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On March 11, 2010,  testimony was heard before the Appropriations Committee of the Connecticut General Assembly on the value of Connecticut’s Stem Cell Research Fund. Among those speaking were:

Myron Genel, MD
Professor Emeritus of Pediatrics
Yale University School of Medicine Child Health Research Center

Marc Lalande, PhD
Director, University of Connecticut Stem Cell Institute
Professor and Chair, Department of Genetics and Developmental Biology, UCONN School of Medicine

Haifan Lin, PhD
Director, Yale Stem Cell Center
Professor of Cell Biology and Genetics

Paul Pescatello, PhD
President and CEO
CURE

In his testimony, Dr. Genel stated that "Connecticut’s Stem Cell Initiative has ... provided a critical stimulus for creation of world-class programs at our research universities.  This has generated many multiples of external federal and foundation funding to Connecticut, created hundreds of new research positions and attracted a fledgling biotechnology sector." View complete testimony.

Dr. Lalande testified that the Connecticut program provides seed money that attracts qualified researchers to the State, and ultimately Federal funding as well. "To postpone the State’s funding program at this juncture would threaten our ability to recruit and retain the highly qualified personnel needed to maintain our international standing in stem cell research," Dr. Lalande stated. View complete testimony.

Dr. Lin testified that the Connecticut Stem Cell Research Fund "has effectively positioned Connecticut as a leader in stem cell research, has led to immediate economic impact by attracting other financial resources to the state, and has laid a solid foundation for developing a new biotech industry in the state." View complete testimony.

Dr. Pescatello stated that "it is not an understatement to say that the bedrock of the future of Connecticut biotech is the state’s stem cell research initiative. This 10-year $100 million program has placed Connecticut in a leadership role, drawn top-tier, cutting edge research and researchers to our state and set the foundation for future new company—and new employer—formation. This policy, with bipartisan support and the support of the legislature and the executive branch has sent one of the most positive economic development messages the state has ever conceived." View complete testimony.