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Date: Mon, 21 Jun 2004 16:30:03 -0400 Subject: FW: NJ Governor: $6.5 Million in FY04-05 Budget for Stem CellResearch From the Hudson (NJ) Reporter. NJ gov to fund stem cell research by Al Sullivan Reporter senior staff writer 06/20/2004 The state of New Jersey, already ahead of the country in supporting the concept of stem cell research to cure some of the most nagging diseases facing humanity, is about to make an even bolder move by budgeting money to help get the research off the ground. Gov. Jim McGreevey is expected to unveil a new proposal during his budget presentation on June 22, making New Jersey the first state in the county to put money behind the effort. McGreevey is expected to allocate $6.5 million in the fiscal 2004-5 budget to fund embryonic stem cell research, making New Jersey the first state in the United States to use public funds for that purpose. In comments made for this story, McGreevey cited Nancy Reagan, widow of President Ronald Reagan, for her call to promote embryonic stem cell research. Nancy Reagan defied the opposition by President George W. Bush by asking the nation to help use research to find a cure for various diseases like Alzheimer's disease, the disease that led to her husband's death. "Nancy Reagan's courage and dignity in calling for stem cell research will hopefully be the foundation for the White House changing its position," McGreevey said. "In New Jersey we clearly understand that stem cell research offers the greatest amount of hope and possibilities for thousands of citizen that suffer from Alzheimer's disease, cancer, diabetes, Parkinson's disease and other diseases." Stem cell research is controversial because it uses the cells of discarded human embryos created for in vitro fertilization, but which were not be used in the end. Numerous conservative groups claim these embryos constitute the earliest form of human life, even when they don't come from eggs fertilized in a woman's body. These groups also believe that allowing studies on human embryos would breach an important barrier, allowing for further and even more terrifying human experimentation later on, such human cloning. Why is stem cell research important? McGreevey said his position is partly based on the fact that stem cell research can provide "groundbreaking hope" for people suffering from serious spinal injuries. "This is not a Democratic or Republican issue," he said. "This is an issue of providing hope and opportunity for a potential cure for our citizens, their families and their friends." McGreevey called this one of the most important issues Americans face, and something that New Jersey needs to move ahead on. "This is not political; it's a matter of finding a political breakthrough," he said. Studies show that the human body is made up of a variety of cells, such as cells that make up the heart, lungs, skin or blood. But all of these evolve from a single kind of cell that is developed at the earliest stages of embryonic human development. These cells - called embryonic stem cells - are still waiting to evolve, and scientists believe the secret to curing many of many incurable ailments may be found in how they do evolve. Because embryonic stem cells can only be found in human embryos, the research has been opposed by numerous political and religious groups who associate the research with abortion and human cloning. In August 2001, President Bush, who opposes the research, banned the use of federal funds for embryonic stem cell research. Federal policy also restricts access to most discarded embryos. Although individual states have the option to authorize such research, New Jersey was among the first in the nation to do so earlier this year. The New Jersey law, however, specifically banned human cloning, and allowed researchers to only use excess human embryos created through in vitro fertilization procedures. These embryos, which are no longer needed, can be donated to science for study in the lab. Hudson County played a huge role If New Jersey has brought the issue to national attention, then Hudson County brought the matter to New Jersey. The movement to get legislation started with a handful of local people, including Paul J. Byrne, chairman of the Right to Hope Committee, a pro-research group. Byrne approached Jamie Fox - then an advisor to the McGreevey for Governor Campaign - to have stem cell research added to the state Democratic platform. "We needed this to be part of the general election and part of a statewide debate," Byrne recalled. McGreevey accepted the challenge, and his victory over conservative Republican Bret Schundler - who opposed the research - seemed to propel the matter forward, although legislation was sharply opposed by many churches and anti-abortion groups. In a savvy political move, Assembly Speaker and West New York Mayor Albio Sires put the matter to a vote during the lame duck session late in the year. This is the last session before the newly elected members of the legislature take over in mid-January. In a cantankerous legislative session, the bill squeaked through and McGreevey signed it into law. A short time later, McGreevey also established a research lab at Rutgers University dedicated to embryonic stem cell research. Now by budgeting public funds to support research, McGreevey takes a bold step making New Jersey the first state in the nation to do so. John Kerry, Democratic candidate for President - with whom McGreevey has met - has already made support of the research part of his campaign, and the matter will likely become part of the Democratic political platform. "Stem cell research has become an issue of national significance," said state Sen. Bernard Kenny, "and New Jersey has taken the lead. This is an effort to advance the science and technology, which can improve the quality of life of people. The governor and this legislature have seized a historic initiative." Hudson County legislators still support the research "This is not about politics, it is about life and health," said Assemblyman Louis Manzo (D-31st Dist.) who represents Jersey City and Bayonne. "The governor and our state will take the lead in providing hope to people who have Alzheimer's disease, Sickle Cell disease or Diabetes. No one can realize the impact and benefits this research will produce. And this stand will resonate long after the ink has faded on the legislation." Manzo said the move will also will benefit families and others who have to care for sufferers, and will reduce the overall medical costs paid to take care of people who become disabled by these diseases. "Potentially this research will unlock the door, and will give us a savings in human life and will reduce people's pain," he said. Hoboken Councilman Tony Soares, who suffers from conditions associated with dwarfism, said he is glad to live in New Jersey. "I hope that one day soon, the people across the country will be able to benefit from research that will derive from Governor McGreevey's stem cell legislation," he said. "The fact is, with so many couples having in vitro fertilization, the rise in extra embryos makes hope available. If a couple donates their eggs it's their personal choice to help a person in need of a cure, and they are the true heroes in all of this." As a result of their vote, some legislators have suffered the wrath of several bishops, who publicly stated they would not issue Holy Communion to the governor and other legislators who voted for the bill. Kenny publicly responded to the challenge from the church by restating his support for the legislation. "This is about using our intellectual abilities to improve the delivery of health care services," said Kenny. "This is the humanitarian position to take. We need to find a cure for the insurable. This is not political. It is simply the right thing to do." ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn