The Trans Ova animal biotechnology proposal is expected to be debated in the
Iowa House on Monday of next week.

Unfortunately, there are still a lot of unanswered questions regarding this
proposal to give one company $33 million dollars.

The biggest question is: why are Iowa legislators writing a bill for the
benefit of ONE company?  Why not just craft an economic development package
and then let Trans Ova try to qualify for funds from that package?

So, please contact your legislator this weekend.  Ask him/her this question.
Understand that they are under a lot of pressure to agree to economic
development schemes such as this one, but also remember that they need to
hear from their constituents.

To find your legislator, go to <A HREF="www.legis.state.ia.us/">www.legis.state.ia.us/</A> and click on "Find your
legislator."

Here are some additional questions and concerns that you can raise with your
legislator.

1. What is it about the cloned cattle that make them unapproved for human
consumption?

2. What will Trans Ova and other animal biotech companies do with their waste
and how can they be held accountable?

3. Currently, the success rate of cloning embryos into live offspring is at
about 1% and the rate of pre-natal death and early mortality is at about 50%.
 Given these rates, is investing in Trans Ova and animal biotechnology a good
investment risk for Iowa?

4. Has Trans Ova acknowledged these rates in their presentation to
legislators?

5. What guarantees has Trans Ova offered that they will hire exclusively
within Iowa, giving jobs to Iowans as they have said they will do?

6. If Trans Ova breaks their agreement with the state and/or leaves Iowa,
what provision do we (Iowans) have to get our money back?


These questions were compiled by Stephanie Weisenbach of the Humane Society
of the United States.  If you have questions for her, she can be contacted at
515-283-0777 or [log in to unmask]


Erin E. Jordahl
Director, Iowa Chapter Sierra Club
3839 Merle Hay Road, Suite 280
Des Moines, IA 50310
515-277-8868
[log in to unmask]
www.iowa.sierraclub.org

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