Michigan is far from the forefront of stem cell research, but some local lawmakers are pushing to change the rules to allow us to move forward.

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With the Legislature unwilling to support greater embryonic stem cell research in Michigan, it will be up to voters, it appears, to end the state's restrictions, said three state lawmakers appearing at a forum in Ann Arbor on Thursday.

"We're coming to you, although we feel that we've been stymied in the state Legislature, with a message of hope that there is an opportunity to do something very positive for the state together," said state Rep. Rebekah Warren, D-Ann Arbor, to an audience of about 15 people.

A referendum committee submitted 569,576 signatures to end the state's ban on stem cell research that results in the destruction of a human embryo. A state panel will have to certify that about 380,000 of the signatures are valid to get the measure on the ballot in November.

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