Vote Yes on Proposition 14. Keep diverse California as a world leader in medical research.
In 2004, California voters passed Prop 71, creating the California Institute of Regenerative Medicine (CIRM), a state agency that funds stem cell research. Stem cells are cells that can be grown to divide into all sorts of cells, and can be used to repair organs and other parts of the body.
While the full potential of stem cells is still in the future, already there are success stories where the cells have been used to restore mobility and vision.
Stem cell research first made the headlines in the 90s. Then, in 2001, the US federal government cut off most stem cell funding, threatening to put research on hold. California’s vote to fund stem cell research gave it new life and also made the state the center of this growing industry.
The funds from Prop 71 have almost all been used. Proposition 14 would refill CIRM’s funding. It would create new jobs, and more importantly, it would make sure that California stays as the world leader in stem cell research.
California has the world’s most diverse population. As more research moves into the testing and clinical trial stage, basing the research in California means getting results that represent the full diversity of humanity. Let’s make sure that tomorrow’s treatments work for everyone. Vote Yes on Proposition 14.
