Press Release - Governor Announces Commitment to Increase Funding for Biomedical and Stem Cell Research

Press Release - Governor Announces Commitment to Increase Funding for Biomedical and Stem Cell Research

September 20, 2006

SCARBOROUGH - Governor John Baldacci today announced that he intends to increase state funding for biomedical and stem cell research in the next biennium. The Governor joined spinal cord injury advocate Travis Roy at the Maine Medical Center Research Institute (MMCRI), a facility that has been working on groundbreaking biomedical research.

"I'm here today with a simple message," said the Governor. "If we support biomedical research and development, we create jobs and save the lives of Maine people. Stem cell research holds the potential to lead to the most remarkable scientific advancements in medical history. We can't risk the federal government dragging us backward on innovation."

Governor Baldacci noted that collaboration with the private sector is needed to ensure research and development goals move forward. "Report after report on Maine's economy says we must invest more. I'm here today to commit to increased funding for R&D in all technology sectors -- including biomedical research -- in the next biennium. I've asked DECD Commissioner Jack Cashman to prepare a specific plan for investments. In the next budget cycle, we must substantially increase our investment in innovation and our economy."

The Governor pointed to important research currently underway in Maine, emphasizing the need to expand such research capabilities. "The research at labs like this one will help thousands if not millions of Americans who have Parkinson's, spinal cord injuries, Alzheimer's, and other medical conditions," said the Governor. "Here in Scarborough, stem cell research is positioning us for breakthroughs in therapy for damaged kidneys, bones, blood and blood vessels."

The state has invested almost $3.5 million dollars in buildings and equipment at the MMCRI facility. That has built a foundation to allow doctors to compete for federal research dollars, bringing people and jobs and money and healthcare to Maine. An $11 million dollar stem cell grant received from the National Institutes of Health is just part of the return on investment to Maine taxpayers.

"During my Administration to date, we have invested more in R&D in the last four years than during any other four year period in Maine's history," said Governor Baldacci. "When we talk about R&D, what we're really talking about is high paying careers for Maine people, including our young college graduates, for our future. Our investments are paying off. We are transforming our economy. We are building on the innovation, hard work and entrepreneurial spirit of Maine people to generate new knowledge, build new companies, transform existing industries and create jobs. We need to increase investments our proven research strengths, expand higher education to increase our knowledge based work force; and grow and recruit mid to large size innovation driven companies."

The Governor also today renewed his call on Congress to reverse the Bush Administration's ban on new lines of stem cells for public health research. "During my time as Governor and Congressman, I have met so many Mainers and their families who suffer from these conditions. I share with them the hope that stem cell research will unlock cures. We must respect the important ethical issues associated with all research, but we should not stay silent while some stand in the way of ethical and vital scientific and medical research."

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