October 27, 2006

Governor says stem cell research has powerful potential

LANSING - In her weekly radio address, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today said the voices of doctors, patients, families, and researchers were heard loud and clear this week during a town hall on embryonic stem cell research in Dearborn.  Their message: stem cell research holds the power to improve the lives of thousands of Michiganians. 

"Stem cell research holds the potential for life-saving treatments and cures for a multitude of diseases and injuries if we would just unlock the door," Granholm said.  "The men, women and children who suffer from conditions for which there is currently no treatment or cure deserve our help.  So do the families and friends who care for them."

The town hall was sponsored by the nationally-recognized Genetic Policy Institute and Michigan Citizens for Stem Cell Research and Cures.

In her 2006 State of the State Address, Granholm urged the Michigan Legislature to pass legislation that would lift the decades-old restrictions placed on embryonic stem cell research in the state.  The bills would also increase penalties for anyone violating the state ban on human cloning.

Granholm also launched an online petition in July asking the state Legislature to ease stem cell research restrictions in Michigan.  Boxing legend Muhammad Ali and his wife Lonnie are among the more than 7,800 citizens who have signed the petition.  Muhammad Ali has Parkinson's disease, a brain disorder for which the cause and cure are unknown.  The Alis have been tireless advocates for stem cell research, testifying in front of Congress about the need for funding and research.

"If you agree with me and Muhammad Ali, and more than 70 percent of the American people and many of this country's top scientists, then sign my online petition asking the Michigan Legislature to open the door to medical research by passing the bills to lift the restrictions," Granholm said.

Granholm said that in addition to potentially saving lives and preventing disease, stem cell research could also attract millions of dollars of investment in life sciences businesses and jobs to Michigan.

The governor's online petition is located at www.michigan.gov

The governor's weekly radio address is released each Friday morning and may be heard on broadcast stations across the state through an affiliation with the Michigan Association of Broadcasters.  The address will also be available on the Governor's website on Mondays as a podcast for general distribution to personal MP3 players and home computers.

Broadcasters Note: Governor Granholm's radio address can be accessed through Sunday evening exclusively through the Members Only page of the Michigan Association of Broadcasters website. 

Publishers Note: The text of today's address is attached.