Elected Officials Support Mayor de Blasio's LifeSci NYC Initiative

December 13, 2016

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer said, “New York City is home to some of the world’s best medical and research institutions, and this innovative program will do much to match young New Yorkers to paid internships and good-paying jobs in this exciting field. Mayor de Blasio’s new LifeSci NYC initiative will deepen and diversify our economy by boosting the critical and growing life sciences and biotechnology sector. I applaud this important effort and pledge to fight for the federal resources needed to further grow the Life Sciences sector here in New York City.”

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said, “This is an exciting initiative for New York City and will help build the next generation of life science talent. These efforts will create a network of support and investment to translate more research into new companies and new jobs, spurring innovation and growth that will position New York as a leader in the life sciences industry."

Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito said, “Increasing opportunities for the study of life sciences in New York City benefits all of our communities by providing paths to stable, well-paying careers. LifeSci NYC will positively impact thousands of New Yorkers, and I would like to thank the de Blasio Administration for working hard to make this program a reality. I am especially proud that the New York Proton Center will be opening in East Harlem, where their services will touch the lives of thousands of cancer patients in need of treatment.”

Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer said, "With dozens of innovative research institutions and unmatched intellectual capital, Manhattan is a natural home for the biotech industry, from right here at the Alexandria Center to incubators like the Harlem Biospace uptown. LifeSci NYC lays the groundwork to replicate these successes by spurring public and private investment in cutting-edge research and development, and making equitable employment a principal goal. I look forward to working with the mayor to strengthen our city’s role as a global life science hub.”

Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney said, "I am delighted that Mayor de Blasio is launching this initiative to encourage the expansion of life sciences enterprises in the City. New Yorkers have the expertise and experience for this industry to flourish, and with extra support from this Administration, I am confident that new businesses will grow, bringing jobs and opportunity."

State Senator Liz Krueger said, "It is essential that New York City maintains a strong and growing economy, and that all New Yorkers have the opportunity to benefit from it. Diversifying the kinds of industries that call New York home and investing in a 21st century workforce will move our city closer to achieving a strong economy that works for everyone. I thank the Mayor for making a bold investment in establishing New York City as a center of research and development in life sciences, and for making sure that New York's working families will reap the benefits."

State Senator Brad Hoylman said, "New York City's half billion dollar investment in the life sciences will help leverage our city's enormous bioscience resources to expand our knowledge-based economy, attract talent and create more jobs. Even more important, I'm excited about the promise of medical advancements and lives that could be made better as a result of Mayor de Blasio's initiative."

Assembly Member Brian Kavanagh said, "Many people in our community take great pride in hosting facilities like the Alexandria Center and the other world class academic and medical institutions that comprise our medical corridor and serve as a hub for New York City's life sciences sector. Such facilities allow experts to conduct essential research and lay the groundwork for developing technologies that can increase our understanding of the world and improve people's lives. An important part of these efforts is our city's commitment to expanding opportunities for education and workforce development, to ensure that New Yorkers remain at the forefront of this growing field. I applaud the Mayor's investment in our city's future and the forward-thinking initiatives outlined in LifeSci NYC."

Council Member Ben Kallos said, "LifeSci NYC will create well-paying jobs and put New York City at the forefront of the emerging Life Sciences industry. When a new treatment is discovered here in New York City, we must invest in growing that treatment into a company that will create jobs and revenues for New York. The East Side's hospital corridor is ready to leverage this investment to bring progress to our City. Thank you to Mayor de Blasio for his commitment and leadership in putting together this important deal."

Council Member Dan Garodnick, Chair of the Committee on Economic Development, said, "New York is home to the greatest scientific minds in the world, and it should be the greatest place in the world to start and grow a successful life sciences company. Continued investment in this sector is a wise strategy, and I'm happy to see EDC making a commitment to life sciences today."

Council Majority Leader Jimmy Van Bramer said, "It is essential that the City remain an attractive place for scientists, engineers and all who work in the life sciences. This sector offers the promise of great job opportunities, and we should make our City a hub both for the companies and the people they employ."