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Environment, Economy at Stake in Today's $3 Billion Cancer Bond Vote

Posted November 6th, 2007 by Anonymous

AUSTIN, Texas (ENS) - Today, Texas voters will decide the fate of thousands of cancer patients and those who may be diagnosed in the future when they either approve or reject Proposition 15 - a $3 billion bond proposal to fund cancer research.

The constitutional amendment was approved by the Texas Legislature with wide bipartisan backing. Supporters include Republican Governor Rick Perry, former Democratic Comptroller John Sharp, cycling champion Lance Armstrong and the American Cancer Society.

The number one cause of death of Americans under the age of 85, cancer kills more than 37,000 Texans each year. State figures show the disease now costs Texans about $30 billion a year in direct and indirect costs.

Proposition 15 would dedicate $300 million annually toward finding a cure for cancer through efforts such as investing in cancer research and prevention, clinical trials and the construction of laboratory facilities throughout the state.

Proposition 15 would establish the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, which would conduct research to prevent or cure cancer, support existing cancer research efforts in Texas, and implement the Texas Cancer Plan, a statewide blueprint for cancer prevention and control.

Cancers linked to environmental causes make up at least 80 percent of all cancer cases, according to a 2004 report by the National Cancer Institute and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, a government agency. Environmental causes include exposure to agents in the air and water as well as lifestyle factors.

In January, a new epidemiological study by researchers from The University of Texas School of Public Health at Houston reported for the first time a possible link between proximity to the Houston Ship Channel and increased risk of childhood cancer. The 18-month study was conducted at the request of the City of Houston in conjunction with ongoing efforts to reduce air quality health risks in Harris County.

"The science supports our claim that reducing these hazardous air pollutants must be a high priority for Houston," said Houston Mayor Bill White, announcing the report.

Investment in prevention, especially regarding environmental factors, is essential, says breast cancer survivor Jacqueline Lambiase, Ph.D.,citing the 2004 study.

"Prevention requires hard work that must start now through tougher government regulation of chemical and tobacco industries, statewide no-smoking ordinances for restaurants and other public spaces, and vigorous education programs that support individual behavior changes," the associate professor of journalism at the University of North Texas-Denton writes in the October 21 issue of the Dallas-Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

Governor Perry sees the measure as a windfall for the Texas economy. He told venture capitalists, researchers and emerging company executives at the annual Texas Life Science Conference Thursday that support for the proposition would be good for Texans and good for the state's economy.

"This month, Texans have an opportunity to strengthen our efforts by supporting Proposition 15, which would provide significant funding to find a cure for cancer," the governor said. "This worthy investment will catapult our state to the forefront of cancer research, fueling economic growth and giving hope to all fighting the war on cancer."

"With additional funding, we can enhance existing research efforts, lure the brightest research minds from around the world, and provide grants to promising projects," said Perry.

The Cancer Prevention and Research Institute Oversight Committee will be responsible for crafting contracts that govern the use of grant funds, establish intellectual property rights, and set terms on the return of unused funds. Intellectual property rules will allow the state to collect royalties from grant-based projects without removing the incentive to apply.

A handful of critics oppose Proposition 15, saying the right way to fund cancer research is through donations to the private sector.

Wes Benedict, executive director of the Libertarian Party of Texas says, "Medical research is not a legitimate function of government. Funding for medical research should stay in the private sector. There is plenty of profit motive in seeking patents for drugs and medical devices, and if that weren't enough, there is also a great deal of funding provided by voluntary charitable donations."

Critics also say the $3 billion bond would cost taxpayers an additional $1.6 billion in interest.