Life Sciences Bill Disagreement

There is little chance of action this year on legislation aimed at expanding the life sciences industry in Massachusetts after a disagreement between Governor Deval Patrick and House Speaker Sal DiMasi.

Speaker DiMasi says he is ready to act on a piece of the Governor's plan now, offering incentives for a half dozen biotech companies with pending business decisions.

"We'd like to indicate to these companies that we are working on these incentives and we may or may not do something with these companies before the end of the year." DiMasi said. "It all depends on their discussions with the administration and what they need."

But Governor Patrick says he wants to keep his one-billion dollar bill intact.

"Because the pieces all fit together, they are tools in a tool box," Patrick said. "I don't think any of us believe we can get the whole package together before the leg goes out of session. I think there are a lot of reasons why, one of which is that they got a late start."

The last scheduled formal sessions for the year are today.