Patrick Stumps For Stem Cells
Governor says time for legislature to act is now
At a recent stop at UMass Medical School in Worcester, Gov. Deval Patrick implored the legislature to take his proposed $1 billion stem cell initiative seriously.
"I am unwilling to rest on this state's impressive laurels, and so should you be," Patrick told a crowd of several dozen medical professionals, students and onlookers. "This is an opportunity to set ourselves above the competition."
Keeping Pace
Patrick noted that countries like Singapore and China, and states such as California and North Carolina, are pouring massive amounts of resources into biotech initiatives, in part because "they want what we have."
Prompt action in passing the bill was urged by all speakers. Patrick said foot-dragging and perceived hesitation in going forward with the bill has already cost the state valuable jobs. Novartis, a major biopharmaceutical company, decided to create a new facility with 400 jobs in Singapore instead of Massachusetts, a move Patrick largely blamed on slow action on the initiative.
"We must remember, this initiative has a much broader audience than ourselves," the Governor said.
Mello, whom Patrick introduced as "our hero," took the time to note that passage of the bill wasn't just good for businesses and economic development, it was simply good medicine.
"In these coming years, we have a chance to literally erase the many scourges of humanity that have plagued us for hundreds of years," Mello said. "I truly look forward to seeing these visions realized, in Worcester and the world."
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