Lawsuits jeopardize stem cell research funding.THE $3 billion in stem cell stem cell In living organisms, an undifferentiated cell that can produce other cells that eventually make up specialized tissues and organs. There are two major types of stem cells, embryonic and adult. research, approved by California voters last November as part of Proposition 71, could be in jeopardy as a result of lawsuits filed last week. Two separate suits--one filed by a group opposed to stem cell research, plus two taxpayer groups These taxpayer groups can be formal nonprofit organizations or informal groups. They are generally seen as “watch dog” groups. As such they try to keep taxes and borrowing down as well as spending. Many US cities have these taxpayer groups. , and the other filed by a not-for-profit public interest group--seek to overturn the measure, or at least halt the distribution of funds until what they consider to be various flaws are fixed. "The campaign is not over when the voters approve initiatives," said Robert Stem, president of the Los Angeles Los Angeles (lôs ăn`jələs, lŏs, ăn`jəlēz'), city (1990 pop. 3,485,398), seat of Los Angeles co., S Calif.; inc. 1850. based Center for Governmental Studies. "The litigation An action brought in court to enforce a particular right. The act or process of bringing a lawsuit in and of itself; a judicial contest; any dispute. When a person begins a civil lawsuit, the person enters into a process called litigation. is just starting." The suits were filed directly with the state Supreme Court because the plaintiffs are seeking an expedited hearing to prevent the funds from being disbursed on the expedited timeline sought by proponents. But legal experts said the high court rarely hears cases that have not been considered by a lower court and expect the suits to be remanded to an appellate or trial court. It is not unusual for successful propositions to be challenged in the courts. In the case of Proposition 71, the big question is whether the opponents can get a temporary restraining order temporary restraining order: see injunction. to prevent funds from being dispersed to researchers, especially given that proponents are seeking timely cures and this type of litigation can drag on Verb 1. drag on - last unnecessarily long drag out last, endure - persist for a specified period of time; "The bad weather lasted for three days" 2. several years. Staff reporter Laurence Darmiento can be reached at (323) 549-5225 ext. 237 or at ldarmiento@labusinessjournal.com. |
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