Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Governor Signs Stem Cell, Emergency Appropriations Bills
(Des Moines)- Today, Governor Chet Culver signed five bills into law today, including SF 162, the “The Iowa Stem Cell Research and Cures Initiative.” This legislation repeals a 2002 law that banned life-saving stem cell research, and was a promise of then candidate Culver during last year’s gubernatorial election.
“Today, thousands of Iowans who have been affected by serious illness and disease now have hope,” said Governor Culver. “Throughout the campaign, I promised Iowans that this administration would do everything in my power to repeal this law, and today, we keep that promise. I want to thank everyone who has been fighting for this life-saving research for the last five years since the stem cell research ban went into effect. I also want to thank the courageous legislators that supported SF 162 for restoring hope to thousands of Iowans. Now, let us get down to work and give researchers in our state the tools and resources necessary to give all Iowans a brighter, unlimited, and healthier future.”
Governor Culver proposed in his budget $12.5 million for the construction of a Center for Regenerative Medicine to be housed at the University of Iowa. These dollars would be the first payment in a multi-year commitment to finding cures for illnesses that affect thousands of Iowans.
Legislation signed by the Governor today are below:
Senate File 162- Stem Cell
Governor Chet Culver today signed Senate File 162, the “Iowa Stem Cell Research and Cures Initiative.” This bill ensures that Iowa patients have access to stem cell therapies and cures, and that Iowa researchers may conduct stem cell research and develop therapies and cures in the state, and to prohibit human reproductive cloning. Governor Culver praised lawmakers for passing this important piece of legislation. “We are well positioned, as one of only 15 National Cancer Institute sites in the country, to forge ahead in the search for lifesaving cures for diseases like cardiovascular, diabetes, cancer, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. We have the chance to bring hope to thousands of Iowans suffering from these life-threatening illnesses.”
Senate File 305- Emergency Appropriation
Governor Chet Culver today signed Senate File 305, a bill that permits up to $1 million to be used for disaster aid assistance to individuals. This legislation is in response to the February 23, 2007 ice and snow storm. The grants will be administered by the Department of Human Services to those Iowans who incur expenses associated with the state-declared disaster. The Governor said, “I’m thrilled the House and Senate pushed through this emergency appropriations bill in about 24 hours. This $1 million will be critical in providing relief to hundreds if not thousands of Iowans who have expenses as a direct result of the winter storms.”
Senate File 40- Ethics Regulations
Governor Chet Culver today signed Senate File 40, a bill that clarifies the rules around government employees doing separate private sector business with the State as well as filing requirements when State employees receive gifts. It also allows the information from reports filed with the Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board to be used to solicit campaign contributions.
Senate File 32- Telephone Licensing
Governor Chet Culver today signed Senate File 32, a non-controversial bill from the Utilities Board that extends the requirement that local providers obtain a certificate of public convenience. Phone service providers support this legislation.
House File 260- Controlled Substances
Governor Chet Culver today signed House File 260, a bill that amends the Iowa Controlled Substances Act to include amendments to federal controlled substances law and regulations. The Board of Pharmacy has reviewed the amendments enacted under federal law and concurs with the scheduling actions of the federal Drug Enforcement Administration and, therefore, recommends these amendments to maintain uniformity between federal and state laws. The bill also expands the list of anabolic steroids, also in response to amendments in federal law, and amends the definition of “anabolic steroid” in Iowa Code Section 126.2 to conform with the amendments to the Iowa Controlled Substances Act.