State Weighs Tabling Stem Cell Funding

By Annapolis Digest
Friday, February 22, 2008

Legislative analysts are recommending that the Maryland General Assembly temporarily suspend new funding for stem cell research grants, a move that would save $23 million next year.

Demand for the program, which was created in 2006, has been strong, but analysts said that funds provided by the legislature are outpacing distribution by the Maryland Technology Development Corp. (TEDCO).

Representatives of TEDCO and a stem cell advocacy group spoke against the recommendation yesterday at a hearing by a Senate budget subcommittee.

"Any cessation of stem cell funding, however temporary, will send a message to the scientific community that Maryland is pulling back on its commitment to this potentially life-saving research," said Ren¿e M. Winsky, TEDCO's president and executive director.

Lawmakers allocated $15 million for the grants in 2006, and contracts were signed in December, according to analysts. An additional $23 million was allocated by the legislature last year. The earliest that money could be distributed is June, analysts said. In his proposed budget for next fiscal year, Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) included another $23 million.

Among those urging lawmakers to maintain the funding was John Kellerman, president of Maryland Families for Stem Cell Research, who has Parkinson's disease, one of several conditions for which advocates say stem cell research holds promise.

"We know times are tough with the Maryland budget, and we are sincerely grateful for Governor O'Malley's appropriation," Kellerman said. "These research grants create jobs, generate tax revenue and keep Maryland competitive in this growing scientific field."

Maryland is among several states that have funded research in the wake of an executive order by President Bush that limited federal support for work on embryonic stem cells.

-- John Wagner

Bill Would Add Homeless To Md.'s Hate Crimes Law

Homeless people would be added to Maryland's hate crimes law as a protected class under legislation passed yesterday by the state Senate. Under current law, certain crimes are subject to enhanced penalties when motivated by a victim's race, color, religious beliefs, sexual orientation or national origin.

A bill adding homeless people was approved by the Senate, 40 to 4. An identical bill, sponsored by Sen. Alex X. Mooney (R-Frederick), passed the chamber a year ago but died in the House.

Hate crimes against the homeless gained national attention in 2006, according to legislative analysts, when teenagers beat three homeless men with baseball bats in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., killing one.

In 2006, the National Coalition for the Homeless documented 142 crimes against homeless people nationwide, including 20 deaths and 122 nonlethal attacks. One violent incident was reported in Maryland that year, in Takoma Park.

Expansion of hate crimes to include attacks on homeless people has also been considered in California, Florida, Massachusetts, Nevada and Texas, according to the coalition.

-- John Wagner

Senate Passes Harsher Penalties For Attending Animal Fights

A bill to increase penalties for people who attend illegal dogfights was approved yesterday by the Maryland Senate. The measure passed 44 to 0 but had been amended so that it is not nearly as strong as initially proposed.

The bill would have made it a felony to knowingly attend an illegal dogfight or cockfight, but the Senate kept the crime a misdemeanor. The bill also was amended to increase the maximum penalty to one year in prison and a $2,500 fine, instead of three years.

A separate animal fighting bill has been rejected by a House committee, raising questions about whether lawmakers will address animal cruelty this year.

-- Associated Press

Tougher Punishments Approved For Supplying Alcohol to Minors

The Maryland House voted unanimously yesterday to toughen penalties for adults who serve alcohol to minors.

The chamber passed a bill making it a misdemeanor to knowingly provide alcohol to someone younger than 21, punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. Current law allows for a civil fine, but not jail time.

The bill exempts adults providing beverages to minors of their immediate family if the drink is consumed in a private residence. It also exempts participants in religious ceremonies.

The bill was introduced by Del. Tanya Thornton Shewell (R-Carroll). Last year, the House passed a similar bill but the measure died in the Senate.

-- Philip Rucker

Officials Applaud New Endeavors To Take On Crime in Annapolis

House Speaker Michael E. Busch (D-Anne Arundel) yesterday hailed a new effort to combat crime in Annapolis as a "model for the rest of the state."

Busch was among a group of federal, state and local officials who gathered at an Annapolis church to announce a collaborative effort to stem drug- and gun-related crime that has escalated in recent years.

Among the initiatives are state assistance in helping identify and track the city's most violent offenders, coordinated federal and state prosecution strategies and a new crime analyst for police.

"Gone are the days when state government declares crime is simply a local problem," said Gov. Martin O'Malley (D).

-- John Wagner