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FLORIDIANS FOR HOPE, INC. "Defending Our Hope for Cures" ACTION ALERT April 16, 2007 Florida State Legislature on Fast Track to Banning Funds for Embryonic Stem Cell Research Tallahassee, Florida--Utilizing a combination of secret meetings and sneaky legislative tactics, the extremist faction of the Florida legislature is on the verge of successfully banning the use of public funds for embryonic stem cell research. Despite overwhelming support for state investment in embryonic stem cell research, HB 1065, which specifically prohibits state funds from use in embryonic stem cell research, is headed for the House floor where passage is likely. With such renowned research institutes as the Scripps, Burnham and Torrey Pines committed to locating facilities in the state for the development of cures; prohibiting these funds and tying the hands of researchers will be a major blow for patients' rights advocates and those who hold hope for cures nationwide. The tactics to which the anti-cures forces have sunk to employ seem to know no bounds. Last month, House Republicans were criticized after it was revealed that a secret caucus meeting was held to school 72 House Republicans on how to deliver anti-cures talking points. This meeting ran up against Florida's famous Sunshine Laws, that require public notification anytime representatives gather to discuss pending legislation. And yet depite this criticism, the tricks didn't stop. Just last week, lobbyists from the anti-cures group Citizens for Science and Ethics, secretly included anti-cure talking points in with HB 1065 before a committee hearing on the bill. This after the hearing was called at the last minute in order to prevent Pro-Cure groups from organizing experts and patients' rights advocates to address the committee. Anti-cures advocates understand that the public wants Florida to invest in the most promising research possible. This is why the anti-cures forces have bumped against the law and are doing everything possible to make sure that a fair and honest debate is avoided at all costs. The good news is that there is still time to stop this legislation from passing the Florida Senate and being approved by Governor Charlie Crist. Please help us by contacting the office of Florida Senate President Ken Pruitt and urge him to reject the Senate version of this bill (SB 2496) and to keep the promise he made last year to make the funding of embryonic stem cell research a "top priority" by supporting SB 750 that funds embryonic stem cell research. He can be reached at 850-487-5088. And contact the office of Governor Crist and urge him to keep his promise to support state investment in embryonic stem cell research. That number is 850-488-7146. Banning funds and holding back research in Florida through secret meetings and clever deception will signify a major victory for Anti-Cures groups throughout the country. This will embolden these groups to use these same tactics in other states. Please help us stop them in their tracks today! 550 S. California Avenue | Suite 330 | Palo Alto, CA 94306 (650) 812-9304 | (650) 833-0105 (fax) www.americansforcures.org ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn