ICOC to Address Legislation and Working Groups; Will Hear Update on CIRM and Stem Cell Science in Sacramento on June 6

EMERYVILLE, CA – This Monday (6/6/05), the Independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee (ICOC) for the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) will meet in Sacramento to discuss pending legislation and consider business from the Facilities, Standards and Grants Working Groups. The ICOC and the public will then hear a progress update on the CIRM, including the response to its first Request for Application (RFA), and recent developments in human embryonic stem cell research.

WHO: Independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee

WHAT: Discussion of pending legislation-including continued opposition to SCA 13 (Ortiz/Runner); consideration of business from the Facilities, Standards and Grants Working Groups, including the appointment of members to the Facilities Working Group; and the ICOC will hear a progress update on the CIRM, its first RFA, and recent developments in human embryonic stem cell research.

WHEN: MONDAY, JUNE 6/10:00 A.M. – 1:30 P.M. (Estimated)

WHERE: Sacramento Convention Center
                 Main Entrance, Room 202
                 1400 J Street
                 Sacramento, CA 95814
                 Fresno, CA 93721

WHY: The ICOC is responsible for the oversight and management of the CIRM, which was established in 2004 with the passage of Proposition 71, the California Stem Cell Research and Cures Initiative. The statewide ballot measure, which provided $3 billion in funding for stem cell research at California universities and research institutions, was approved by California voters, and called for the establishment of an entity to make grants and provide loans for stem cell research, research facilities, and other vital research opportunities.

Contact:

Nicole Pagano
(415) 396-9100