Reps. Hwang and Steinberg support Jackson Laboratory Genomic Center and CT Bioscience Industry Initiatives

Representative Tony Hwang (R-134th) and Jonathon Steinberg (D-136th) attended the groundbreaking ceremony of the Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine (JAX).  The company is planning to construct a world class genomic bio-science facility on the UConn Healthcare Campus.  The project, which is beginning a year after the state approved $291 million in funding for the laboratory, is projected to bring in at least 300 jobs to the state.

The Jackson Laboratory began, in 1929, as a leader in the then new field of genetics.  84 years later, it has grown from a small group of less than 30 people to an internationally recognized institution of over 1,400 scientists and staff. Along the way, the laboratory has achieved global renown: a Nobel Prize for discoveries in transplantation medicine, a Lasker Award for understanding the molecular basis of obesity, membership to the National Academy of Sciences for contributions in reproductive biology and metabolism.  

The goals of JAX Genomic are to discover precise genomic solutions for disease – and to empower the global scientific community in our shared quest to improve human health through research initiatives in Connecticut.

"I am proud to be a part of the legislative process that brought JAX Genomics to CT," said Rep. Hwang.  "JAX will help propel CT to become the world leader in Genomic and bioscience innovation and improve standards of health/medicinal care in our communities.  The success and growth of the genomic/bioscience industry in CT will also bring 300 jobs and spur supportive businesses/jobs to a state that is in need of job growth."

“We're confident that Jackson Lab's success will be Connecticut's success,” said Rep. Jonathan Steinberg. “As a global bioscience innovator, they're helping us build a home-grown industry which will lead to thousands of quality jobs and broaden our tax base.”

"We will help create new economic opportunities." said Jackson Laboratory President and CEO Edison Liu, M.D. "We will unite with academic, medical, and business leadership of Connecticut to create an economic engine in a knowledge-based economy."  

Rep. Tony Hwang was recently re-elected to a 3rd term in the Connecticut General Assembly. Rep. Hwang represents the 134th District, which encompasses portions of Fairfield and Trumbull.  Rep. Hwang is the ranking leader in the Government Administration and Elections Committee and is a member of Public Safety and Security and Insurance and Real Estate committees in the 2013-2014 legislative sessions.  Rep. Hwang is a member of the CT Innovation Life Sciences Business/Government Group and a founding member of the bi-partisan CT General Assembly Bioscience caucus.

Rep. Jonathon Steinberg was first elected to serve as State Representative in the 136th Assembly District of Westport in 2010.  As state representative, Jonathan Steinberg’s top priorities have been job creation, fundamental operating and budget reform, and establishing a more progressive energy policy for Connecticut.