Topeka ? A Republican gubernatorial candidate Friday called for legislative hearings into attempts to include the Kansas University Medical Center in a regional research partnership with institutions in Missouri.

“Kansas tax dollars should not be used to fund Missouri economic development initiatives,” said Sen. Jim Barnett, R-Emporia.

Barnett, a physician and graduate of KU Medical Center, was referring to discussions by Kansas and Missouri administrators on working on regional life sciences initiatives in the Kansas City area.

A new steering committee has been formed and is designed to help the area become a leader in life sciences and is chaired by Barbara Atkinson, executive vice chancellor of KU Medical Center and executive dean of the KU School of Medicine, and also includes KU Chancellor Robert Hemenway.

On the Missouri side, members include leaders with the Stowers Institute for Medical Research, the Hall Family Foundation, St. Luke’s Health System and Children’s Mercy Hospitals and Clinics.

A spokesman for KU Medical Center could not be reached for comment.