This week, New York State introduced a proposal to allocate public funds for stem cell research, joining neighbors New Jersey and Connecticut in the fight against the feared "brain drain" to more stem cell–friendly states.

On Sunday (January 16), New York Senate Democratic leader David Paterson proposed earmarking $1 billion in state funds for stem cell research and creating a New York stem cell institute. If approved by the senate, assembly, and Governor George Pataki, New Yorkers will vote on the proposal in an upcoming election.

Since California voters passed a $3 billion measure to create an institute for regenerative medicine based on embryonic stem cell research, other states have been scrambling to prevent their research talent from heading west, New York Senator Liz Krueger (D) told The Scientist. "California has almost started a range war over scientists," she said. Krueger noted she plans to introduce a bill next...

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