Proposed Stem Cell Funding In Illinois

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JSOnline reports on the latest set of US state legislators to float the idea of local public funding for embryonic stem cell research. In this case, they are "proposing a 6% tax on face lifts and other cosmetic procedures to finance $1 billion in stem cell research over 10 years. Illinois Comptroller Dan Hynes wants the so-called 'nip-tuck tax' proposal put on the ballot as a referendum in 2006." The passage of Proposition 71 in California is inspiring debate and funding proposals in a number of other states - most notably New Jersey, Wisconsin and Massachusetts. Illinois legislators recently narrowly rejected a proposal to approve embryonic stem cell research in the state - but it is clear that local debate is still continuing.

Link: http://www.jsonline.com/bym/news/nov04/278364.asp