Missouri Stem Cell Victory
Missouri voters approved the Missouri Stem Cell Research and Cures Initiative on Election Day, making it a new Missouri State Constitutional Amendment. The amendment protects equal access to any federally approved stem cell research treatments while banning human cloning. It essentially prevents the Missouri Legislature from passing a law that is more restrictive than federal stem cell policy. United Spinal, along with more than 100 patient and medical groups, is a member of the nonpartisan coalition that initiated and promoted this stem cell initiative.
The federal government will only fund embryonic stem cell using research stem cell lines that existed on August 9, 2001. Under this policy, though, state and private money can fund embryonic stem cell research. Some states have attempted to pass laws that would make it illegal to use state or private money to fund stem cell research in their state. The Missouri stem cell amendment prevents such a restrictive state law from passing.
Social Security Announces Cost of Living Increases for 2007
Monthly benefits for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security beneficiaries will be increased by 3.3%, beginning January 2007. The maximum monthly federal SSI benefit level will be $623 for an individual and $934 for couples. In addition, the substantial gainful activity (SGA) level will increase from $860 to $900 per month for people who are disabled and from $1,450 to $1,500 per month for people who are blind. The amount a Social Security disability beneficiary can earn in a month before he or she is considered to have used a month of the trial work period will increase from $620 to $640.
United Spinal’s Congressional Liaison office can be reached by calling 301-495-4460.
