Wednesday, April 26, 2006

Various State Updates

Various State Updates

Today’s news is pretty slim. It’s mostly articles and commentary on what’s going on in various states politically. So I’m just going to present a few items here and you can browse them or not as you wish.

The Wisconsin Journal-Sentinel followed up on Governor Doyle’s executive order giving money to recruit stem cell companies with a short article giving an example of the kind of research embryonic stem cell researchers are doing (no details) and summarizing the state’s involvement with stem cell research.

In Florida, a bill that would fund embryonic stem cell research passed in the state Senate. The Palm Beach Post had an article about it, as does the Bradenton Herald (much shorter). The bill is unlikely to actually become law, as Governor Jeb Bush would veto it, but according to the Post article, this is seen as evidence that the state might move forward on stem cell research next year. The two articles have significant discrepancies in the amount of money; the Post reports $150 million and the Herald reports $15 million. The text of the bill itself only creates the structure for administering grants and does not specify as funding amount.

The Columbia Missourian has an article giving an overview of the stem cell ballot initiative and related issues in Missouri. It also provides a summary of what stem cell research is.

Wisconsin to Recruit Stem Cell Companies

Wisconsin to Recruit Stem Cell Companies

Governor Jim Doyle of Wisconsin yesterday signed an executive order authorizing the state’s Department of Commerce to spend $5 million to recruit stem cell researchers and companies, according to a press release. The release says that existing stem cell research provides 22,000 jobs and contributes nearly $7 billion to the state’s economy. The state is apparently feeling threatened by California, Connecticut, and other states that are trying to “catch up” with Wisconsin.