RESEARCH DRIVES OVER HALF OF THE U.S.
ECONOMY
~ 2012 Budgeting
Process Should Focus on Funding for Innovative Initiatives
~
February 2011
(Alexandria, VA) - In his
State of the Union address, President Obama emphasized
innovation and research for our health, economy and
quality of life. Research drives over half of the U.S.
economy and has for decades. Unlike other government
funding, scientific research funding impacts all 50
states by providing jobs and working to turn today's
research into tomorrow's cures.
The financial impact of funding
saves billions of U.S. dollars, realized by new cures,
treatments and means of preventing illness. For example,
it is estimated that the use of the polio vaccine has
saved our economy $180 billion in treatment costs for
the disease; just imagine what other new developments
in science could do.
Despite the need for restraint
regarding federal spending, given America's aging population
and the clear economic and health benefits derived from
scientific research, it is clear that cutting these
budgets would be detrimental to American's health and
economy.
The President has made clear
the importance of innovation and R&D during this particular
period in America's economy and the role it plays in
sustaining and growing the U.S. as a global economic
leader.
Now in the 2012 budgeting
process, Research!America is reminding the president
of the importance of funding for these innovative initiatives.
The benefits of scientific research funding are clear
- they power job creation and economic sustainability
and growth.
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