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would then look at programs created through state statute but are not constitutionally required. These programs should be reviewed to determine whether or not they are achieving the public policy predicted when the legislation was first enacted. If it is and the public policy is a good one than continued funding should occur. However if the public policy is either not achieved or the public policy is found to be improper or bad, than funding should be immediately stopped. At the end of the budget process if it is found that a budget surplus has occurred than adjustments should be made in the income tax, sales tax, and other revenue sources for the state in order to keep those dollars in the pockets of the individual.
10. Stem cell research promises new cures for a variety of diseases from MS and arthritis to blindness and Alzheimer's disease. The University of Nebraska maintains such research is needed to attract and keep top flight researchers and doctors in the state as well as bring in large amounts of research grants. Opponents contend research involving stem cells from a naturally aborted fetus or an induced abortion only serves to somehow encourage more abortions. As a state senator what would your position be on stem cell research at the University of Nebraska?
ANSWER: Neither of those arguments are the least bit convincing to me. Whether or not the State of Nebraska should do this type of research to attract and keep top flight researchers and doctors and to obtain large amounts of grants is putting the cart before the horse. First the question is should the State of Nebraska as a use public monies to fund research of any type? If the answer to that is yes than the next question should be what research activity will bear the greatest return either in public health or the public economy to the State of Nebraska and thus the citizens of the State. Research activity that creates beneficial rewards for the citizens should receive serious consideration for public funding. The argument that using aborted fetuses for stem cell research provides an incentive for women to obtain abortions seems to me to be absolutely incredulous. That argument to me means that women will make a conscious decision to get pregnant so that they can obtain an abortion so that the fetus can be used for stem cell research. I have considerable doubt that this occurs yet it is the only logical conclusion to be derived from the argument that stem cell research is an incentive for abortion services. Having said all of that, I do not believe that I have sufficient information available to me at this time to make a decision as to whether or not the State should continue to fund such research.
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