Governor Baldacci Highlights Support of Stem Cell Research

Governor Baldacci Highlights Support of Stem Cell Research

SCARBOROUGH - Governor John E. Baldacci highlighted his support of stem-cell research Friday morning during a press conference held at the Maine Medical Center Research Institute in Scarborough.

"The research that is happening here and at The Jackson Lab in Bar Harbor can save the lives of those suffering from diseases such as Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease," said Governor Baldacci. "There was a time when polio was everywhere, but through research it's now nearly non-existent."

Today's press conference comes just two days after the five-year anniversary of President Bush's ban on stem cell research.

"Earlier this year, the House and the Senate both overwhelmingly approved federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. But President Bush stood in opposition to science and reason and made his mark in the history books by making his first and still only veto a rejection of this sound, ethical and vital scientific and medical research that has the potential to save thousands, if not millions of lives."

Governor Baldacci's support of stem cell research continues his overall support of research and development. Between 2003 and 2005, institutional personnel in research and development increased by 67%; faculty involved in R&D grew by 66% and institutional R&D space grew by 40%.

"Here in Scarborough, the state has invested almost $3.5 million in buildings and equipment at this facility," said Governor Baldacci of the Maine Medical Center Research Institute. "That has built a foundation to allow these doctors to compete for federal research dollars, bringing people and jobs and money and healthcare to Maine. An $11 million stem cell grant from the National Institutes is just part of the return on investment to Maine taxpayers."

Governor Baldacci told the researchers, employees and students gathered at the press conference that Maine's finances are now sound and the state has the fiscal capacity to invest more into research and development.

"We are ranked 40th for total state supported debt - amongst the lowest in the United States," said Governor Baldacci. "Public and private investments, together, will allow us to compete globally and reach our goal of $1 billion in public and private R&D activity in Maine by 2010."

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