In a preliminary vote, the Massachusetts House provided overwhelming support for a $1 billion initiative to back the state's biotech industry over the next 10 years with new money for capital projects, research and some significant tax credits. The bill also pays for two new research institutions in the University of Massachusetts system. Gov. Deval Patrick has made passing the bill one of his chief priorities, promising to create 250,000 new jobs through the measure. A number of people have poked holes in that figure, but he's managed to build significant support for the bill among lawmakers eager to tout new opportunities throughout the state.
- read the story from the Eagle Tribune
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