MINNEAPOLIS, May 8, 2008—The Minnesota House has passed a bill saying that the University of Minnesota can use state taxpayer funds for embryonic stem cell research.

State law currently doesn't explicitly prohibit taxpayer funding for stem cell research. But Rep. Phyllis Khan, DFL-Minneapols, said she wanted to send a clear message of support on the subject to University scientists.

The stem cell bill passed by a 71-62 vote by the House. The Minnesota Senate passed a slightly different bill on stem cell research a year ago. Leaders of the two bodies must now reconcile the differences between the two bills, submit the final bill for a vote, and then pass it on to the governor for his signature.

There has been action in other states toward breaking the stem cell research embargo. California this week has awarded $271 million in grants to build 12 stem cell research centers in the state. There is an anticipation that a new president will lift barriers to research within a year.

A spokesman for the Gov. Pawlenty's office said Wednesday that Pawlenty would veto Kahn's bill.

In February Pawlenty sent a letter to the Legislature supporting adult stem cell research, on the basis that it would create "ample opportunity to work toward lifesaving cures without crossing moral and ethical boundaries." 

Pioneer Press news story