Arnie funds stem cell research

2006-07-24 12:03

Sacramento - California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has authorised a $150m (about R10bn) loan to fund the state's moribund stem cell institute, a day after United States President George W Bush vetoed a measure to expand federal funding of embryonic stem cell research.

The move has distinct political benefits for the governor.

Schwarzenegger wants to put as much distance between himself and the unpopular president as possible, especially as he is looking to be re-elected this year.

Schwarzenegger said the state could not afford not to fund the science associated with stem cells.

In a letter to his finance director authorising the loan on Thursday, Schwarzenegger said: "I remain committed to advancing stem cell research in California, in the promise it holds for millions of our citizens who suffer from chronic diseases and injuries that could be helped as a result of stem cell research."

Lawyers with ties to anti-abortion and anti-tax groups have sued. They argue that the state's stem cell agency, the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine, is unconstitutional.

Voters created the agency in 2004, when they passed a referendum authorising $3bn in bonds to be sold to pay for the 10 years of research not funded by the federal government.

An Alameda county superior court judge ruled the institute was a legitimate state agency on April 21.

If opponents continue to contest the agency in court, they could hold up the institute's financing until at least next year.

- AP