Majority of Voters want government to support biotechnology.
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Press Release Summary:
National survey of 800 American voters by BIO found 53% of voters believe federal government should support biotechnology industry through tax policies or direct funding. According to BIO CEO Jim Greenwood, "These numbers are a testament to the life-saving scientific research being conducted by biotechnology industry." He added, "It is reassuring to know that our hard work lines up shoulder-to-shoulder with the priorities of the American people."
Original Press Release:
Majority of American Voters Believe the Federal Government Should Support Biotechnology Industry
National Survey Shows American Voters and Biotech Industry Aligned on Key Policy Priorities - Curing Disease and Improving Lives
WASHINGTON--A new national survey of 800 American voters by the Biotechnology Industry Organization - and conducted by the bipartisan pairing of Public Opinion Strategies and Hart Research Associates - has found that during the current economic slowdown, while the nation's leaders are making hard choices about our national economic policies, a majority (53%) of voters believe the federal government should support the biotechnology industry through either tax policies or direct funding.
"These numbers reflect American faith in the promise of biotechnology. Each day, the men and women of the biotech industry are focused on developing the key breakthroughs that will allow Americans to not only live longer, but to lead better, healthier and more productive lives."
"These numbers are a testament to the life-saving scientific research being conducted by biotechnology industry. Every day biotech researchers are working to cure deadly diseases, find cleaner alternative fuels, protect us against the threats of bioterrorism and feed a hungry world. It is reassuring to know that our hard work lines up shoulder-to-shoulder with the priorities of the American people," said Jim Greenwood, CEO of the Biotechnology Industry Organization.
The survey, conducted between June 5 and 7, found that American voters embrace a continued federal commitment to biotechnology priorities such as research dedicated to finding alternative sources of energy, life-saving medicines and cures. In fact, the survey found that the key biotechnology industry issues are ranked by voters as either "extremely" or "very" important - behind only the economy, education, reducing the deficit/government spending - and alongside of issues such as combating terrorism and reducing taxes.
Over three-quarters of voters (76%) are supportive of a continued commitment to federal spending on biotech research after hearing that the industry is working to cure diseases such as Alzheimer's, cancer, diabetes and Parkinson's - and that these cures will eventually help patients, cut federal spending and save the American budget trillions of dollars.
Greenwood concluded, "These numbers reflect American faith in the promise of biotechnology. Each day, the men and women of the biotech industry are focused on developing the key breakthroughs that will allow Americans to not only live longer, but to lead better, healthier and more productive lives."
Methodology
The national survey of N=800 registered voters was conducted June 5-7, 2011 by Public Opinion Strategies and Peter D. Hart Research Associates on behalf of the Biotechnology Industry Organization.
A complete summary of study findings can be found at: www.bio.org
Public Opinion Strategies (POS) and Hart Research Associates are leading national survey research companies who have been at the cutting edge of change in the field of public opinion for several decades. The firms partner on a number of bi-partisan research efforts, not least of which is the NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll - a flagship survey that is widely regarded as a barometer of American opinion.
About BIO
BIO represents more than 1,100 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and in more than 30 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of innovative healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products. BIO also produces the BIO International Convention, the world's largest gathering of the biotechnology industry, along with industry-leading investor and partnering meetings held around the world. BIO produces BIOtechNOW, an online portal and monthly newsletter chronicling "innovations transforming our world." Subscribe to BIOtechNOW.
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Contacts
Biotechnology Industry Organization
Jeff Joseph, 202-962-9230
jjoseph@bio.org
