A New York Stem Cell Institute?
The New York Times reports on the progress of an initiative to allocate $1 billion in public funds to stem cell research over the next 10 years in New York state. "The proposal, offered by David A. Paterson, the Senate Democratic leader, calls for the creation of a New York stem cell institute to regulate research in the field, as well as make loans and grants to organizations and companies. It is similar to an initiative under way in California, which approved a $3 billion stem cell research fund last year, and to a $380 million proposal announced last week by New Jersey's acting governor, Richard J. Codey." It seems likely that this would have to go to a voter referendum, as for Proposition 71 in California.
Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/17/nyregion/17stem.html