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Introduced recently (ask me if I can figure out the NY legislative process...), say hello to the "big" stem cell bill for New York, which has passed the NY Assembly, been delivered to the Senate and now "REFERRED TO HEALTH." It includes $300 million through June 2007. The summary language for the bill is straightforward:

Ordinarily, American`s rely on the federal government to fund biomedical research. With regard to stem cell research however, the federal govern- ment, for reasons other than the value of the science, has withdrawn its support. In response to the withdrawal of federal support for stem cell research, a number of States have initiated their own stem cell funding efforts. California, Illinois, Wisconsin, Massachusetts and New Jersey have all passed or proposed significant funding support for stem cell research. New York State is world-renowned for the excellence of its academic and medical institutions and the scientists who work there. Should New York not keep pace with the commitment that other States have made in support of stem cell research, we risk losing our competitive advantage. Additionally, biotechnology is an important element of our economy, and by encouraging and supporting growth in these industries, New York State could gain thousands of new jobs.