Empowering Members Through Biohealth Advocacy
BioForward’s advocacy efforts are designed to directly benefit biohealth companies in Wisconsin. By educating policymakers and actively engaging in legislative activities, we ensure policies that support industry growth and innovation are prioritized. By being part of BioForward, members gain a powerful ally dedicated to their success and the growth of the entire biohealth ecosystem.
Latest Legislative Activities
We actively engage in legislative activities to influence policies that support the growth and success of Wisconsin’s biohealth industry.
SUPPORTED: Universities of Wisconsin’s operating budget request for the 2025-27 biennium
Wisconsin’s 2025-27 bipartisan state budget was signed into law on July 3rd securing a $256 million increase to the University of Wisconsin System. Although less than the requested $856 million by System, the increase did have major funding implications including critical renovations to UW Madison Science Hall, Health Sciences building at UW-Milwaukee and a Science Center at UW-LaCrosse.
SUPPORT: Cole’s Act LRB 1278/1 and LRB 2364/1.
This legislation requires health insurance policies that offer prescription drug benefits, self-insured health plans, and pharmacy benefit managers acting on behalf of policies or plans to apply amounts paid by or on behalf of a person covered under the policy or plan for prescription drugs to any calculation of an out-of-pocket maximum amount or to any cost-sharing requirement of the policy or plan in Wisconsin. For additional information, check out their website at this link WI All Copays Count Coalition (wi4patients.com) and read the recent press release.
Watch this powerful video about why all co-pays count: https://vimeo.com/user13782109/review/818097108/a71ed27fed
MONITORING: 25-27 state budget impacts including business taxes
BioForward actively monitoring 2025-27 state budget discussions regarding impacts to Wisconsin biohealth industry.
SUPPORT: SBIR & STTR Reauthorization
SBIR and STTR are set to expire in September 2025 so congress must pass legislation to extend the SBIR & STTR programs. These programs are critical in supporting our emerging growth companies and allowing vital innovations to become commercialized enhancing the United States future competitiveness.
SUPPORTED: American Innovation and R&D Competitiveness Act of 2023 (HR 1990 & S. 866). Passed in the OBBBA budget bill.
The OBBBA repealed the provision that R&D expenses could no longer be deducted in the same taxable year but rather businesses had to amortize such deductions over five years for domestic expenditures and 15 years for foreign expenditures. This previous legislation severely impacted early-stage companies from not being allowed to deduct R&D expenses in the year incurred. The OBBBA now allows for the immediate deduction of research and development costs.
OPPOSE: Most Favored Nation Pricing
a. This recommendation of adopting foreign price controls would jeopardize patient access to innovative medicines. The absence of price controls in the U.S. leads to more and newer medicines made available sooner to Americans, with better health outcomes for those with serious diseases.
Advocacy Insights
Stay updated with the latest advocacy news and insights. We share important developments and policy changes affecting the biohealth industry, ensuring our members are well-informed.
Discover the remarkable growth and innovation of Wisconsin’s biohealth industry.
The information policymakers need to support a thriving industry driving Wisconsin’s economic recovery.
The information policymakers need to support a thriving industry driving Wisconsin’s economic recovery.
This legislation ensures that copay assistance counts toward patients' out-of-pocket costs, preventing insurers from excluding these payments from deductibles.
Government Affairs Committee
Our Government Affairs Committee represents member interests, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are addressed at every level of government.
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Find Your Legislators & Legislative Committees
Stay informed and make your voice heard. BioForward periodically issues legislative alerts, encouraging members to contact their senators or representatives on critical biohealth industry issues. Locate your legislators using our interactive map and get involved today.
