Sen. Hutchison Endorses Cancer Research Proposition in Texas

U.S. Senator joins Lance Armstrong and other prominent Texans in urging votes for cancer-fighting initiative in next week's election

Texas' senior Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) today issued the following statement in support of Proposition 15, a proposed Texas constitutional amendment that, if approved by voters, will create the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas and authorize $3 billion over 10 years to fund cancer research and preventions programs.

"More than 35,000 Texans are lost to cancer every year, but given the proper resources, our doctors and researchers can effectively combat this devastating disease," said Sen. Hutchison. "Proposition 15 will help provide the funding that is so vital to our prevention and research efforts. Our state is home to world renowned facilities for the treatment and study of cancer, and the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas will further secure our status as a leading voice in the fight against cancer.

"I'm proud to join Lance Armstrong in voicing my strong support for Proposition 15 and the lives it will help us save," the Senator said.

Sen. Hutchison, who has represented Texas in the U.S. Senate for 14 years, has long been an advocate for cancer research and prevention. In April, the Susan G. Komen Foundation awarded Hutchison the prestigious Connie Mack Lifetime Achievement Award for her leadership on cancer-related issues. Also, this year, the Senator introduced legislation to reauthorize the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, which was passed by both houses and signed into law by President Bush. In February, Sen. Hutchison introduced the Breast Cancer Research Stamp Reauthorization Act to extend the sale of the stamp for another two years. Under current law, sale of the stamp will expire on December 31, 2007.

"Senator Hutchison is a champion in the fight against cancer. Her support for Proposition 15 is crucial in this election and we thank her for her leadership and support in making cancer a national priority," said Lance Armstrong, champion cyclist and founder of the Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF). "I'm asking all Texans to vote next Tuesday and to mark their ballots for Proposition 15. We have a historic opportunity to save lives and make Texas a global leader and we need every vote to achieve these important goals."

Sen. Hutchison is the latest Texas leader to back Proposition 15, which also has endorsements from former President George H.W. Bush, Texas Governor Rick Perry, former Comptroller John Sharp and Lance Armstrong, who has been encouraging support for Proposition 15 since the amendment was introduced in the Texas Legislature earlier this year.

Proposition 15 would create the single largest state-level investment in cancer research, prevention, early detection and control programs in the nation. The Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas would be responsible for distributing $300 million in grants to cancer prevention and research programs throughout the state each year — starting in 2010 and continuing through 2019. By encouraging grantees to seek matching funds, the initiative will help trigger outside and private sector investment as well.

Election Day is Tuesday, November 6. Visit www.TexansToCureCancer.com for more information.

About the Lance Armstrong Foundation
The Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) unites people to fight cancer, believing that unity is strength, knowledge is power and attitude is everything. We provide the practical information and tools people battling cancer need to live life on their own terms. We take aim at the gap between what is known and what is done to prevent death and suffering due to cancer. We engage the public at large to pursue an agenda focused on preventing cancer, ensuring access to screening and care, improving the quality of life for people affected by cancer, and investing in needed research. Founded in 1997 by cancer survivor and champion cyclist Lance Armstrong, the LAF is located in Austin, Texas. UNITE at LIVESTRONG.org.