JEFFERSON CITY — A judge has denied a request from critics of stem cell research to block spending from a state life-sciences research fund.
Former governor’s chief of staff Ed Martin filed a lawsuit Monday on behalf of Missouri Roundtable for Life. The suit asks a judge to intervene before the state provides $21 million to the Life Sciences Research Board.
Cole County Judge Jon Beetem on Wednesday denied Martin’s request for a temporary restraining order blocking the transfer. The lawsuit continues with another hearing on Aug. 1.
Martin contends a 2006 constitutional amendment endorsing stem cell research makes it unclear whether limits on money from the life-sciences fund still apply.