09/25/2008 Print Version
California is proud to be a leader in biotechnology, and this
legacy continues with our commitment to stem cell research. An overwhelming number of Californians either
suffer themselves or have a family member who suffers from a chronic disease or
illness, and stem cell therapies offer great hope for improved treatments and
cures to some of these conditions.
In 2004, our state made an unprecedented investment in
stem cell research when voters passed Proposition 71 and approved the
establishment of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM),
which would provide $3 billion in funding for stem cell research in our state.
Since its creation, CIRM has issued 229 research
grants totaling more than $614 million.
Many top scientists have come to California
to investigate and study stem cells, and more than fifty articles have been
published by CIRM grantees, explaining some of the most recent discoveries and
innovations. Additionally, CIRM is the
world's largest source of embryonic and other pluripotent stem cell research,
making our state a hub for this field.
Today, I join with the State of Victoria,
Australia, in proclaiming Stem Cell Awareness Day and encourage all
Californians to learn more about the fantastic benefits of stem cell
research. The discoveries being made
today in our Golden
State will have a great
impact on many around the world for generations to come.
NOW,
THEREFORE, I, ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER, Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim September 25,
2008, as "Stem Cell Awareness Day."
IN WITNESS
WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand
and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 19th
day of September 2008.
ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER
Governor of California
ATTEST:
DEBRA BOWEN
Secretary of State
