WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) announced today its selection of Representative Mike Rogers (R-MI) as Legislator of the Year for 2011-2012. Representative Rogers receives the award in conjunction with todays BIO Legislative Day Fly-In reception.

"Representative Rogers' achievements on the Energy and Commerce Committee have been instrumental for the growth of the life science industry, which is researching and developing new cures and treatments for debilitating diseases, and providing cutting-edge technologies to improve crop yields, and discover cleaner forms of home-grown energy," said BIO President and CEO Jim Greenwood. We salute him for introducing and supporting critically important legislation, including the Pandemic and All Hazard Preparedness Act, the Best Pharmaceuticals for Children Act and the Pediatric Research Equity Act.

Representative Rogers has quickly established himself as a champion of the biotechnology industry, both here in Michigan and throughout America. We appreciate his consistent support for this industry that provides almost 40,000 high-paying jobs in this state alone," said Stephen Rapundalo, PhD, MichBio President & CEO.

More than 200 biotechnology industry representatives from 41 states will participate in hundreds of meetings with Members of the House and Senate during the BIO Legislative Day Fly-In.Participants will discuss issues critical to the biotechnology industry including reauthorization of the Prescription Drug User Fee Act, the Transforming the Regulatory Environment to Accelerate Access to Treatments (TREAT) Act/Faster Access to Specialized Treatments (FAST) Act, adequate reimbursement for vital therapies under Medicare, and capital formation issues relevant to biotechnology companies.

Photos of the award presentation are available upon request.

BIO represents more than 1,100 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and in more than 30 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of innovative healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products. BIO also produces the BIO International Convention, the worlds largest gathering of the biotechnology industry, along with industry-leading investor and partnering meetings held around the world.

See more here:
Representative Rogers Honored as BIO Legislator of the Year