AUSTIN— Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst today announced the following appointments to the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute Oversight Committee:

"By accepting these appointments, each of these talented people is making a commitment to the citizens of Texas to work tirelessly to prevent cancer and find a cure for this awful disease that will save countless lives in our state, our nation and around the world," Lt. Governor Dewhurst said. "The people of Texas spoke loudly in support of this issue and these appointees will ensure that every dollar spent is not in vain, and moves us toward better prevention and a cure for cancer."

The Cancer Prevention and Research Institute Oversight Committee was created by the 80th Legislature in House Bill 14 to oversee all operations of the Institute. The Institute was established to issue $3 billion in general obligation bonds over ten years to fund grants for cancer research and prevention. The Institute may invest research grants strategically in cancer research, clinical trials and laboratory facility construction in Texas. The Institute will continue to implement the Texas Cancer Plan.