November 25th, 2004
Proposed Stem Cell Funding In Illinois
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.