The Louisiana Senator’s bill provides for a tax credit equal to thirty percent of the research expenses. 

“I think it’s a great, positive way to advance this cause and educate people about ethical stem cell research.”   

The promising nature of adult stem cell research has already prompted  private funding.  Dr. David Prentice with the Family Research Council says “it’s showing success. There are lots of clinical trials already out there with patients, results starting to come in showing that adult stem cells actually do help patients get better.”  

Dr. Prentice says the Journal of the American Medical Association recently reported improvement in patient health from adult stem cell treatments for various auto-immune diseases.

“…Juvenile diabetes, multiple sclerosis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, as well as different heart diseases and peripheral artery diseases.”

The Senator will now try for a committee hearing and a mark-up as soon as possible. After that there are alternatives.

“Also there may be good opportunities to try to advance it as an amendment on other legislation.  ”     

The Senator believes can be the best way to advance more-focused bills. He promises to oppose additions that would give the same tax-credit for embryonic stem-cell research.