Title
Authorizing the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development to conduct a hearing on the City of Philadelphia's capacity to prepare individuals of all educational backgrounds for careers in the growing life sciences industry, with a focus on the cell and gene therapy subsector.
Body
WHEREAS, Life sciences is a rapidly expanding industry in the city of Philadelphia with millions of square feet of lab space expected to open in the next two years. Additionally, Philadelphia region has received more than $8 billion in venture capital funding since 2021 and one billion per year from the National Institute of Health; and
WHEREAS, Philadelphia is nationally recognized as the #5 city for life sciences, jumping four spots since 2021; and
WHEREAS, Philadelphia was also ranked the #2 hub in the United States for the cell and gene therapy subsectors and is home to the first FDA-approved cell therapy and the first FDA-approved gene therapy; and
WHEREAS, Despite market turbulence, this industry is expected to continue growing; major development like 3201 Cuthbert (expected to be the city's largest life sciences research lab facility) and Hilco's Bellwether District that will include dozens of life sciences companies are actively under construction, while the Schuylkill Biotech Campus is in the final planning stages; and
WHEREAS, Mature cell and gene companies that receive FDA approval offer a range of opportunities including many jobs paying a living wage ($18-$23/ hour) and accessible to individuals with only a high school education such as manufacturing and lab tech positions; and
WHEREAS, There has been a 94% growth in the cell and gene therapy workforce; and
WHEREAS, Many life sciences companies located in areas immediately next to or accessible via public transit from high-poverty and high-unemployment neighborhoods such as Southwest Philadelphia and Kensington; and
WHEREAS, The training program created by partnership between the Chamber of Commerce, Iova...
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