LOS ANGELES, CA — The University of California (UC) Board of Regents last week voted to endorse the California Stem Cell Research, Treatments and Cures Initiative of 2020. This historical vote marks the second time in 30 years the Regents have endorsed a bond issue that does not directly dedicate or earmark funding for the UC system. The proposed initiative would authorize $5.5 billion in state general obligation bonds to continue funding stem cell research and the development and delivery of treatments and cures for chronic diseases and conditions, including diabetes, blindness, spinal cord injuries and cancer.

Below is a statement from Robert Klein II, Chairman of Californians for Stem Cell Research, Treatment and Cures:

“We thank the UC Board of Regents for providing their endorsement of the 2020 Stem Cell Research, Treatments and Cures Initiative, and their leadership  in responding to the critical need to develop better treatments and cures for chronic diseases and conditions that impact the lives of millions of Californians.

“Investing in the future health of our families and loved ones is one of the most important investments we can make today. If passed, this initiative will continue to support our state’s world-class medical and scientific institutions—many of which are part of our University of California system—empowering leading edge medical and scientific research and offering learning opportunities for our best and brightest talent throughout the state.

“By continuing to fund research and treatments for chronic diseases and conditions like cancer, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, heart disease, HIV/AIDS, kidney disease and diabetes, this measure could save your life or the life of someone you love.”

Praise for the initiative was shared by individual Regents:

“It is essential we pass this measure. Essential for the people of California. Essential for the many cures.”

– Regent Charlene Zettel

“I want to emphasize how remarkable the science has been…and what breakthroughs it led to and what breakthroughs there can potentially be in the future.”

– Regent Sherry Lansing

The 2020 Stem Cell Initiative:

  • Will continue life-saving research and trials conducted at California’s state-of-the-art medical and research institutions, including University of California Davis (UCD), University of California Irvine (UCI), University of California San Francisco (UCSF), University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), and University of California San Diego (UCSD).
  • Creates training, educational, and professional programs at UC’s, CSU’s, and Community Colleges across the state to connect thousands of students with hands-on experience and training in the field of stem cell research.  
  • Has earned the support of over 50 patient advocacy organizations, leaders in medical research and the scientific community, revered medical practitioners and Nobel Prize winners from around the world.

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