New Jersey Senate Approves $250 Million Stem-Cell Research Plan

[Leif]

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?p...bQJUA&refer=us

New Jersey Senate Approves $250 Million Stem-Cell Research Plan

May 18 (Bloomberg) -- The New Jersey State Senate approved a $250 million borrowing plan to create three stem-cell research centers, moving one step forward in the race against California to find funding and scientists for the controversial science.

The Senate bill, sponsored by Senate President Richard Codey, would be paid for by borrowing against cigarette tax revenue. The initiative would raise $150 million for a research center in New Brunswick, New Jersey, and $50 million each for stem-cell and biomedical research centers in Newark and Camden.

New Jersey, California and at least four other states initiated plans for stem-cell research centers to fill a funding void created after President George W. Bush limited federal funding in 2001. New Jersey became the first state to use public money for stem-cell research when it awarded $5 million in grants last year. California has since made similar grants.

Codey, a Democrat who served as acting governor for 14 months until Jon Corzine took office in January, has struggled to gain support for stem-cell funding. His original proposal died last year in the Assembly after Democratic leaders said they were concerned that the state was taking on too much debt.

The original bills called for construction of one center in New Brunswick. Codey added support this year as he included funding for two more research locations.

The bill, which passed the Senate 29-10 today, still needs approval from the Assembly. Construction would be financed by the sale of bonds backed by cigarette taxes.

Race

New Jersey is competing with California and other states to become a national center for embryonic stem cell research, which supporters say could lead to cures for conditions ranging from spinal-cord injuries to diabetes. Some religious groups oppose the research because human embryos are destroyed in the process.

``It's highly irresponsible for the Senators to support this at this time,'' said Marie Tasy, executive director of New Jersey Right to Life, in an interview following the vote. Her organization called the bill a `Loan to Clone.'

The facility in Newark would conduct research on adult stem cells, which are not opposed by religious groups because they come from human tissue and not embryos. Corzine is ``committed to stem-cell research,'' spokesman Brendan Gilfillan said today.

California passed a ballot measure to pump $3 billion into stem-cell research over 10 years. Wisconsin, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts and Maryland have all passed laws supporting and funding embryonic stem-cell research.

Congratulations.

[roshni]

Very hopeful news.