Gov. Doyle: Statement regarding federal court decision regarding stem cell funding

Contact: Laura Smith, Office of the Governor, 608-261-2162

Seeks Congressional Action to Definitively Allow Federal Funding of Stem Cell Research

MADISON – Governor Jim Doyle today issued the following statement after a federal appeals court issued a temporary stay while they consider the U.S. Department of Justice’s motion for stay pending appeal. The US-DOJ has appealed the preliminary injunction by federal judge Lamberth that stopped federal funding of embryonic stem cell research.

“Today’s federal court decision is good news because NIH can resume federal funding for stem cell research for the time being, but it is very temporary. The federal appeals court has not yet ruled on the motion for a stay or the preliminary injunction.

“This case is procedurally complex and will likely continue for months, with many twists and turns before it is resolved. The best way forward is for Congress to take immediate action to definitively allow for the federal funding of stem cell research under the clear, ethically sound guidelines issued last year by the National Institutes of Health.

“Wisconsin is home to more than 600 biotechnology companies, 11 stem cell companies and 34,000 jobs in the bioscience industry. The stem cell research conducted in this state provides the potential for life saving medical breakthroughs that families around the world so desperately need. Judge Lamberth’s order put this all at risk.”

Governor Doyle will do everything he can to secure federal funding for stem cell researchers in Wisconsin. The State will participate as amicus curiae in the legal proceedings to overturn Judge Lamberth’s order, and the Governor has offered to assist the U.S. Department of Justice in their efforts to overturn the ruling.

Earlier today, Governor Doyle sent a letter to Wisconsin’s Congressional Delegation urging quick action by Congress to definitively allow for the federal funding of stem cell research. View the letter at http://www.wisgov.state.wi.us/docview.asp?docid=20209.

Since taking office, Governor Doyle has vastly expanded Wisconsin’s investment in stem cell research. In addition to being home to world renowned stem cell companies that leverage millions of dollars in investment, Wisconsin is home to The Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery, The UW-Madison Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Center, The Waisman Center, The Medical College of Wisconsin, The Blood Center of Wisconsin, WiCell and others.

In 2008, Governor Doyle received the Genetics Policy Institute’s National Leadership Award in recognition of his support of stem cell research and his strategic goal to invest $750 million in biotechnology and stem cell research.