Panel takes money from stem cell bill
Published: Thu, Jul. 26, 2007 12:00AM
Modified Thu, Jul. 26, 2007 02:47AM
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closeA controversial proposal that would have set aside $10 million for embryonic stem cell research was stripped of its money in a House committee Wednesday.
What is left in the bill is a requirement for a state commission to set up guidelines for scientists who want to use state money -- money that doesn't exist -- for research using embryonic stem cells.
"I don't know why they're still pushing this," said Rep. Paul Stam, a Republican from Apex and a bill opponent. "It's just an exercise."
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The House Appropriations Committee will vote again on the bill today to settle whether a majority actually approved it.
Stam said he will continue to fight the measure. "It's human beings," he said. "They should not be used for research."
Proponents such as Rep. Earl Jones, the Greensboro Democrat who sponsored the bill, see the potential in embryonic stem cells for cures for illnesses including Parkinson's disease and diabetes.
The proposal has value even without the money, Jones said, and the bill has a better chance of passing the House with no money in it.
The state could provide money in the future, he said, or legislators could ask voters to approve a bond issue to pay for the research.
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