SJR46: Joint Resolution Text

LRB-3935/2

DAK:kmg:kjf

2001 - 2002 LEGISLATURE

CORRECTED COPY

2001 Senate JOINT RESOLUTION 46

October 12, 2001 - Introduced by Senators Chvala, Rosenzweig, Plache, Burke, Risser, Wirch and Decker, cosponsored by Representatives Urban, Wasserman, Black, Riley, Carpenter, Berceau, Pocan, Turner, Bock, Sinicki, Townsend, Miller, Kreibich, Kreuser, Gronemus, Richards and Reynolds. Referred to Committee on Universities, Housing, and Government Operations.

SJR46,1,6 Relating to: commending Dr. James Thomson and his research team, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation for their pioneering work in embryonic stem cell research and asking the federal government to designate the University of Wisconsin-Madison as a National Center of Excellence for Embryonic Stem Cell Research.

SJR46,1,9 Whereas, Professor James Thomson of the University of Wisconsin-Madison and his colleagues were the first scientists to isolate and culture human embryonic stem cells; and

SJR46,1,12 Whereas, this research has laid the foundation for a revolution in medicine, offering hope to millions of people suffering from debilitating and sometimes deadly diseases, such as heart disease, Parkinson's Disease, and diabetes; and

SJR46,1,13 Whereas, this research was conducted under stringent ethical guidelines; and

SJR46,1,15 Whereas, the University of Wisconsin-Madison is recognized as a worldwide leader in embryonic stem cell research in monkeys and humans; and

SJR46,2,5 Whereas, the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) has played a critical role in fostering this new technology, and its efforts to protect and disseminate this technology have ensured that the intellectual property of the University of Wisconsin-Madison is deployed for the benefit of the citizens of Wisconsin and the world; and

SJR46,2,8 Whereas, after careful and thoughtful deliberation, President George W. Bush has announced a national policy permitting the use of federal funds for research on embryonic stem cells derived before August 9, 2001; and

SJR46,2,11 Whereas, the 5 existing stem cell lines developed at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and patented by WARF are the gold standard of human embryonic stem cell lines; and

SJR46,2,14 Whereas, WARF, through its agreement with the National Institutes of Health under the policies of the administration of President George W. Bush, is providing access to these important stem cell lines to researchers around the world; and

SJR46,2,16 Whereas, national science policymakers are targeting embryonic stem cell research grants as a major area of investment; and

SJR46,2,19 Whereas, because of its research excellence and the national prominence of its faculty, the University of Wisconsin-Madison is in a position to compete successfully for federal embryonic stem cell research funds; and

SJR46,2,23 Whereas, established companies, new biotechnology start-ups, and venture capitalists will likely be attracted to the Madison area and other regions of the state to be in close proximity to world leaders in this research, thereby enhancing economic development in the state; now, therefore, be it

SJR46,3,3 Resolved by the senate, the assembly concurring, That the Wisconsin legislature commends Dr. James Thomson and his research team, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and WARF, for this pioneering research that has significant potential to improve public health for all and that promises enhanced economic development in Wisconsin; and, be it further

SJR46,3,6 Resolved, That the Wisconsin legislature requests the National Institutes of Health to designate the University of Wisconsin-Madison as a "National Center of Excellence in Embryonic Stem Cell Research"; and, be it further

SJR46,3,10 Resolved, That the senate chief clerk shall provide a copy of this joint resolution to the U.S. secretary of health and human services, to the director of the National Institutes of Health, and to all members of the congressional delegation from this state.

SJR46,3,11 (End)