Barry_Amina BallotPaperProp71 PolSci

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Barry 1 Amina Barry Professor Wadle POLS1 14 October 2022 Ballot Proposition Paper: 2004 Prop 71 The California Stem Cell Research and Cures Act a) ISSUE: The ballot proposition I chose is the 2004 Prop 71 California Stem Cell Research and Cures Act; stem cells have always been vital in cancer treatments and a possible solution for Autism. I have a brother who is nonverbal and is on the Autism spectrum. This ballot proposition interested me because I have studied on the miraculous results of stem cells and wanted to learn of how the concept of stem cells have been brought about in the United States. b) HISTORY: The ongoing research and interest in stem cell research prompted Ballot Proposition 71, especially given the versatility of stem cells. Stem cells can program themselves into any kind of cell, making it possible to be used as cures for cancer and other diseases. There was previous funding in 2002, where “ the federal government dedicated more than $180 million in funding for stem cell research conducted nationwide” (Legislative Office). However, California scientists and patients advocated that stem cell research should be a constitutional right. Prop 71 was then passed on November 2 nd , 2004, revising the state constitution to make stem cell research a constitutional right.

Barry 2 This proposition was initiated in response to former president George W. Bush’s limited stem cell policy. This policy limited federal funding towards human embryonic stem cell research of using cell lines that were created before August 2001 (O’Brien). California scientists argued that embryonic stem cell research would be insightful in developing treatments for numerous diseases and by having no/limited funding would hinder the development of such treatments. Not only did embryonic stem cell research seem promising, but “with its many research-driven universities and biotech companies, the state of California could fund human embryonic stem cell (hESC) research that the federal policy of the Bush administration had prohibited federal funds” (O’Brien). On September 22 nd , 2002, California governor Gray Davis signed the legislation approving California researchers to utilize human embryos, as well as cloned embryos. However, the federal government refused to fund hESC research that would create new lines of human stem cells but instead guaranteed that the research centers had the right to receive non-federal funding towards stem-cell research. Despite this enabling of non-federal funding, California university and private research groups claimed that state public funding was needed if California was “to expand its stem cell research sector” (O’Brien). Robert Klein was an important figure in writing most of Prop 71 and advocated for state funding of hESC research. As a parent of a child with Type 1 diabetes, Klein was aware of the curative outcomes stem cells had on diabetes. Klein joined other parents of Type 1 diabetic children in holding fundraising dinners with stem cell scientists for stem cell research. As Klein and his

Barry 3 constituents advocated for funding of stem cell research at the state level, they also went on to pursue funding through California’s ballot initiative. A ballot initiative is a proposal for a law and requires 100,000 signatures to be considered. Klein began writing the stem cell initiative as he consulted patient advocates and scientists from various universities. In the final draft of Prop 71, it stated that the state constitution was to make stem cell research a constitutional right, thereafter, creating a state institution known as the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM). This proposition allotted three billion dollars in grants to the CIRM for stem cell research. It also stated that the “CIRM would be governed by a board of twenty-nine members, the Independent Citizens Oversight Committee (ICOC), which would evaluate and approve grant proposals” (O’Brien). ICOC members were also to be appointed by California officials and the heads of the University of California system. c) DESCRIPTION: Prop 71 proposed the following: - Stem cell research should be a constitutional right. - Create a state institution known as the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM). - Proposed that three billion dollars in grants should be funded to the CIRM for stem cell research. - Specified that the CIRM would be governed by board of twenty-nine members, collectively known as the Independent Citizens Oversight

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