Los Angeles City Council Votes To Endorse Ballot Initiative To Fund Stem Cell Research
The Los Angeles City Council on Wednesday unanimously voted to endorse Proposition 71, a proposed ballot initiative that would raise an average of $295 million annually for a decade to promote stem cell research through the issue of state bonds, the Los Angeles Daily News reports (Los Angeles Daily News, 8/19). 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 say the measure would cost a total of $6 billion, including interest (California Healthline, 8/16). The council also encouraged other neighborhood councils to back the measure.
Los Angeles City Council member Wendy Greuel said, "It's unfortunate that this has gotten caught up in national politics, that people have not stood up for this issue" (Los Angeles Daily News, 8/19).
The ballot title and summary for Proposition 71 is available online. Note: You must have Adobe Acrobat Reader to access the summary.