Rep Calls for $100M Borrowing Program to Fund Research
July 6, 2011

STATE CAPITOL BRIEFS - MORNING EDITION
STATE HOUSE NEWS SERVICE

Arguing that it would provide a jolt to the state's university system and create jobs, a House lawmaker on Wednesday called for a new $100 million borrowing program that would provide research matching grants to public and private institutions. And, according to Rep. Thomas Sannicandro, the Ashland Democrat sponsoring the proposal, the Patrick administration is behind the effort. Describing the Massachusetts economy as "at a low-point," Sannicandro said his proposal would "create industries" by funding cutting-edge research. The bill (H 3563) would authorize the Patrick administration to borrow up to $100 million to fund a "Scientific and Technology Research and Development Matching Grant Fund." The funds would be distributed, Sannicandro said, by the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative's John Adams Innovation Institute. The institute is overseen by a 23-member board that includes a slew of prominent higher education officials, current and former members of the Patrick administration and business officials. Sannicandro, testifying before the House Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets, said the state university system would be guaranteed at least half of the matching grants but that a portion of the funds could be used for private universities and other private research institutions. He argued the proposal provides flexibility to fund research in a variety of industries, contrasting it with a life sciences initiative signed by the governor in 2008 that he noted was criticized for "picking winners and losers" within the industry. Sannicandro said he worked with the Patrick administration to draft his bill. "This is something they're excited about," he said. At the hearing, Sannicandro said the Adams institute would be instructed to support research that is in "the best economic interest for Massachusetts." The bill, which has 14 cosponsors -- including five Democratic committee chairs, a member of House leadership and the Senate president pro tempore -- also drew the support of the American Cancer Society.