State Takes Lead in Stem Cell Efforts
SAN FRANCISCO — Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Thursday ordered a loan of up to $150 million to the state's voter-approved stem cell research institute, catapulting California into the lead as the nation's top public funder of the divisive research.
The governor's action, a day after President Bush vetoed expanded federal support for embryonic stem cell science, is expected to kick-start the state's long-delayed program to pay for cutting-edge research projects.
"We can no longer afford to wait to fund this important research," Schwarzenegger wrote in a letter that directed his finance director to make the loan. "I remain committed to advancing stem cell research in California, in the promise it holds for millions of our citizens who suffer from chronic diseases and injuries that could be helped as a result of stem cell research."
Schwarzenegger's decision, which drew praise from research advocates but was derided as a political stunt by opponents, comes with some financial risk for the state.
In 2004, 59% of voters passed Proposition 71 to authorize $3 billion in bonds to fund stem cell research. But litigation has paralyzed the bond process. A Superior Court judge issued a strongly worded ruling in May in favor of the state, calling the bonds valid. However, the plaintiffs -- taxpayer and religious groups -- have vowed an appeal. If Proposition 71 is deemed unconstitutional, the state loan would not be repaid.
Schwarzenegger spokeswoman Margita Thompson said that, although the governor could have taken such action earlier, the court ruling persuaded him that the state would ultimately prevail. With the Bush veto, he "felt it was critical to take action to ensure that stem cell research continues," she said. Schwarzenegger has been a longtime supporter of stem cell research and endorsed Proposition 71, his staff said.
The Republican governor's move could also help him win over moderate voters by drawing a sharp distinction with the president, who is unpopular in California. The action drew derision from the governor's opponent in the November election, Democrat Phil Angelides, who called it a "smokescreen to cloud the memory of California voters that it was Arnold Schwarzenegger who campaigned for President Bush in Ohio and helped put him back into office.
"For the past year, while I was fighting for immediate funding for the California Institute of Regenerative Medicine, the governor failed to lift a finger to stand up to the anti-research activists," Angelides said in a statement.
