United Spinal Association, a national membership organization for persons with spinal cord disabilities, is encouraged by stem cell research legislation passed yesterday by the New York State Assembly. The legislation––A06300A––establishes the New York State Institute for Stem Cell Research and Regenerative Medicine as a public benefit corporation to make loans and grants for stem cell and regenerative medicine research; provide regulatory oversight of such research; and to support processes for the development of regenerative therapies. The legislation would provide $300 million over the next two years for research that has the potential to produce therapies and cures for diseases that may someday save the lives of millions of Americans and reduce overall healthcare costs.

“The United Spinal Association is grateful for Speaker Silver’s continued leadership in fighting for significant state funding for stem cell research,” said Gerard M. Kelly, Executive Director of United Spinal Association. “This legislation would fund cutting edge research that can speed progress toward curing paralysis and preventing the secondary complications of spinal cord injury. Upwards of 700,000 people in the United States have some type of spinal cord injury or disease such as multiple sclerosis, and stem cell research has the potential to truly help improve the lives of these Americans.” Kelly is also a member of the New York State Spinal Cord Research Board.

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 enacted or proposed significant funding support for this research. Enactment of the New York legislation would make the state a national leader in stem cell research.

Kelly added, “We are hopeful the Senate follows the Assembly’s lead and swiftly passes this legislation. In addition, we hope enactment of this legislation will demonstrate to the federal government the importance of public funding for pursuing promising research and maintaining a competitive advantage in the world of medical research.”

For more information on this issue, please contact Dan Anderson, Assistant Director of Public Policy.