Texas Proposes $3 Billion to Cure Cancer

The Texas House, in an attempt at creating a long-lasting legacy, approved a bill that could lead to a $3 billion investment over 10 years to cure cancer.

"This is about legacy," said Rep. Jim Keffer, the Eastland Republican who sponsored the amendment. "It may be one of the most positive actions we can take, to cure cancer in our lifetime and do it in Texas."

The House vote was 109-26 and final vote Thursday will send it to the Senate. If approved there, the amendment goes before Texas voters on the November statewide ballot.

Some questions remain, however.

In February, Texas Governor Rick Perry signed an explosive executive order mandating that all girls entering the 6th grade receive an HPV vaccine to prevent them from acquiring cervical cancer. Although the National
Cancer Institute
says that greater than 99 percent of cervical cancers are related to
HPV, the executive order angered many people and led the Texas legislature to pass a bill blocking Perry's order.

A Houston Democrat questioned the contradictory positions:

"If that research comes back with another vaccine, will you come back with the same reluctance?" said. Rep. Jessica Farrar, D-Houston.

With no apparent rebuttal, the bill passed. Assuming it faces no opposition, the issue will end up on the November ballot -- similar to
California's Proposition 71 ballot initiative that authorized funds for embryonic stem cell research.

A good thing, this is.

Texas House Approves Plan For $3 Billion For Cancer Research [MyFox Dallas]