Kansas Lt. Governor Parkinson Calls On President To Support Lifesaving Stem Cell Research

Ten lieutenant governors ask President to lift roadblock to cures

June 29, 2007 -- Ten of the nation’s lieutenant governors have joined bipartisan majorities in Congress in calling for federal support for lifesaving research.

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Lieutenant Governor Mark Parkinson and his colleagues from around the country have sent a letter to President Bush, voicing strong disagreement with his veto of Senate Bill 5, which would have provided federal support for stem cell research.

“The majority of Americans believe we must take advantage of this opportunity to seek an end to so many terrible diseases. This research holds remarkable potential to create new treatments and cures for the thousands of Kansans who suffer from Alzheimer’s, spinal cord injuries, juvenile diabetes and other debilitating illnesses; and I’m very disappointed the President continues to stand in the way,” said Parkinson.

The text of the letter appears below:

June 26, 2007

President George W. Bush
The White House
Washington, DC 20500

Dear President Bush:

As lieutenant governors, we are disappointed in your veto of S. 5, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007. This bill garnered bipartisan support from overwhelming majorities in both the House and the Senate.

More than two-thirds of Americans support stem cell research, yet your administration continues a policy of restricting federal funding that has hindered the progress of potential medical advances to the most debilitating and destructive diseases we face. Individual states are increasingly encouraging stem cell research to support the growth of universities, research facilities, and private firms. The United States has always been at the forefront of the most important medical breakthroughs and by vetoing S. 5, you have given up the chance to continue America’s global leadership in eradicating devastating diseases.

The ravages of diseases like Parkinson’s, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis and cancer, and the suffering of spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries affect millions of our fellow Americans. Stem cell research promises to make incredible advances in treating and even curing these diseases and injuries. Had you signed S. 5, scientists and researchers would have been able to pursue treatments and cures using new, healthy stem cell lines under strict ethical guidelines.

Mr. President, on behalf of our constituents, we disapprove of your veto. A bipartisan collection of senators and congressmen are ready to stand beside you to advance the progress of medical breakthroughs that could affect millions of Americans. Stem cell research is our future, Mr. President. We urge you to change your position and move our country forward.

Sincerely,

Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth Roberts
Rhode Island

Lieutenant Governor Patty Judge
Iowa

Lieutenant Governor David A. Paterson
New York

Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi
California

Lieutenant Governor Barbara O’Brien
Colorado

Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn
Illinois

Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray
Massachusetts

Lieutenant Governor Barbara Lawton
Wisconsin

Lieutenant Governor Diane Denish
New Mexico

Lieutenant Governor Mark Parkinson
Kansas

Source: Kansas Governor's office