Advocacy & Policy
AdAstra BIO is committed to advancing policies that strengthen the bioscience ecosystem in Kansas and ensure our state’s competitiveness at the national level. Our advocacy platform is built on collaboration with lawmakers, agencies, and industry leaders to promote legislation that accelerates innovation, workforce development, and economic growth.
Links to Current Policy & Advocacy Resources
- Link 1
- Link 2
Kansas and Federal Legislative Priorities
Workforce & Talent Development
- Support for non-degree pathways and apprenticeship programs to expand the bioscience talent pipeline.
- Funding for STEM education, technical training, and partnerships between industry and educational institutions.
- Addressing workforce shortages in health, biomanufacturing, and research sectors.
Tax Incentives & Economic Development
- Expansion and protection of state tax credits for angel investors and R&D activities.
- Advocacy for matching funds to leverage federal grants and private investment in bioscience.
- Support for the Regulatory Sandbox Program (HB 2291) to encourage innovation and reduce barriers for startups.
Public – Private Partnerships
- Building coalitions for biomanufacturing, CDMO, and CRO industry growth (e.g., KC BioHub initiative).
- Incentivizing collaboration between universities, companies, and government to drive regional economic development.
Research & Innovation
- Funding for bioscience research, commercialization, and technology transfer.
- Support for state conservation funds and water resource management (e.g., HB 2541)
Equity & Inclusion
- Policies that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in bioscience education, hiring, and leadership.
- Ensuring rural and underserved communities have access to bioscience opportunities.
NIH & Federal Research Funding
- Advocate for increased NIH and federal research funding to support Kansas bioscience research, innovation, and commercialization.
- Monitor federal budget reconciliation and appropriations processes for impacts on bioscience grants and programs.
340B Drug Pricing Program
- Engage with federal policymakers on reforms to the 340B program and pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) regulations, which impact Kansas hospitals and clinics.
Regulatory Reform
- Support federal policies that streamline regulatory approval for bioscience products and services, including FDA modernization and expedited pathways for innovative therapies.
Rural Health & Infrastructure
- Advocate for federal investment in rural health infrastructure, broadband, and transportation to support bioscience growth in Kansas.
AdAstra BIO Advancing Your Priorities
- Develop and publish an annual policy agenda.
- Coordinate testimony and engagement with Kansas lawmakers.
- Maintain an active Advisory Council to evaluate and advance key policy priorities.
- Partner with regional and national organizations to amplify Kansas’s voice in federal policy discussions.