Funding for Adult Stem Cell Research Advances

Lawmakers unanimously voted today to provide more than $1 million for adult stem cell research that does not involve embryo destruction.

House Joint Resolution 1035, by state Rep. John Enns, would send a constitutional amendment to a vote of the people that would allow 10 percent of the interest earnings on the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust Fund to be used for adult stem cell research.

“Adult stem cell therapies may hold the cures for many diseases – Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injuries, heart failure, cancers – and there are already nearly 70 research treatments that use adult stem cells,” said Enns, R-Enid. “By focusing on this promising research, Oklahoma can attract new businesses, create new high-paying jobs, potentially save lives, and do it all without the ethical compromises required by funding embryonic stem cell research.”

Because stem cells have the potential, under suitable conditions, to develop into almost all types of cells, there is wide interest in potential research applications. There are two main types of stem cells used in research – adult stem cells obtained without loss of life, and embryonic stem cells, obtained through the destruction of embryos.

Last year, the Legislature approved the “Advancement in Stem Cell Cures and Therapies Act” (also authored by Rep. Enns) that authorized state funding and support for stem cell research so long as that research is conducted “without the use of a human embryo.”

“Adult stem cell therapies are already showing great promise and are being employed successfully in clinical trials,” said Enns, who holds a bachelor’s in natural science, biology and chemistry. “In comparison, embryonic stem cells are notorious for turning into tumors in test subjects. I believe the smart money is in adult stem cell research and want Oklahoma to be at the forefront of that growing industry.”

Last year, the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust Fund generated more than $15.8 million in interest earnings. Enns wants 10 percent of those earnings designated for adult stem cell research in the future, providing more than a million dollars in annual appropriations for research every year.

Enns, who previously taught college courses on microbiology, was in an accident several years ago that confined him to a wheelchair, making him a potential recipient of future stem cell therapies.

“Local research institutions have already told me that state funding will also draw private investment to Oklahoma,” Enns said. “Private funding combined with state funding will draw brainpower. And drawing brainpower will draw results.”

House Joint Resolution 1035 passed the Oklahoma House of Representatives on a 99-0 vote today. It now proceeds to the state Senate.

A Look Back for Lawmakers... (Part 2)

Published: December 27, 2007 05:02 pm

Legislators weigh in on 2007
By Jaclyn Houghton
CNHI News Service

OKLAHOMA CITY — What challenges did you face as a freshman legislator this year?

“The biggest challenge for me as a freshman is learning the ropes … the little ways you get stuff done.” --- Rep. John Enns, R-Enid

“For any freshman legislator there’s a pretty steep learning curve in learning how many eyes get to see everything … here you are as a freshman trying to convince 100 minds in the House and 48 minds in the Senate that it’s a good idea.” --- Rep. Dennis Johnson, R-Duncan

“The biggest challenge, I would say, is getting a consensus with House members on House Bill 1804 (the immigration bill). What I was disappointed with was the veto of tort reform.” --- Rep. Charlie Joyner, R-Midwest City

“The biggest challenge was knowing what to expect, especially from a time management perspective.” --- Rep. Jason Murphey, R-Guthrie

“There’s a huge learning curve. Although I studied political science and went to law school, it’s so much more than drafting a piece of legislation and hoping it gets passed.” --- Rep. Scott Inman, D-Del City

“I think, in particular this year, the biggest challenge is trying to set the groundwork of the next 100 years for our state’s history … sometimes you get caught up in the moment, but really you have to have a long-term view of what you’re doing.” --- Rep. Scott Martin, R-Norman

“My biggest challenge is how much reading is involved. Whenever you have to read 15 to 25 bills a day it becomes a huge challenge to get them read. My other biggest surprise is how many other legislators don’t read them.” --- Rep. Brian Renegar, D-McAlester

“Coming from just a workingman background, just the (understanding the) legalese … they make the very simple complicated as far as legislation.” --- Rep. George Faught, R-Muskogee

What challenges do you still face as a senior legislator with one year left to serve?

“(This year) with the tied Senate, I served as (Republican) floor leader. The challenge was trying to build relationships with not only those on our side of the aisle but those on the other side or else legislation wasn’t going to move forward.” --- Sen. Owen Laughlin, R-Woodward

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As a senior legislator with only one year left to serve, what have you noticed over the years?

“As much as things change, a lot stay the same. A lot of those overwriting issues still remain.” --- Sen. Mike Morgan, D-Stillwater


Jaclyn Houghton is CNHI News Service Oklahoma reporter