" This time, Republicans on the subcommittee are upset with what they call U-M's "thumbing of their nose" at requests for information about embryonic stem cells. Several lawmakers said that if they don't get the information -- required under language passed in last year's budget -- they'll look at docking U-M's state aid. "

" This time, Republicans on the subcommittee are upset with what they call U-M's "thumbing of their nose" at requests for information about embryonic stem cells. Several lawmakers said that if they don't get the information -- required under language passed in last year's budget -- they'll look at docking U-M's state aid.

" U-M President Mary Sue Coleman said the university doesn't have an exact number of stem cells. She said it's important, instead, to place the work in the context of medical advances stem cells are leading. "

" Morrison was a vocal leader in the successful effort to pass Proposition 2, the 2008 amendment to the state Constitution that allows embryonic stem cell research in Michigan. Leading up to the vote, he testified before lawmakers on the potential of the research and gave media interview after media interview explaining the science. "

" Universities that conduct research on human embryos would be required to report how many embryos they have acquired, how many embryos have been destroyed, how many stem cell lines they’ve developed, and how many research projects are ongoing under the state’s Higher Education budget that has been approved by both legislative chambers.

" The issue arises from the 2008 ballot question that allowed human embryos to be destroyed in this state for research purposes. Michigan Catholic Conference played a major role in seeking to defeat that constitutional amendment, which was ultimately successful 52-48. With the passage of the proposal, universities such as the University of Michigan and others have moved forward with plans to destroy human embryos for research projects. However, the 2008 ballot question does not require research institutions to indicate how many embryos they have acquired and how many have been destroyed.

" The legislative language approved by both the House of Representatives and the State Senate is included in the Higher Education budget, which funds the state’s fifteen public universities. This week, Governor Rick Snyder, who supported the 2008 ballot question, publicly stated he does not support the inclusion of the “embryo census” language.

" It is likely the differing versions of the House and Senate Higher Education budgets will be settled in a conference committee at a date that has yet to be announced. Michigan Catholic Conference supports efforts to ensure there is accountability if human embryos are to be destroyed in this state, and supports the inclusion of the “embryo census” language in the Higher Education budget. "

" Regenerative medicine may play a significant role in regenerating the economy of Southeast Michigan, according to medical researchers in the region. Having begun collaborating and co-sponsoring the 2010 World Stem Cell Summit, proponents believe that the growing research infrastructure will bring increased revenue for research facilities and staff and the ability to train new graduate students, develop new drug therapies, and spin off clinical businesses throughout the region. "

N.B.: phrased as "Do you support or oppose stem cell research that clones human embryos so the stem cells can be removed?" / "Do you support or oppose stem cell research that kills the human embryo so the stem cells can be removed?"

'Embryonic stem cell research could be the breakthrough to curing diseases and help to build life sciences businesses, but MI must change its strict laws regarding using embryonic stem cells for research, a group from the U of Michigan told reporters"

"A coalition including some advocacy groups and Democratic state lawmakers is reviving efforts to remove barriers on embryonic stem cell research in Michigan."