October 06, 2006
October 6, 2006
Governor says additional research has potential to save lives, create jobs
LANSING – In her weekly radio address, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today urged the Michigan Legislature to pass two bills 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.
“Stem cell research holds the power to improve the lives of thousands of Michiganians,” Granholm said. “The men, women, and children who suffer from conditions for which there is no treatment or cure deserve our help. So do the families and friends who care for them.”
In July, Granholm launched an online petition asking the state Legislature to ease stem cell research in Michigan. This week, Muhammad Ali and his wife, Lonnie, joined the more than 7,800 citizens who have signed the petition. The Alis have been tireless advocates for stem cell research, testifying in front of Congress on the need for critical research to help address Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s is just one of a multitude of diseases and conditions that could be better treated, or possibly prevented, as a result of stem cell research.
In her address, Granholm encouraged Michigan citizens who support easing stem cell research restrictions to sign the online petition.
“Join me by signing my online petition asking the Michigan Legislature to open the doors to medical research by passing the bills to lift the restrictions,” Granholm said.
Granholm said that in addition to potentially saving lives, stem cell research could attract millions of dollars of investment in life sciences businesses that will create jobs in Michigan.
The governor has been a consistent advocate of stem cell research and called for the easing of Michigan’s restrictions in her 2006 State of the State Address. In her speech, Granholm called on the Legislature to pass House Bill 4900 sponsored by Representative Andy Meisner (D-Ferndale). Similar legislation has been introduced in the State Senate by Senator Gretchen Whitmer, (D-East Lansing).
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.
