Voters in Michigan, which currently bans embryonic stem cell research by law, collected and turned in almost 600,000 signatures, enough to place a repeal of the draconian regulations on the November ballot.

While we ought to celebrate the opening of doors to new scientists, our high-tech economy also requires that we stay a step ahead.  If stem-cell research takes-off in neighboring states, finite dollars could flow out of Madison and Milwaukee and into Ann Arbor and East Lansing; that would be a transfer of money that Wisconsin can’t afford.

If Michigan loosens restrictions on stem-cell research, which we must, for the sake of science, hope that they do, our state will need new incentives to attract top scientists and donors.  The best way to do that is to send them a message that here they’ll be supported.  An ambitious investment of state dollars now will help to bring money in over the long run.  Tell your legislators and Governor Doyle that research funding is a priority for you, and ought to be a priority in the next state budget.