Wisconsin Governor Wants $750 Million for Embryonic Stem Cell Research 
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by Steven Ertelt
LifeNews.com Editor
November 17, 2004
Madison, WI (LifeNews.com) — On the heels of California voters approving a $6 billion measure to finance unproven embryonic stem cell research, Wisconsin’s governor wants the Badger State to spend $750 million on the controversial science.
Governor Jim Doyle announced plans Wednesday to use a combination of public and private money to conduct research that would destroy human embryos to harvest their stem cells.
That money would build on the nearly $1 billion the state has spent on medical research facilities over the last decade.
"Other states, like California, are trying to play catch-up and build from scratch what we already have," he said.
"Wisconsin can’t match California dollar for dollar, but California can’t match what Wisconsin already has, including the best scientists in the world and first-class research institutions," Doyle said in a statement.
Part of the funds, which would be paid out over 10 years, would create the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, which would benefit from $50 million expected to be spent on the state’s BioStar project.
WiCell, a private organization that is pursuing stem cell research, will be a part of the WID development.
Some of the projects Doyle wants require legislative approval while others the governor can begin on his own through moving money in the state budget.
The state’s leading pro-life group said it will work feverishly to make sure the legislature does not approve taxpayer funding of research that destroys human life.
"Wisconsin Right to Life supports the use of tax dollars for the use of ethical research which does not involve the creation and/or destruction of human life," said Barbara Lyons, Executive Director for Wisconsin Right to Life. "We will work with legislators to insure that Governor Doyle’s proposal is amended to exclude unethical research."
Two scientists recently met with Doyle to map out a strategy to promote experimentation with embryos, even though initial trials involving embryonic stem cell research have proven disastrous.
After two decades of research, embryonic stem cells have yet to produce a single treatment. Meanwhile, adult stem cell research has produced more than 120 treatments for patients suffering from various diseases and ailments.
The Governor’s proposal would reportedly also use tax incentives to lure biotech businesses to the Midwestern state.
Related web sites:
Wisconsin Right to Life – https://www.wrtl.org
