The recently passed New York state budget does provide funding for stem cell research, but it provides very little guidance as to how that money should be spent. Senator Liz Krueger has had a bill regarding this issue stuck in committee for years. Tomorrow she'll be trying to move it yet again.
Tomorrow, (Wednesday, April 18) during the 11 am Senate Session, I will attempt to move my bill authorizing Stem Cell Research (S.1257) to the floor for a debate and vote. This bill has been stuck in committee for several years.
Nine other states have already acted. An estimated 128 Million Americans suffer from chronic, degenerative and acute diseases such as Diabetes, Cancer, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. Our best scientists believe that cures may evolve from embryonic stem cell research.
New York's new budget, voted for by both parties, provides financing for stem cell research - $600 million over 11 years. Yet, we have no legal guidelines for what is and is not permitted in our State.
Senate Bill 1257 authorizes the conduct of stem cell research in New York State, requires informed consent for research purposes, and prohibits human reproductive cloning. This bill also addresses the numerous ethical and policy concerns that have been raised regarding the use of embryonic stem cells for medical research.
Any bets on how many of my Republican colleagues will vote in support of allowing a debate on this important legislation?
