Legislators Look at Cuts to Medical Research While Proposed Medical School Expansion is Safe

Georgia lawmakers are beginning their review of state budgets passed by both chambers of the legislature, trying in a conference committee to resolve differences between the two.

One issue is a proposed cut in medical research funding to the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta.

The state senate, in its budget passed today, included a $10 million cut in funding, with about half of that coming from a cancer research center at MCG. Officials say that could devastate the center.

Senator Ed Tarver (D-Augusta) wants the money restored. He says instead, the legislature should shelve the proposed expansion of the college, especially a proposed satellite campus in Athens.

But proponents of expansion say it's badly needed to stave off a doctor shortage.

The issue, therefore, raises a question...Which investment is better? Especially in a money crunch? It's one of the many hard decisions lawmakers will be hashing out this week over a budget that's full of cuts to state agencies, education and public services.

Tarver and some other Augusta-area lawmakers have been opposed to expansion. They do not want Augusta to lose resources to other cities, particularly Athens. Proponents, including Republican Governor Sonny Perdue, say it's the best way to bring medical students to the state, and then retain them when they become doctors.

The other $5 million would be cut from other medical research. The House, meanwhile, also proposed that cut but did not consider funding reductions to the cancer center.