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Governor's dishonesty is never good policy
Can Gov. Rod Blagojevich be trusted?
Apparently not, according to the events of last week concerning the use of tax dollars for stem cell research.
First, some background.
A year ago, Blagojevich placed $10 million in the state budget for stem cell research. He didn't tell anyone until after the budget was approved. Although the governor kept the funding a secret, he also wasn't asked if there was any stem cell research money in the budget. At that time, our editorial said both the governor and the legislature were to blame. The governor for being secretive and the legislature for not paying attention.
Fast forward to this year. As the legislative session progressed, Blagojevich proposed legislation that would have spent $100 million during the next five years on stem cell research. The legislature said no.
In addition, Blagojevich and his budget folks were asked repeatedly if there was any money in the budget for stem cell research. They said no.
But last week, Blagojevich announced that the state will spend $5 million on stem cell research.
"It would be wrong to ask sick and injured people and their loved ones to wait for the tides in Springfield and Washington to change before research into potentially life-saving cures can move forward," he said in announcing the spending.
Stem cell research is a controversial topic. Some liken it to abortion, while others say the research is necessary because it could lead to a cure for a host of diseases. It should be noted that we're talking about taxpayer-funded research only, there is nothing that stops privately funded stem cell research from continuing.
Blagojevich thinks it's wrong to follow the political process on this issue.
But we think it's wrong that the governor's word can't be trusted. The first year, he tricked an unaware legislature into approving funding for stem cell research. Having used that trick, he's resorted to the high-handed tactic of deciding he knows what is best for the state. Ignore the elected representatives, ignore the voters, ignore the taxpayers, Father Blagojevich knows best.
We also think it's wrong when the governor's word can't be trusted. The governor repeatedly said there wasn't any money in the budget for stem cell research. While he may argue that saying no was technically the truth, it sounds dishonest from where we sit.
The issue at hand isn't how anyone stands on taxpayer-funded stem cell research.
The issue is a governor who has decided to circumvent the legislative process and do what he wants while misleading the legislature and the public.
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