Ill. joins lineup of states funding stem cell research

Illinois has become the fourth state in the nation to start providing money for embryonic stem cell research. Calling it a "necessary and proper role of government to take action when no one else will," Gov. Rod Blagojevich has signed executive orders that will provide $10 million in research funds for the first year. The field has been controversial since President Bush ordered that federal support for stem cell research be limited to existing lines some four years ago.

- read this report [1] from The New York Times for more

ALSO: Republican leaders in Congress are floating an alternative stem cell bill that backs an unproven method of obtaining stem cells without destroying embryos. Story [2]