July 18, 2006

LANSING – In a letter to President Bush, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today called on the President to join with a growing number of families, education leaders, and scientists who support easing federal restrictions on stem cell research.

“If our nation is serious about improving both the cost and quality of health care, we must tap the full power of modern science to combat life-threatening illnesses in an ethically responsible manner,” Granholm wrote.  “The Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act enables our nation’s researchers to do just that.” 

Congress is expected to act this week on the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act which would dramatically expand federally-funded stem cell research.  Despite overwhelming bipartisan support for the legislation in both the Senate and House, the President has threatened to veto it.  If he does so, it will be his first veto.

Granholm has been a consistent advocate of expanded research and called for easing Michigan’s restrictions in her 2006 State of the State address.  If the Legislature heeds her call, expanded stem cell research not only holds the promise of new treatments for debilitating illnesses, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and diabetes, but will also produce numerous high-paying research and development jobs.

“Talented researchers and businesses around the world are working right now on cures to these horrible diseases through the promise stem cell research holds.  These cures could have an enormous impact on the lives of Michiganians who live with these illnesses and could ease the pain felt by their families,” Granholm wrote.

In addition to her letter, Granholm also signed a joint letter with several fellow governors urging members of the U.S. Senate to pass the legislation.  In addition to Granholm, the letter was signed by Governors Jm Doyle of Wisconsin, Rod Blagojevich of Illinois, Bill Richardson of New Mexico, Ruth Ann Minner of Delaware, Tom Vilsack of Iowa, Jon Corzine of New Jersey, and Ted Kulongoski of Oregon.

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