Jackson Labs Bill Passes House, Senate

Both the House and Senate passed a bill to bring Maine-based Jackson Laboratories to Farmington on $291 million in incentives during a Wednesday special session.

The Senate voted 21-14 in favor of the deal and the House 101-41 over Republican complaints of secrecy, misinformation and an excessive investment by the state. Len Suzio (R-Meriden) has been the most vocal critic of the plan, saying the number of estimated jobs that will be generated is inflated. He also called for the state’s forgivable loan to be repaid and for more details about the agreement to be released. He posted an opinion piece criticizing the deal on .

The plan calls for Connecticut to foot the bill — $291 million over the next 10 years plus $99 million in research grants — for Jackson to build a 173,000 square foot research facility on the campus in Farmington and begin work in the field of personal medicine — using genetic testing to create individualized therapies. While the non-profit would not pay taxes on the property, the town could possibly get reimbursed through the Payment in Lieu of Taxes program, which has been shrinking as a result of state fiscal problems. 

What it would likely bring is a boost to the town’s bioscience corridor, which encompasses the health center and the new . According to state economic development commissioner Catherine Smith’s estimate, 6,600 spinoff jobs, in construction, the bioscience industry and support industries will be created as a result, possibly in Farmington.

Superintendent of Schools Kathleen Greider is already asking for estimates on how the increase in workers could impact school enrollment. Other officials have wondered about traffic.

Local officials from Town Council Chairman Mike Clark to state representatives William Wadsworth and Brian Becker and Sen. Terry Gerratana have applauded the deal as great for the town and for the state’s economy.

Gov. Dannel Malloy hailed the deal as a strategic investment to grow Connecticut's economy.

“By investing in Bioscience Connecticut, we sent a strong message to the industry that the state is ready, willing and able to be a player,” said Governor Malloy. “Just five months later, the state is already reaping its rewards, and tonight we took the next step toward reinventing Connecticut as a leader in the industry by officially welcoming JAX to the state."