Free Republic

Former Governor and current State Senate President Dick Codey sponsors the legislation. He says, "We would be the first in the country to build a building dedicated solely to stem cell research." He adds, "We would be using existing tobacco bond monies so, we're not spending new money." $150 million dollars would be needed leading many critics to ask, "What else could that money be used for?" Codey says, "This is about saving lives in the future." He asks, "If the cure for diabetes or something else came out of this New Jersey facility, wouldn't that be a great legacy…it...

By WADE RAWLINS, Staff Writer Gov. Mike Easley moved Monday to seize $60 million in payments to the Tobacco Trust Fund and the Health and Wellness Trust Fund, in case more money is needed to plug the state's $900 million-plus shortfall this year. Cari Boyce, a spokeswoman for Easley, said the administration would decide this week whether to place in escrow the intercepted payments to the two funds, which receive part of North Carolina's share of the national tobacco manufacturers' settlement with the states. She said the decision to seize the money was no indication of worry by the...

Less than four years ago, Attorney General Christine Gregoire helped win billions in restitution from tobacco companies for 46 states, money she saw as a bonanza for smoking prevention and public-health programs. Now she's watching in dismay as states around the country — including Washington — borrow heavily against their shares of the settlement to fill short-term budget holes. "This was the single biggest opportunity in the history of public health to address the most preventable cause of death in America," Gregoire said. "I sure hope I don't look back and say it was the biggest lost opportunity." Since the...