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President Joe Biden’s fiscal year 2025 budget, released on March 11, requests essential funding for scientific and engineering research. I urge U.S. Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King and U.S. Reps. Jared Golden and Chellie Pingree, as in prior years, to support this crucial part of the spending plan. These important investments, made through several federal agencies, advance America’s national security, energy, biomedical, agricultural, environmental and other needs, while boosting our international competitiveness.
As a retired scientist, who summers in Lamoine, I want to be sure that my Maine neighbors know that this research and development (R&D) funding benefits Maine universities, colleges, industry, labs and startups. Including Mount Desert Island Biological Lab and the Jackson Laboratory, Maine educational and research organizations received more than $180 million of federal R&D funding in fiscal year 2022, alone!
Economists estimate that as much as 85 percent of America’s long-term economic growth is due to innovation inspired by scientific advances. The federal government has been the largest supporter of the basic and applied research producing the discoveries that innovative Mainers turn into future technologies and successful businesses. Moreover, these companies and research institutes provide outstanding home-grown internships for eager Maine students, and job opportunities when they graduate.
By approving essential federal science budgets, Maine’s congressional delegation can keep Maine and the nation on a path of strong economic growth. Please thank them for their previous support and let them know you support these federal science investments. Science pays big dividends in the long run, benefitting all Americans!
Beverly Karplus Hartline
Lamoine