November 2, 2004 Ballot Prop. 71

Introduction

Proposition 71 seeks to raise $3 billion for stem cell research in California. If approved, the measure would authorize state bonds to create the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine. The Institute would provide funding to California stem cell researchers at universities, medical schools, hospitals and research facilities.

Proposition 71

California is currently center stage for public debate on the use of human embryonic stem cells for medical research. The broader context of this debate has roots in the history of federal financing of this controversial research. Stem cells from embryos and fetuses donated for research purposes were first isolated and cultivated by medical researchers in 1998. The Department of Health and Human Services ruled in 1999 that embryonic stem cell research was exempt from a 1995 Congressional ban on federal financing for research in which human embryos are destroyed. In August 2000 the National Institutes of Health set guidelines for obtaining federal funding. However, in his presidential campaign Gov. George W. Bush declared his opposition to federal funding for research that destroys living human embryos. After gaining office President Bush reiterated his opposition to "stem cell research that involves destroying living human embryos" but indicated his support for "promising research on adult stem cells from adult tissue." On Aug. 9, 2001 he declared that federal funding would be limited to research on cells that had already been extracted, and that the government would not support the destruction of new embryos.

US law currently prohibits federal funds from being used on research that involves newly derived embryonic stem-cell lines. Private funds, however, are exempt from such restrictions. In addition, individual states are free make their own decisions regarding funding biomedical research which may include stem cells.

Official Voter Information

Voter Information Guide

Campaign Finance: 
Individual Campaign Committees
Total Contributions and Expenditures (select "Nov. 2004 election" and "Prop. 71" in dropdown boxes)

Key Websites

Ballotpedia

League of Women Voters
 
HealthVote2004.org
HealthVote2004.org provides voters with facts and non-partisan analysis, as well as easy access to information on who supports and opposes the measures, who is paying for the campaigns, how much is being spent, results of statewide polls, and the latest news. HealthVote2004.org is a collaboration between two non-partisan, non-profit organizations-the California HealthCare Foundation and The Center for Governmental Studies. 

Public Opinion

"Times California exit poll results," Los Angeles Times Poll, Nov. 2, 2004.
Los Angeles Times Poll [Locate poll through website]

"Health-Related Propositions: Support for Prop. 71, Stem Cell Research Bond, continues to grow. Voters moving to the No side on Prop. 72, Health Insurance Requirements," Field Poll, Release #2147, October 31, 2004.

"Los Angeles Times Poll Excerpts," Los Angeles Times Poll, Oct. 20, 2004.
Responses to questions on Propositions 63, 66, 67, and 71.
Los Angeles Times Poll [Locate poll through website]

"Stem cell ballot initiative leading by a narrow margin," Field Poll, Release #2139, Oct. 10, 2004. 

"U.S. Senate race, key ballot measures," Los Angeles Times Poll, September 24, 2004. [Locate poll through website]

Mark Baldassare.
"Support for Open Primary; Health Insurance Referendum lags despite health care worries," PPIC Statewide Survey: September 2004.
See p. vi.

"Voters sharply divided on stem cell research bond measure. Favor two other health-related propositions but oppose a fourth," Field Poll, Release #2130, August 15, 2004.