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State of California November 2, 2004 Election
Proposition 71
Stem Cell Research. Funding. Bonds
State of California

Initiative Constitutional Amendment and Statute

7,009,814 / 59.1% Yes votes ...... 4,859,401 / 40.9% No votes

See Also: Index of all Propositions

Results as of Dec 6 4:02pm, 100.0% of Precincts Reporting (24035/24035)
Information shown below: Summary | Fiscal Impact | Yes/No Meaning | Official Information | Arguments |

Should the "California Institute for Regenerative Medicine" be established to regulate and fund stem cell research with the constitutional right to conduct such research and with an oversight committee? Prohibits funding of human reproductive cloning research.

Summary Prepared by Attorney General:
  • Establishes "California Institute for Regenerative Medicine" to regulate stem cell research and provide funding, through grants and loans, for such research and research facilities.
  • Establishes constitutional right to conduct stem cell research; prohibits Institute's funding of human reproductive cloning research.
  • Establishes oversight committee to govern Institute.
  • Provides General Fund loan up to $3 million for Institute's initial administration/implementation costs.
  • Authorizes issuance of general obligation bonds to finance Institute activities up to $3 billion subject to annual limit of $350 million.
  • Appropriates monies from General Fund to pay for bonds.

Fiscal Impact from the Legislative Analyst:
State cost of about $6 billion over 30 years to pay off both the principal ($3 billion) and interest ($3 billion) on the bonds. State payments averaging about $200 million per year.

Meaning of Voting Yes/No
A YES vote of this measure means:
The state would establish a new state medical research institute and authorize the issuance of $3 billion in state general obligation bonds to provide funding for stem cell research and research facilities in California.

A NO vote of this measure means:
Funding for stem cell research in California would depend upon actions by the Legislature and Governor and other entities which provide research funding.

Official Sources of Information
Arguments Submitted

Summary of Arguments FOR Proposition 71:
71 authorizes stem cell research to find new CURES FOR CANCER, HEART DISEASE, DIABETES, and many other diseases, SAVE MILLIONS OF LIVES, and CUT HEALTH CARE COSTS BY BILLIONS. And, 71 prohibits cloning to create babies. Join non-profit disease organizations, Nobel Prize scientists, doctors, and nurses: Vote YES on 71.

Full Text of Argument In Favor

Summary of Arguments AGAINST Proposition 71:
Adds $3 billion of bond debt to California's massive debt load. Money would fund huge, new bureaucracy to promote human embryo cloning. Few controls, no real accountability for how money is spent. Exempts new bureaucracy from aspects of "open meeting" laws. Opposed by women's groups, leading doctors, and medical ethicists.

Full Text of Argument Against

Contact FOR Proposition 71:
YES on 71: Coalition for Stem Cell Research and Cures
11271 Ventura Blvd.
Studio City, CA 91604
800-931-CURE (2873)
info@YESon71.com
http://www.YESon71.com

Contact AGAINST Proposition 71:
Doctors, Patients, and Taxpayers for Fiscal Responsibility
P.O. Box 2402
Covina, CA 91722
http://www.NoOn71.com

  Official Information

Secretary of State

Campaign Finance Information Legislative Analysts's Office Nonpartisan Information

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Created: December 15, 2004 13:39 PST
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