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Schwarzenegger defies president, puts $45 million toward stem cell research
Issue date: 2/19/07 Section: National News
PALO ALTO, Calif. (MCT) - The first $45 million in state money for stem cell research has been allocated to medical researchers, Calif. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger announced Friday.
The money is part of the state's commitment to stem cell research to treat or cure spinal cord injuries and diseases such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's.
Voters authorized Proposition 71, a $3 billion bond for stem cell research, in November 2004. Despite challenges to the initiative, the governor authorized the state in July 2006 to issue a loan of up to $150 million for stem cell research.
"Today we are making history," Schwarzenegger said. "(Scientists) are opening up possibilities that a few years ago we could only imagine."
Schwarzenegger talked about the millions of people who would benefit from stem cell research, including his father-in-law, who suffers from Alzheimer's.
"The initial grants are important because we all know that we cannot afford to wait when it comes to advancing potentially life-saving science," Schwarzenegger said in a statement.
Schwarzenegger made the announcement in Burlingame, Calif., where the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine's (CIRM) board met to decide how to allocate the money.
"In one day, California made a dramatic step forward," said Robert Klein, chairman of CIRM's board.
After President George Bush vetoed federal stem cell legislation in July, Schwarzenegger came to the rescue with the $150 million, Klein said.
Bush cited concerns that the legislation would "fund the deliberate destruction of human embryos" for stem cell research.
When asked about Bush's opposition to stem cell research, Schwarzenegger said, "I am just interested in the decisions we make here."
The money is part of the state's commitment to stem cell research to treat or cure spinal cord injuries and diseases such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's.
Voters authorized Proposition 71, a $3 billion bond for stem cell research, in November 2004. Despite challenges to the initiative, the governor authorized the state in July 2006 to issue a loan of up to $150 million for stem cell research.
"Today we are making history," Schwarzenegger said. "(Scientists) are opening up possibilities that a few years ago we could only imagine."
Schwarzenegger talked about the millions of people who would benefit from stem cell research, including his father-in-law, who suffers from Alzheimer's.
"The initial grants are important because we all know that we cannot afford to wait when it comes to advancing potentially life-saving science," Schwarzenegger said in a statement.
Schwarzenegger made the announcement in Burlingame, Calif., where the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine's (CIRM) board met to decide how to allocate the money.
"In one day, California made a dramatic step forward," said Robert Klein, chairman of CIRM's board.
After President George Bush vetoed federal stem cell legislation in July, Schwarzenegger came to the rescue with the $150 million, Klein said.
Bush cited concerns that the legislation would "fund the deliberate destruction of human embryos" for stem cell research.
When asked about Bush's opposition to stem cell research, Schwarzenegger said, "I am just interested in the decisions we make here."
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juliet
posted 2/19/07 @ 7:05 PM CST
I feel if the President feels as though the Lord is leading him to put forth 45 million to stem Cell research then it's okay with me.
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