Connecticut Commits $100M for Stem CellsMassachusetts Overrides Gov's Stem Cell Veto

Yesterday proved a big day for supporters of stem cell research as measures advanced in both Connecticut and Massachusetts. The Massachusetts law described in the May 16 issue of the Digest became law immediately after the state Senate voted 35-2 and the House voted 112-42 to override Gov. Mitt Romney's veto. In Connecticut, the House voted 113-27 to pass Senate Bill 934, leaving the measure to Gov Jodi Rell for her signature.

While the Massachusetts battle was fairly partisan between the Republican governor and the Democratic controlled legislature, the story in neighboring Connecticut suggests the conflict over embryonic stem cell research is more ideological than partisan.

Connecticut Gov Rell, a Republican, included a request of $20 million over two years for stem cell research in her 2006 budget request. The state Senate, controlled by Democrats, agreed with the proposal but extended the commitment to $10 million per year for ten years. The $100 million proposal endorses and funds embryonic and adult stem cell research. A new advisory board and peer review council would administer the grants.

Gov. Rell's endorsement and support of Democratic leadership in both legislative chambers for the proposal throughout this legislative session may have been the critical difference needed for passage. A similar bill passed the Senate overwhelmingly last year but failed in the House by four votes.

More information on S.B. 934 is available at: http://www.cga.ct.gov/

For more information on Massachusetts Senate Bill 2039, visit: http://www.mass.gov/legis/bills/senate/st02/st02039.htm