»Elections 2020

By Mary O’KEEFE

Proposition 14 will be on the Nov. 3 ballot and “authorizes bonds continuing stem cell research.”

A yes vote, according to the California nonpartisan Legislative Analyst’s Office, means the state could sell $5.5 billion in general obligation bonds primarily for stem cell research and the development of new medical treatments in California.

A no vote means the state could not sell $5.5 billion in general obligation bonds primarily for stem cell research and the development of new medical treatments in California.

The Legislative Analyst’s Office states the fiscal impact will see an increased state cost to repay bonds estimated at about $260 million per year over about 30 years.

Stem cells are the body’s raw materials – cells from which all other cells with specialized functions are generated. Under the right conditions in the body or a laboratory, stem cells divide to form more cells, called daughter cells, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Researchers are interested in stem cells for their potential to regenerate cells, tissues, and organs, thereby potentially helping to treat or cure certain diseases. Researchers engaged in “regenerative medicine” are focused on addressing many diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, HIV/AIDS, stroke, diabetes and cancer, according to the Legislative Analyst’s Office.

California voters approved a 2004 ballot measure titled Prop. 71, which added a provision to the state constitution affirming the right of researchers in California to conduct stem cell research.

For more information on Prop 14. visit lao.ca.gov.

  Mary Okeefe