Texas' Cancer-research Agency Looks to Prolong Its Life Span

AUSTIN — The Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas is nearing the end of its state-mandated life, but officials with the agency say their work is far from over and are asking lawmakers to give them two more years. Texas voters in 2007 agreed to give the agency $3 billion in bonds to fund cancer research and prevention programs in the state over a 10-year period. But Rebecca Garcia, CPRIT's chief prevention and communications officer, said the agency will still have about $150 million left to invest by 2020.Sen. Kirk Watson, D-Austin, and Rep. Sarah Davis, R-West University Place, have both filed legislation that would extend the agency's life by two years, pushing its Sunset Review date from 2021 to 2023. "Voters authorized $3 billion for cancer research and prevention, and it is incumbent upon us to ensure those funds are used as promised," Watson said in a written statement. "This bill will allow CPRIT to fulfill that commitment and continue to lead the way toward curing cancer."  Continue reading...

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