Calls the commission a positive step forward for stem cell research in the state
PROVIDENCE—Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Roberts today heralded the creation of the House Regenerative Medicine and Research Advisory Study Commission as a positive step forward for stem cell research here in Rhode Island. H. 5672, the resolution creating the commission to study the potential for and barriers to the advancement of regenerative medicine and related research in Rhode Island, passed last night in the House. Earlier this month, Roberts released a report calling on Rhode Island to take immediate action to define what form stem cell research should take in the state.
“The opportunities that stem cell research hold for both finding cures to the most debilitating diseases of our time and for bringing economic growth to Rhode Island are too great to be ignored and I thank Representatives Eileen Naughton, Peter Ginaitt, Arthur Handy, J. Patrick O’Neill and Raymond Sullivan for their leadership on this issue,” Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Roberts said. “I commend the House of Representatives for creating the commission and look forward to working closely with the group as it moves forward.”
Roberts’ report, entitled “Discovering Rhode Island’s Stem Cell Future: Charting the Course Toward Health and Prosperity” is available electronically on Roberts’ website at www.ltgov.ri.gov.
In the coming months, Roberts plans on working closely with the Regenerative Medicine and Research Advisory Study Commission, scientists, researchers, doctors, members of the business community, faculty from Rhode Island’s colleges and universities and concerned members of the public to form answers to these essential policy questions, undertake a thoughtful and deliberate discussion of stem cell research and regenerative medicine, and develop a blueprint for action.
Roberts’ report also educates readers about the basics of stem cell research and regenerative medicine, what other states are doing, and both the human and economic stem cell research opportunities in Rhode Island. Policy questions identified by Roberts include if Rhode Island should publicly or privately fund direct grants to researchers, if Rhode Island should establish and fund a statewide stem cell institute, and if Rhode Island should offer financial incentives to stem cell researchers.
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