ONE PHONE CALL FOR TEXAS STEM CELL RESEARCH RIGHTS!
March 31, 2009 by diverdonreed
ONE PHONE CALL-TO SAVE TEXAS STEM CELL RESEARCH RIGHTS!
by Don C. Reed
Dear Friends:
Anti-research forces in Texas are trying to pull a fast one, to kill all
hopes for embryonic stem cell research in the state, permanently. They are
doing it two ways.
First, Senator Steve Ogden (R-Bryan) "quietly" inserted a 24-word provision
banning state funds for any form of embryonic stem cell research- into the
Texas budget (SB 1). If the budget passes (which it must) as is, the
research is effectively banned.
According to the Dallas Morning News, "The Senate finance committee, which
Ogden heads, took only two minutes to consider his rider. It says, "No funds
appropriated under this act shall be used in conjunction with or to support
research which involves the destruction of a human embryo."-R. T. Garrett,
Dallas Morning News, March 30, 2009.
Senator Ogden did not allow research scientists or patient advocates to
speak.
Afterwards, Ogden was asked if that provision would kill embryonic stem cell
research in Texas. He reportedly responded, "If that one doesn't, my next
one will."
Second, Senator Ogden's bill, SB 1695, would ".end all embryonic stem cell
research.in any of the laboratories of our state. Even private institutions
like Baylor College of Medicine would be affected because they receive state
funding."-Texas research advocate Dr. Ralph Dittman, cited in Huffington
Report.
Folks, the debate on the Texas budget begins Wednesday, which is TOMORROW.
Any chance you could make one phone call, to try and preserve Texas stem
cell research? (Which, by the way, is very much worth fighting for; I will
tell you later about some of the outstanding scientists in the Lone Star
state.)
It doesn't matter where you live. Texas voters have the most importance of
course, but right now, the main thing is to make some noise. This is attack
legislation- in a state which has the possibility of genuinely vast amounts
of research, as much as three billion dollars for cancer alone.
We dare not lose the enormous contributions of this vital state.
As always, Texans for the Advancement of Medical Research, TAMR, is leading
the charge against this insidious infringement on research rights.
Friend Judy Haley, immediate past President of TAMR, says:
"This is the worst situation we have ever had. an emerging disaster. They
(the rider to the budget, SB 1, and the bill, SB 1695-dr) would ban ALL hESC
in Texas in any research facility that receives any state
funding-(including) all our public and private labs. This would be a
disaster, not only in Texas, but as a model for how to do it (damaging
legislation) for the rest of the nation."
Joe Brown, current President of TAMR suggests a message:
First, if you live in Texas:
Click on this link http://www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us/ and enter your home
address under "who represents me" to find your senator and their phone
number.
CALL OR FAX YOUR STATE SENATOR WITH THE MESSAGE:
"Stem cell research is important to me, to my family, and to millions of
Texans; it is unacceptable for the Texas Legislature to pass any bill or
rider which restricts embryonic stem cell research done under National
Academy of Science ethical guidelines. I want Senator _____________ to
actively work to make sure that neither SB 1's prohibitive rider nor SB 1965
do not become part of Texas law."
Don't live in Texas?
Call anyway.
Three calls you could make:
1. David Dewhurst, President of the Senate and Lt. Governor: (512) 463-0001
2. Jim Pitts, Chairman of House Appropriations Committee: (512) 463-0516
3. Joe Straus, Speaker of the House: (512) 463-0516
Nothing fancy is required. Just tell whoever answers that you oppose the
anti-embryonic stem cell research rider on the Texas budget this year, and
also you oppose SB 1695.
You might even tell them why, maybe mentioning a condition which affects you
or a loved one.
The opposition calls itself "right to life" people. But the way I see it, my
sister Barbara has both cancer and leukemia, and she has a right to life as
well.
Please make that phone call; it will take you five minutes, and it could
make the difference.
To help heal our loved ones-stand tall for Texas today!
Rayilyn Brown
Director AZNPF
Arizona Chapter National Parkinson Foundation
rbrown@xxxxxxxxx
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