Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey has proposed a $400 million state investment to create jobs and support research at public higher education campuses, hospitals, universities, and independent research institutions across the state.
Six things to know:
1. Ms. Healey announced the plan July 31, citing a new report by the UMass Donahue Institute’s Economic & Public Policy Research Group. The report found that research and development funding in the state supports 81,300 jobs, $7.8 billion in income and more than $16 billion in total economic activity.
2. In a news release, her office said the governor will file legislation proposing the funding as part of her newly launched Discovery, Research and Innovation for a Vibrant Economy initiative.
3. The governor’s proposal includes $200 million to support research projects at hospitals, universities and independent research institutions, as well as a one-year fellowship program for early career professionals, according to the release. The one-time, multi-year research funding pool, housed at MassDevelopment, will be paid for using the interest generated by the state’s rainy day fund.
4. The governor’s proposal also includes $200 million to support Massachusetts colleges and universities for direct and indirect costs of research, cross-regional partnerships and joint ventures, according to the release. This public higher education bridge funding reserve, funded by Fair Share surtax revenue, also earmarks funding to preserve and hire research and teaching professionals, including graduate students, postdocs and other early career staff.
5. The governor’s proposal comes as institutions in the state, including Cambridge-based Harvard University, have faced federal funding cuts. The governor made reference to this environment in her office’s announcement of the plan, saying, “This bill is about creating jobs across industries from construction and food services to healthcare and education. And in the face of uncertainty from the federal government, this is about protecting one of the things that makes Massachusetts so special — our global leadership in healthcare and helping families across the world.”
6. The funding proposed in the DRIVE initiative must be approved by the Massachusetts Legislature.
