08-R151

2008 -- H 8238

Enacted 05/01/08

 

 

H O U S E  R E S O L U T I O N

PROCLAIMING MAY OF 2008 TO BE "BIOTECHNOLOGY MONTH" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

     

     

     Introduced By: Representatives Dennigan, Church, Fox, Ajello, and Slater

     Date Introduced: May 01, 2008

 

 

     WHEREAS, Biotechnology is the application of biological knowledge to practical needs,

and it has become increasingly important to the research and development of medical,

agricultural, industrial, and environmental products, both in Rhode Island and across the globe;

and

     WHEREAS, Breakthroughs and achievements in Biotechnology have benefited people

for centuries and, in the 20th century, it has contributed to increasing the life span of Americans

by 25 years through the development of vaccines, antibiotics, and other drugs; and

     WHEREAS, Biotechnology is central to the research for cures in diseases such as cancer,

diabetes, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, heart and lung disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Acquired

Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), and innumerable other medical ailments; and

     WHEREAS, Contributing to crop yields and farm productivity, Biotechnology has

enhanced the quality, value, and suitability of crops for food and other uses which are critical to

America’s agricultural system; and

     WHEREAS, Biotechnology also promises environmental benefits including protection of

water quality, conservation of topsoil, improvement of waste management techniques, and the

reduction of chemical pesticide usage; and

     WHEREAS, Biotechnology has contributed to the success of the United States in

international commerce and trade and will be an important catalyst for creating jobs for Rhode

Islanders in the 21st century; and

     WHEREAS, It is important for all Rhode Islanders to understand the role Biotechnology

contributes to the quality of their lives and future; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the state of Rhode Island and

Providence Plantations hereby proclaims May of 2008 to be “Biotechnology Month” in the state

of Rhode Island; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That this House celebrates the growth of Biotechnology in Rhode Island by

urging all departments of the state to observe this month with educational programs at high

schools and institutions of higher learning that are geared towards increasing and enhancing a

skilled workforce for this developing field, and through activities, ceremonies, and promotional

exposure on Capital TV and at Committee hearings for Rhode Island’s emergent biotech

industries; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to Governor Donald Carcieri, the Director of the

Department of Economic Development and the Director of Capitol TV.

     

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LC02094

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