safety reforms? (Pro Publica)
  • Trans-Pacific Partnership:  leaked  trade document reveals corporate interests favored over public interest (OB Rag) 
WORLD 
  • Ousted Egyptian leader Mubarak close to death (BBC)
  • Japanese authorities sat on data showing radiation spread (Reuters)
 
Read more for excerpts and links to full stories.

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LIFE SCIENCES INDUSTRY SWEEPS LOW-PAID WORKERS UNDER THE RUG

 
Report: Janitors’ low wages a blotch on biotech's shining reputation
 
May 17, 2012 (San Diego) -- Janitors who clean the offices and laboratories of San Diego's highly profitable biotech companies generally aren't paid enough to live on, while their low wages are excluded from the industry's claims of creating good jobs.

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DAVIS INTRODUCES BILL TO SPUR BIOTECH AND MEDICAL DEVICE DEVELOPMENT


June 3, 2011 (Washington D.C.) – Congresswoman Susan Davis (D-San Diego) last week introduced legislation to spark innovation within San Diego’s biotech and medical device industry. The Therapeutic Tax Credit Act would provide federal assistance through tax credits and grants to develop promising new lifesaving medications or medical devices.


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