Reis Introduces Legislation in Response to Executive Order
Bills counter issuance of $10-million for stem cell researchNovember 1, 2005
Springfield….Earlier this year Governor Rod Blagojevich issued an executive order setting aside $10-million for the purpose of stem cell research. State Representative David Reis (R-Ste. Marie) said to many in the State Legislature the action was not only morally objectionable but also totally disrespectful of the legislative process. Therefore Reis is introducing two bills he believes will be a good response to the governor’s actions.
The Public Support Standards for Biomedical Research Act provides that the state, local units of government, school districts, and community colleges may not use or allow the use of public funds, property, or credit for certain cloning activities. “Many of us who oppose public funding for this type of research are troubled with the way Illinois is headed in terms of stem cell research” said Reis. “We feel there need to be some safeguards in place to prevent the use of taxpayer dollars specifically for human cloning.
Reis added the legislation will draw a line in the sand as to what is allowable and what is not allowable for the use of public funds.
The Good Government Transparency Disclosure Bill is in direct response to the governor’s executive order issuing $10-million for stem cell research. “Stem cell research proposals were brought up several times during the spring legislative session but never gained traction” Reis said. “It was centered on a cosmetic tax and was never called in committee because it didn’t have the votes. The measure never would have passed the House or the Senate. We thought the subject had died, that is until the governor issued his executive order and skirted the legislative process.”
Reis’ bill requires the governor and all future governors to report to the General Assembly at the end of each fiscal year the fiscal impact of all executive orders. “These executive orders have been widely used by prior administrations” said Reis “and we don’t discount their usefulness. But we do believe their needs to be transparency and disclosure protocols in place to see to it that the use of taxpayer funds is being done so in a wise manner.”
Several grass-root organizations are beginning petition drives in support of the legislation. “They want to know where and how their money is being spent” Reis said. “Whether it’s for embryonic stem cell, adult stem cell, or blood cord stem cell, this disclosure act will tell the people of Illinois exactly where their dollars are going.”
