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Pre-filed Bill Would Ban Public Money For Stem Cell Research In Missouri

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kcur/local-kcur-874033.mp3

Kansas City Business Journal – A constitutional amendment included in a bill that's been filed this week would ban the use of public dollars for stem cell research in Missouri.

Cynthia Davis, a Missouri Representative from O'Fallon, filed the legislation this week.

It's similar to what interests groups, like the Missouri Roundtable for Life, have sought in the past. When that group tried to get its ballot initiative passed, Missouri auditor Susan Montee said the move would cost the state millions of dollars in economic opportunities.

The proposed amendment would not directly affect Kansas City's Stowers Institute for Medical Research, which does not receive tax support. But public officials, such as those from St. Louis, have said that stem cell restrictions would make Missouri seem like an unfriendly place for life sciences.

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