Biocom California Honors Akilah Weber Pierson and Kent Lee as “Elected Officials of the Year”
Biocom California, representing the California life science industry, has named California State Senator Akilah Weber Pierson, M.D., and San Diego City Council President Pro Tem Kent Lee as its “Elected Officials of the Year” for their exceptional support of the state’s life science community in 2024.
Senator Akilah Weber Pierson’s Impact on Health Insurance for Small Life Science Companies
Senator Akilah Weber Pierson was recognized for her pivotal role in authoring Assembly Bill (AB) 2072 during her time as an Assemblywoman. This bill extended authorization for biomedical companies to continue offering affordable, high-quality health insurance through the small employer association health plan law. This legislation was crucial in helping small life science companies compete with larger corporations for talent by providing access to affordable insurance options.
Tim Scott, President and CEO of Biocom California, emphasized the importance of protecting such programs, particularly for small companies. “A large fraction of Biocom California members are startups with fewer than 10 employees, and health insurance plans for these companies are often very expensive with sub-par benefits,” Scott explained. Under Senator Weber Pierson’s leadership, AB 2072 passed both houses of the California State Legislature unanimously and was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom, securing the program’s availability through 2030.
Senator Weber Pierson expressed her honor in receiving the award: “For nearly three decades, Biocom has been a pillar of progress, driving transformative innovations in the life science industry. Together, we will continue to advance healthcare in our state and build a healthier California for all.”
Kent Lee’s Role in Advancing San Diego’s Life Science Hub
San Diego City Council President Pro Tem Kent Lee was recognized for his significant efforts in the passage of the University Community Plan Update. This update, which had not been revised since 1987, is critical for the future growth of the biotechnology industry and the development of new housing in San Diego’s life science hub.
Tim Scott praised Council President Pro Tem Lee’s leadership during the public process. “When a small opposition group attempted to derail the six-year effort to develop the plan, Council President Pro Tem Lee stood strong and educated his colleagues on the importance of these changes. His efforts ensured the plan’s unanimous approval by the City Council,” said Scott. The updated plan will help maintain San Diego’s position as one of the world’s leading life science clusters.
Council President Pro Tem Lee also expressed his honor in receiving the recognition: “Many of San Diego’s most innovative life science companies and the families they support are in my district, so it’s an honor to be selected as Biocom California’s Legislator of the Year. I’ll keep working with Biocom to build the homes, infrastructure, and community amenities we need to support the life science workers driving our local economy.”
Biocom California’s “Elected Officials of the Year” recognition highlights the significant contributions of both Senator Akilah Weber Pierson and Council President Pro Tem Kent Lee to California’s thriving life science community.
About Biocom California
Biocom California is the leader and advocate for California’s life science sector. We work on behalf of our members to drive public policy, build an enviable network of industry leaders, create access to capital, introduce cutting-edge STEM education programs and create robust value-driven purchasing programs.
Founded in 1995 in San Diego, Biocom California provides the strongest public voice to research institutions and companies that fuel the local and state-wide economy. Our goal is simple: to help our members produce novel solutions that improve the human condition. In addition to our San Diego headquarters, Biocom California operates core offices in Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area, with satellite offices in Sacramento, Washington, D.C. and Tokyo. Our broad membership benefits apply to biotechnology, pharmaceutical, medical device, genomics and diagnostics companies of all sizes, as well as to research universities and institutes, clinical research organizations, investors and service providers.
For more information on Biocom California, please visit our website at www.biocom.org. Connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook and X.
