New Jersey Wades Into Stem Cell Research Debate
Related News: Stem Cells and GovernmentNew Jersey Governor Codey officially began the stem cell research debate Thursday when he introduced a plan to spend $150 million in public money to build a stem cell research center in New Brunswick. The goal of this research center would be to make a home for scientists to explore stem cell related biomedical advancements.
"By investing in stem cell research, we are investing in an opportunity to save lives," Codey said in a written statement. "This new facility will provide patients throughout our state with easy access to the most cutting-edge treatment and best possible care."
Governor Codey stated that he was hopeful that the center could break ground as soon as this August. However an sizable group of conservative lawmakers and their allies began to make preparations to stop the plan.
"No public money or bonds should be spent on this impending shop of horrors," said Marie Tasy, executive director of New Jersey Right to Life, who held a press conference at the State House on Thursday.
"This administration continues to be fiscally and morally bankrupt," said Assemblyman Guy Gregg, R-Morris.
Gregg stated that using public money to fund the stem cell center is fiscally irresponsible. He went on to add that the state should step aside and wait for the private sector to pay for this type of research.
"If this is the future of modern medicine, there will be a waiting line of private entities to get involved," said Gregg, one of several Republicans who argued that the state has no place borrowing money for stem cell research when it is billions of dollars in debt.
Posted on June 16, 2005 12:54 PM