This is one to watch. If it makes it through, I will consider taking the House Dems off my shit list. Until then...
LANSING, Mich. -- A group of Democratic state lawmakers is reviving efforts to try and remove barriers on embryonic stem cell research in Michigan.
The long-running debate over the research at the state and federal levels has exposed a philosophical rift about the research. Many Republicans and some Democrats would rather focus on stem cell research that doesn't involve embryos, which they say raises ethical concerns. But the group announcing the reintroduction of legislation Thursday insists that embryonic research holds the most promise for medical research related to diabetes, spinal injuries and a host of other maladies.
Michigan has some of the most restrictive rules in the nation for embryonic stem cell research. Supporters of the research say it would help Michigan attract life science companies and boost the state's economy.
Restrictions will be lifted at the federal level. This will happen eventually. We might have to wait until George is gone, but my guess is that soon after we put a Democrat in the White House(!), it will be one of the first things Congress will pass.
Will Michigan be prepared? Or will we have to turn away jobs and federal $$ because of our restrictive laws?
Sure like Andy Meisner. Wish he was Speaker.
Rep. Andy Meisner, D-Ferndale, introduced similar bills in the last session of the Legislature, but they did not advance in a chamber that then was under Republican control.
Democrats hold a 58-52 advantage in the chamber this year, but that is no guarantee Meisner's bills will pass. House Speaker Andy Dillon, a Democrat from Redford, has said he would not block a vote on embryonic stem cell research but that he would vote against the bills as introduced last session.
Meisner has changed the bills this year in the hopes of getting broader support.
Which Democrats are going to vote against legislation that has such wide support? It will be interesting to find out. If the Bush veto stands, watch for this to be a big issue in '08- and the votes here in Michigan will be under scrutiny.
Other states will be moving ahead with this research, Michigan shouldn't be left behind.