Stem Cell Research Goes to Voters
Posted July 27, 2007

Speaking to the nation in his 1961 inaugural address, President John F. Kennedy noted, “The world is very different now. For man holds in his mortal hands the power to abolish all forms of human poverty and all forms of human life.”

Nearly half a century later, we are witnessing firsthand the fulfillment of Kennedy’s words as our State stands poised to pursue the deliberate destruction of human life in the name of progress. Yesterday, Governor Jon Corzine signed the New Jersey Stem Cell Research Bond Act, a bond referendum that, if approved by voters this November, will fund both adult and embryonic stem cell research grants to the tune of $450 million.

In a press release announcing his action, Corzine stated:

New Jersey continues to forge ahead as a pioneer in stem cell research and discovery….This ballot initiative represents a landmark economic investment

that will create new jobs and spur new business ventures while bringing the potential of revolutionary life-saving treatments and cures to millions affected

by some of the most devastating diseases and injuries.

We will be asking the voters for their support, and they can be assured that this funding will be expended and distributed based solely on the scientific merit of projects as judged by an independent review panel.

Despite press-savvy spin, the governor’s words at best discount fiscal accountability and at worst defy moral responsibility. While pledging that money will flow only in support of scientifically-merited projects, Governor Corzine ignores the fact that embryonic stem cell research has yet to product a single cure while adult stem cells have shown great promise in treating a variety of illnesses. Yet, the Bond Act seeks to support both adult and embryonic stem cell research, the latter of which is anything but “scientifically-merited.”

The destruction of human life for any purposes – regardless of how noble they may appear – should be sufficient cause for voters to emphatically reject the Bond Act this November. Yet, in addition to moral disregard, the Act epitomizes the height of fiscal irresponsibility.

According to the non-partisan Tax Foundation, New Jersey ranks 48 th in the nation in the State Business Tax Climate Index Rankings. The governor claims that funding embryonic stem cell research will “spur new business ventures,” but in reality, business-friendly tax policies and not questionable and risky spending initiatives are what will draw and keep businesses.

As the Associated Press reports, New Jersey’s state debt has almost doubled since 2000 and now stands at approximately $30 billion. Voter approval of the stem cell initiative could hike this number by as much as $37 million per year. For a state with the unwanted distinction of ranking 4 th in the nation in state debt, it is unconscionable that our legislators would consider ballooning our indebtedness to support research that not only destroys human life but also lacks any evidentiary treatment to back its claims.

In his inaugural address, President Kennedy reminded his listeners that “the same revolutionary beliefs for which our forebears fought are still at issue around the globe – the belief that the rights of man come not from the generosity of the state, but from the hand of God.”

As voters decide on this initiative this November, we urge them to vote against the state’s attempt to snuff out life in the name of scientific advancement. We urge them to vote against the continuation of rampant fiscal irresponsibility. We urge them to vote against the Stem Cell Research Bond Act.

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