Trenton, NJ (LifeNews.com) -- Frustrated that the state legislature hasn't acted faster in getting a stem cell research bill approved, Gov. Jon Corzine said Monday he would use the bully pulpit of his office to press for its passage. Corzine said the bills have stalled because "the legislative process has the ability to tie it up in knots."

The governor called it "unconscionable," according to a Star-Ledger news report, that New Jersey political leaders have "sat on our hands" on the legislation. He indicated the state would fall behind others like Maryland and California if the measure wasn't approved soon. "This really needs to get moved up in the agenda. I'm going to start talking about the issue over and over again," the governor said.

The newspaper reports that Assembly Speaker Joseph Roberts, who backs embryonic stem cell research, has refused to allow the state Assembly to further consider the stem cell research bill until the Senate acts on a needle exchange measure for drug users that he supports. In March, New Jersey lawmakers clarified some of the language.

The measure would borrow millions in taxpayer funds to build new facilities that would engage in embryonic stem cell research pro-life groups oppose.