Citizens Research Council Releases Analysis of Stem Cell Research Ballot Proposal
October 3, 2008, Michigan would join 47 other states in permitting research on human embryos and the creation of new embryonic stem cell lines in Michigan if Proposal 2008-02 is adopted by the voters on November 4. Current Michigan law is among the most restrictive in the nation. It prohibits non-therapeutic research that jeopardizes the life or health of a human embryo, fetus, or neonate, thereby precluding research on embryos to derive human embryonic stem cell lines. Researchers may, however, conduct research on embryonic stem cell lines created outside of Michigan and may study adult stem cells. The Citizens Research Council of Michigan has released its analysis of the proposed constitutional amendment that would remove these prohibitions.
Embryonic stem cells are derived from embryos by in vitro fertilization. A greater number of embryos are produced than are necessary or suitable for implantation resulting in "excess" embryos.
"Fertility patients have four options for these embryos," said Jill Roof, CRC research associate. "They can store them, donate them to others seeking fertility treatment, discard them as medical waste, or donate them to research. If Proposal 2008-02 passes, Michigan scientists will be able to conduct research using donated embryos and derive their own embryonic stem cells rather than relying on those from other states that may not meet their needs."
The analysis covers many issues surrounding embryonic stem cell research raised by both proponents and opponents and provides a ready reference for the various kinds of stem cells studied in regenerative medicine. The report and shorter memorandum can be accessed by clicking here
IN THE NEWS
Citizens Research Council Releases Analysis of Medical Marijuana Ballot Proposal
September 23, 2008, Proposal 2008-01 on the November 4 statewide ballot would make Michigan the first state in the Midwest to legalize the use of marijuana for medical purposes. This was one of the findings of the analysis of the proposal released today by the Citizens Research Council of Michigan.
The proposal would seek to protect qualified patients and physicians from arrest and other penalties for using or recommending marijuana for medical purposes. It would require the Michigan Department of Community Health to administer a medical marijuana registry and permit a primary caregiver to provide marijuana to patients upon written certification by a physician. No patient could have more than one caregiver and no caregiver could assist more than five patients.
The law would not legalize recreational use of marijuana and there is no convincing evidence from other states that legalization of medical marijuana has led to an increase in illicit use.
If adopted, the law would create a potential for conflict with federal drug laws in Michigan, although federal law enforcement tends to be limited to manufacture and sale, rather than use.
Click here to read CRC's Analysis of Medical Marijuana Ballot Proposal
IN THE NEWS
Federal Expenditures in Michigan Continue to Slide Relative to Other States
September 10, 2008, Per capita federal expenditures in Michigan in Michigan rose from $6,414 in fiscal year 2005 to $6,671 in fiscal year 2006, but Michigan's rank among the 50 states fell from 43rd to 44th. If Michigan had received the same per capita amount as the average of the other states, $15.4 billion more in federal spending would have occurred in Michigan. This is one of the principal findings of a new report (Federal Expenditures in Michigan, 2006) released by the Citizens Research Council of Michigan. Read More |
 |
IN THE NEWS
Mayoral Succession in Detroit: The Possibilities
September 5, 2008, How long will present City Council President Kenneth Cockrel, Jr. serve as Mayor? Will he serve out the remainder of Mayor Kilpatrick's term? If not, what are the provisions for electing a new Mayor of the City of Detroit?
For a clear explanation of the options involved in mayoral succession and the ways in which both the Detroit City Charter and Michigan law affect these options, read the new CRC Note on this issue by clicking here.
|
 |
 |
IN THE NEWS
New Outline of the Michigan Tax System Reflects Major Changes
July 23, 2008, Adoption of the Michigan Business Tax in 2007 was the most significant, but hardly the only, change in the Michigan tax structure reflected in the newly-revised Outline of the Michigan Tax System, released today by the Citizens Research Council of Michigan. CRC has maintained the Outline since 1962.
The Outline of the Michigan Tax System contains summaries of all taxes levied by state and local government in Michigan. It contains a wealth of information on tax bases and rates, credits and exemptions, tax administration and reporting, and provides a statistical and legal history for each major tax. It also provides links to state agencies in order to provide the user with easy access to statutory provisions, tax forms, and rules and regulations issued by the administrating agencies. Finally, it contains summaries of recent tax legislation.
Go to Outline of Michigan Tax System |
BE OUR FRIEND ON FACEBOOK: The Citizens Research Council of Michigan now has a Facebook page. If you have a Facebook account (or have been looking for a reason to set one up), we'd like to hear from you. To visit the CRC profile, Click Here.
Recent Publications
Proposal 2008-01: Medical Marijuana
Federal Expenditures in Michigan, 2006
Mayoral Succession in Detroit: The Possibilities
Growth in Michigan's Corrections System: Historical and Comparative Perspectives
Growth in Michigan's Corrections System: Historical and Comparative Perspectives -- 2-page Summary
Michigan's Fiscal Future
Michigan's Fiscal Future -- 8-page Summary
Federal Expenditures in Michigan
Improving the Efficiency of Michigan's Highway Revenue Sharing Formula
Last Updated October 3, 2008
New Facebook page
