More Than One Million Signatures Submitted for Ballot Measure To Fund Stem Cell Research
Supporters of a bond measure that would raise about $3 billion for stem cell research on Friday submitted more than one million signatures to qualify the measure for the Nov. 2 statewide ballot, the San Jose Mercury News reports. The measure, which was drafted by Los Angeles-based advocacy group Californians for Stem Cell Research and Cures, 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. The Mercury News reports that the measure could face some opposition because of the state budget deficit, but supporters say that the stem cell research program would contribute to the state economy in the long run. To qualify for the Nov. 2 ballot, about 600,000 signatures for the measure must be certified. According to the Mercury News, California would become the first state in the nation to fund embryonic stem cell research if the measure passes (Krieger, San Jose Mercury News, 4/17).
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