Lawmakers call for investment in stem cell research, USA

[Guest guest]

Medical News Today 04 Feb 2005

Lawmakers call for investment in stem cell research, USA

State House Democratic Whip Mike Veon and state Reps Dan el, D-Allegheny,

and Babette phs, D-Phila., called for a commitment to stem cell research in

Pennsylvania - removing any prohibitions against using public money, and

creating a dedicated half-billion dollar fund and the formation of a council to

oversee that fund.

“Stem-cell research is more than just cutting-edge technology that could be the

key to curing disease and injury,” Veon said. “It is also an industry that can

provide thousands of high-tech, high-wage jobs in Pennsylvania.

“I believe that the Commonwealth can and should invest in this research, and

join with surrounding states when it is to our advantage. If we don't, we

absolutely will see states like California widen the research gap, and lure away

our best and brightest jobs and workers. This is a race for progress that we

simply cannot afford to lose.”

Veon's proposal would:

• create a $500 million bond initiative - disbursed at $100 million per year --

to be paid back over 30 years to fund research;

• levy a 2 percent tax on medical devices & diagnostic equipment -- primarily

consisting of everything from single-use products to capital equipment to

diagnostics machines - with the money raised used to pay the bond debt;

• examine the possibility of using tobacco settlement money to bolster the fund;

and • form the Pennsylvania Stem Cell Research Council - a 15-member panel made

up of people from groups representing those with injuries and diseases that

could be cured by stem cell research, as well as representatives from medical

schools, ethics groups and legislators.

The research council would create groups that would set research standards to

avoid duplication, review grant applications, and make recommendations for

disbursement of the funds.

The lawmakers are also proposing that Pennsylvania join with New Jersey and

Delaware to create an interstate compact and establish a joint stem cell

research center. The research council would be able to match designated funding

with other states in the compact and would be authorized to put up an additional

5 percent over New Jersey's funding as a discretionary supplement if it results

in new research facilities and job creation in Pennsylvania.

el urged investment all across the state, not just in the southeast region.

“Considering how much innovative research is taking place in Pittsburgh, I want

to see major investments in stem cell research in western Pennsylvania,” el

said. “We have some of the greatest research and teaching hospitals in the world

in our area. We need to do everything possible to keep these facilities and

these jobs right here.

“Just this week researchers in Wisconsin announced a breakthrough where stem

cells taken from human embryos became motor neurons -- an experiment that might

one day help scientists repair damaged nervous systems. That is the kind of

research we need to support in Pennsylvania.”

The lawmakers noted the need for Pennsylvania to avoid falling behind other

states that are aggressively investing in research.

“Almost four years ago, a far-reaching federal ban on funding for stem cell

research shut down some of the most promising work to prevent, treat and cure

Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, diabetes, AIDS and so many other life-threatening

diseases,” phs said. “The need to develop new, uncontaminated embryonic stem

cell lines is vitally important to continue this promising research.

“The legislation I am proposing again this session would allow researchers to

use public funds to generate stem cell lines from embryos, for the purpose of

developing new medical treatments. My intent is to authorize research on stem

cells from any source. We have heard the cries about the brain drain occurring

in Pennsylvania as talented, bright people leave the state. We should encourage

leading U.S. stem cell researchers to remain in or move to Pennsylvania to

conduct such research. "

The legislators plan to introduce the legislation next week.

Office of the Democratic Whip Press Release