SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 17 (UPI) -- State funds have begun flowing to embryonic stem-cell research in California for the first time since voters approved public funding for the research in 2004.
Using a state loan, the voter-created California Institute for Regenerative Medicine Friday distributed nearly $45 million in grants to 20 California institutions, as the state took its next step in stem-cell research, the Los Angeles Times reported.
Proposition 71, the Stem Cell Research and Cures Act, authorized $300 million annually for embryonic stem-cell research funding, but the bonds are held up due to litigation.
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger Friday announced the first grants under the program, using a $150 million state loan he arranged last year -- on the day President George W. Bush vetoed legislation that would have relaxed federal restrictions on the research.
"We can't afford to wait when it comes to advancing a life-saving science," Schwarzenegger said.
"We all know every marathon starts with a first step," the governor said. "But let's take that first step. Let's start the marathon. Let's not hold it up."
