Feinstein Endorses Ballot Measure To Fund Embryonic Stem Cell Research
Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) on Thursday endorsed Proposition 71, a measure on the Nov. 2 statewide ballot that would issue state bonds to raise an average of $295 million annually over 10 years to promote human embryonic stem cell research, the Sacramento Bee reports (Mecoy, Sacramento Bee, 9/10). The measure would provide funds for a new stem cell research center at a University of California campus, as well as grants and loans for laboratory projects at other colleges. State analysts have said that with interest, the measure would cost a total of $6 billion (California Healthline, 9/8).
Increased funding for human embryonic stem cell research could "speed the pace of cures" for some diseases and "provide an economic boost to California's biotech sector," Feinstein said in a statement.
Opponents say the state cannot afford the measure, according to the Bee (Sacramento Bee, 9/10).
Additional information on Proposition 71 is available online.