BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH BOND OFF FOR VOTER APPROVAL

MDI Lab to get $3 million for biomedical research

AUGUSTA—A bond measure sponsored by Senator Emily Cain of Orono to provide $3 million for Mount Desert Island Biological Lab, an independent non-profit biomedical research institution in Bar Harbor, has been signed by Governor LePage and will now go on for voter approval.

“This is a great opportunity for Maine to invest in a key and rapidly growing sector of the state’s economy,” said Senator Cain. “By building off of Maine’s competitive advantage in microbiology and medical research, we can get Mainers working again and grow our economy.”

MDI Biological Lab is recognized as a world-class science education institution. Through research, education, and development ventures, the lab strives to improve human health and well-being.

“It’s institutions like MDI that will help put Maine on the map for cutting-edge research,” added Senate Majority Leader Troy Jackson of Allagash, who recently visited the MDI lab and was a strong advocate for the passage of the bill. “They are doing impressive work with stem cell regeneration that has the potential to help many people.”

MDI Biological Laboratory President Dr. Kevin Strange said in a prepared statement,  “We are deeply grateful to Senator Troy Jackson and other members of leadership who are committed to expanding research and development opportunities in Maine. Investing in human health research will allow us to continue to compete for federal research grants, create high quality jobs and provide critical workforce training to students from Portland to Presque Isle.”

The bond, LD 1223, will appear on the November ballot for voter approval.

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