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Maryland became the fifth state in 2004 to approve subsidizing embryonic stem cell research. Maryland Governor, Robert Ehrlich signed a bill allowing the state to provide $15 million for the research. Maryland joins California, Connecticut, Illinois and New Jersey in its approval of state-funded research programs. These efforts go against President Bush's 2001 policy restricting federal funding for work on embryonic cells, which has prompted a growing number of states to consider funding the research. "At least four other states are debating bills or ballots initiative to promote stem cell research," said Alissa Johnson of the National Conference of State Legislatures. Because of the controversial nature of the bill, it was met with strong opposition during its journey to the governor's desk. The bill, originally designed to provide $25 million to embryonic stem cell research programs, caused a filibuster upon reaching the state senate. The dramatic filibuster lasted five hours. Arguing on moral grounds, some conservative state senators spoke for up to an hour without stopping in hopes of delaying the decision of sending the bill to the governor. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn