A Middletown Press article accurately presents the way in which politicians view state funding of stem cell research - as a bidding war. "Seven states and counting are considering setting up or operating their own embryonic stem cell programs. The potential rewards in medical breakthroughs and economic development are so enormous that these legislatures are putting mountains of money on the line. However, Connecticut's proposed $20 million is a speed bump next to California's $3 billion. ... New Jersey is proposing a $400 million stem cell program, and Wisconsin will launch a $750 million biotechnology program that includes stem cell research. 'Twenty million dollars is short-term. It's not enough to make Connecticut attractive. A lot more funding is needed.'"
Link: http://www.middletownpress.com/site/printerFriendly.cfm?brd=1645&dept_id=10856&newsid=14363174