Governor is dealt stem-cell setback; Gov. Crist's $20 million research initiative looks to be on chopping block

Gov. Charlie Crist's major science initiative to spend $20 million on stem-cell research appears to have fallen victim to budget cutting in the Legislature.

Lawmakers also say they have backed away from a proposed ban on future state funding for embryonic stem-cell research, the most controversial form of the science.

"Everyone agrees there's a lot of potential" for other stem-cell research, said Sen. Mike Haridopolos, R-Melbourne, who is sponsoring the bill in the Senate. "This issue is about funding. We're going to have to put it off."

The stalled stem-cell bills represent the unraveling of a compromise brokered by Crist, who excited scientists early this year by making stem-cell research one of his priorities.

Scientists say the study of stem cells, or cells that can be developed into any kind of cell in the body, could lead to treatments for a variety of degenerative diseases.

Some stem cells, called "adult," can be derived from sources such as umbilical cord blood and other tissues.

Most scientists believe that stem cells from human embryos hold the most potential for cures. Crist originally asked the Legislature to set aside $20 million to research all kinds of stem cells, including the 60 embryonic stem-cell lines President Bush set aside for experiments in 2001.

But criticism from groups that believe embryonic research destroys human life led Crist to ask for funding for adult stem-cell research only.

Crist admitted Wednesday that "time's running out," but said he hoped that lawmakers would understand the stakes.

"The vast majority of the people want good research, they want good science and they want a good quality of life," he said. "Making a good quality of life means that maybe we cure Alzheimer's, or diabetes, or Parkinson's. Who can be against that?"

Lawmakers say Crist's plan stalled primarily because the state could not spare the money when facing a $1 billion budget shortfall.

But some money may still be available for the research. Until the Legislature decides what types of stem-cell experiments to pay for, scientists can win funding for all types of the research through existing Florida grant programs.

The state currently has more than $10 million a year to spend on regenerative medicine, such as that involving stem cells, as long as the research is designed to treat tobacco diseases or cancer.

But Dennis Steindler, the executive director of the University of Florida's McKnight Brain Institute for regenerative medicine, said it would be "nearly impossible" for a Florida scientist to win state money for embryonic stem-cell research right now.

The Legislature needs to make the policy decision and set money aside specifically, Steindler said.

"The longer there is a delay, getting funding gets harder and harder," he said.

Staff writer Joe Follick contributed to this report.