Tyler

By LAUREN GROVER
Staff Writer

Proposition 15 advocates rallied a handful of cancer survivors Wednesday to bolster support for the constitutional amendment that could establish Texas as a leader in the eradication of cancer, they said.

"This kind of commitment led to the virtual eradication of polio in the 20th century, and we hope it will do the same for cancer in this century," said Nicole Schneider of the American Cancer Society in Tyler.

Near the Smith County Courthouse steps, Schneider joined representatives from Komen for the Cure in Tyler, Texans to Cure Cancer, killcancer.org and the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

Survivor 1, the Armstrong Foundation's advocacy bus, arrived at 4:30 p.m. after journeying the state for weeks, much of the time with Armstrong aboard.

The bus will continue its trek through Texas until elections on Nov. 6.

"Anything we can do," said Tyler resident Pam Brower, who donned a pink pin on her blouse.

Brower ran with her friend in a Komen foot race in September in New York City. Her friend's mother died of breast cancer the week before the race.

If passed, Proposition 15 would require the creation of the Cancer Prevention of Research Institute of Texas.

Through that agency, $3 billion in general-obligation bonds would be issued over 10 years, payable from the general revenues of the state for cancer research in Texas.

Some $300 million would be allotted each year, beginning in January, to scientists researching the causes or cures for cancer.

All levels of research, from individual clinical trials to seasoned research teams at M.D. Anderson, would be eligible to apply.

For every $1 given to a researcher from the Institute, the researcher or research group would provide at least 50 cents, the proposition reads.

PROS AND CONS

While most agree money for cancer research is a priority, some dispute Proposition 15's financial strategy.

Sen. Kevin Eltife told the Tyler Morning Telegraph on Wednesday that he completely supports the state spending billions of dollars on cancer research, but not through the use of bonds.

"The idea of borrowing $3 billion and paying it back over 20 years with interest makes no sense to me," Eltife said. "We could just as easily authorize $300 million a year toward cancer research. We have the money in the bank, we have a surplus, and when you have a surplus, there's no reason to borrow this kind of money."

Analysts estimate $1.16 billion in interest will gather over the 10-year span, creating a $4.16 billion debt - an amount Eltife said could strap future generations of Texans.

"This should be done with cash and not with debt," he said.

The state ended its 2007 budget year in August with an $8.5 billion surplus of its general revenue.

Its outstanding general-obligation bond debt was $7.5 billion.

Gayle Love, director of public health for the Texas Medical Association, said Texas legislators didn't believe adequate revenue dollars were available during Proposition 15 discussion in May.

And, most legislatures supported the bond-based strategy, she said.

"In the House, it had over 100 co-sponsors out of 150, and in the Senate, 25 out of 35 senators signed as co-sponsors," she said.

Also, the use of bonds isn't required, Love said.

Legislatures would have the option every year to replace bond money with general revenue dollars, Love said.

Dr. Kirk Calhoun, president of the University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, said investing in cancer research in Texas would prompt returns of all sizes, including enrichment of the state's economy.

"The economic impact of discovering cures for cancer in Texas could be significant," said Calhoun, a member of the governor's Texas Emerging Technology Advisory Committee.

"We want to bring technology, pharmaceutical developments to Texas ... having the teams of skilled researchers to do the work is critical to that effort."

At UTHCT, five researchers are funded by the National Institute of Health as lead investigators in cancer research.

Those researchers, including Dr. Steven Idell, said last month cancer studies at UTHCT and others institutions build off research done across the globe.

Cancer research is perhaps the fastest-paced area of its kind, Idell said.

In addition to enhancing Texas' stake in cancer advances, identifying new treatment could provide more effective, safer and less costly cancer therapy for everyone, Calhoun said.

VOTER INFO

Early voting continues through Nov. 2.

Registered voters can vote early with a voter registration card, driver's license or any official photo ID; birth certificate, U.S. citizenship papers or passport; or a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement or other official document that shows the voter's name and address.

First-time voters who registered by mail and did not previously provide a copy of ID must show a form of ID other than a voter registration certificate.

Residents will be voting on local issues and races as well as 16 state constitutional amendments.

For voting locations, go to www.smith-county.com and search "polling locations."