Visit the no-spin zone for the who, what, and why of Proposition 71.
The Background
California voters—through Proposition 71—will decide whether to endorse human embryonic stem cell research with a constitutional amendment and a major financial commitment over the next decade. With religious and ethical overtones, big money at stake, and many lives potentially in the balance, the controversy over Proposition 71 is a heated one.… Read more »
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Prop. 71?
- Who funded the signature drive to get the initiative on the ballot?
- Who wrote the arguments for and against the initiative?
- How is Prop. 71 being paid for?
- Who would oversee the disbursement of funds?
- How would the funds be allocated?
- Who supports Prop. 71?
- Who opposes Prop. 71?
The California Stem Cell Research and Cures Act, is a ballot initiative authorizing the issuance of bonds annually for ten years, to a total of $3 billion. It also amends the state constitution to establish and fund the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM), which will issue grants and administer embryonic and adult stem cell research. Prop. 71 prohibits funding for human reproductive cloning and includes informed consent and human subjects protection.
The major contributors ($150,000+) to the signature drive were: Robert N. Klein II, CEO, Klein Financial Corp.; Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund; Joanne Kagle; John Doerr, partner, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers Venture Capital; Thomas Coleman, CEO, Dowing Development; and Michael Gordon, managing director, Mertech Capital.
The arguments in favor of the proposition were written by Alan D. Cherrington, Ph.D., president, American Diabetes Association; Carolyn Aldige, president, National Coalition for Cancer Research (NCCR); and Joan Samuelson, president, Parkinson’s Action Network. The arguments against were written by Tom McClintock, California State Senator; John M.W. Moorlach, C.P.A., Orange County Treasurer; and H. Rex Greene, M.D., a cancer center director and bioethics consultant.
Prop. 71 will be funded via a ten-year, $3 billion general obligation bond initiative, which will not exceed $350 million annually. The average is expected to be $295 million per year over a decade. No interest will be paid for the first five years, and repayment is expected to total $6 billion (half principal, half interest) over 30 years.
The California Stem Cell Research and Cures Act will establish the Independent Citizen’s Oversight Committee (ICOC), whose responsibilities will include delegation of funds, preparation of scientific and financial reports, and financial and scientific oversight of the California Institutes for Regenerative Medicine. The leaders of both the executive and legislative branches will appoint the ICOC’s 29 members, which will include University of California administrators and members of disease advocacy organizations. Aside from annual reports for public disclosure, Prop. 71 establishes an annual independent financial audit from a certified public accounting firm to verify that funds are properly spent.
Under the guidance of the ICOC, the Institute will disperse both loans and grants to various California universities and scientific organizations focused on stem cell research. Scientific standards in line with those established by the National Institute of Health (NIH) will be used.
The official proponent of Prop. 71 is the California Stem Cell Research and Cures Initiative (CSCRCI).
Doctors Patients and Taxpayers for Fiscal Responsibility offically opposes Prop. 71.
