Pennsylvania Lawmakers Call for Investment in Stem Cell Research

State House Democratic Whip Mike Veon and state Reps Dan Frankel, D-Allegheny, and Babette Josephs, D-Phila., called for a state level commitment to stem cell research in Pennsylvania - removing any prohibitions against using public money, and creating a dedicated half-billion dollar fund and the formation of a council to oversee that fund.

The lawmakers are also proposing that Pennsylvania join with New Jersey and Delaware to create an interstate compact and establish a joint stem cell research center.

The research council would be able to match designated funding with other states in the compact and would be authorized to put up an additional 5 percent over New Jersey's funding as a discretionary supplement if it results in new research facilities and job creation in Pennsylvania.

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