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Ohio Gov. Vetoes Stem Cell Funding Ban NewsMax.com WiresCOLUMBUS, Ohio -- Gov. Bob Taft on Thursday vetoed a ban on using money from a high-tech job initiative to fund embryonic stem cell research, calling it too restrictive. Taft, a Republican, said the ban would prohibit funding for research on pre-existing stem cell lines, work that is currently allowed under federal regulations supported by President Bush. Story Continues Below The ban, included in the $51 billion state budget, would also have applied to a proposed $500 million bond package. Some Republicans had pushed the ban, hoping it would get fiscally conservative lawmakers to support the package. Taft's move was applauded by Democrats, who have so far refused to provide votes needed to put the bond issue on the November ballot, in part because of the stem cell ban. "I am pleased that the governor decided to side with the majority of Ohioans and veto the funding ban," said Democratic Sen. Eric Fingerhut. "It is vital that Ohio keep its doors open to this cutting-edge research." House Speaker Jon Husted said it was unlikely lawmakers could muster the three-fifths majority needed to override a veto. The debate over stem cells has heated up nationwide. Bush has repeatedly said he would veto a bill passed last month by the House that backs standard embryonic stem cell research. The Senate is expected to turn to the issue in July. Supporters of embryo stem cell research, including Nancy Reagan, say it could lead to cures for Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and other degenerative brain and nerve diseases. Opponents say taxpayers should not be forced to pay for such research when large numbers of them believe that the resulting destruction of the embryo is immoral. © 2005 The Associated Press
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