Feb. 15, 2007

Genomics funding passes first Senate test

By Matthew Stolle
The Post-Bulletin

Legislation that would provide the research partnership of Mayo Clinic and the University of Minnesota with ongoing funding of $15 million annually for medical genomics research passed its first Senate test on Wednesday.

Legislation sponsored by DFL Sen. Ann Lynch of Rochester passed out of the Senate Business, Industry and Job committee by unanimous voice vote. It now heads to the Senate Economic Development Budget Division, a subdivision of Finance. The Senate bill had a slightly easier passage in its hearing than did a version in the House, where some state representatives, though supportive of the research, balked at the idea of putting such funding on what they called "autopilot." Both, though, are moving forward. Medical genomics research has been a signature issue for Rep. Gov. Tim Pawlenty, a Republican leader who is seeking $38 million over two years for the Mayo-U partnership in his budget.

The amount would fulfill a pledge he made in his first term to provide $70 million over five years to the partnership for such research, which seeks to uncover cures for everything from heart disease and Alzheimer's to drug addiction and brain tumors. Minnesota is in the vanguard of states investing heavily in the area in the hope that it yields large economic returns. Although the sums being devoted to the research by Minnesota are small compared to other states, few have the built-in advantages of Mayo Clinic and the university, lawmakers say.

Lynch's bill differs from Pawlenty's proposal in that it provides less money, but seeks to guarantee a continuous stream of funding indefinitely. "We are talking about powerful research that improves people's lives and stimulates Minnesota's economy. It's good for all of Minnesota," Lynch said. Advocates for the research argue that stable funding is vital if the partnership is to attract the research talent needed to become a top-flight institution.