California voters will soon decide on a proposal to create a $7.5 billion state scientific research fund, similar to the National Institutes of Health. Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a bill placing this proposal on the March 2028 ballot.
This new fund aims to counteract federal research cuts by the Trump administration. It aims to provide financial stability for state and private research institutions, including the University of California and California State University, to continue making scientific advancements.
If approved, the measure would involve issuing $7.5 billion in bonds to support California’s scientific and medical research. This research would focus on diseases like cancer, Parkinson’s, and ALS, along with reducing wildfire risks and combating pandemics and climate change.
“This is a research and science bond that does the opposite of what Donald Trump is doing. It allows us to double down on what makes this state and America great,” Newsom stated during a bill signing at the Golden Gate Bridge.
The legislation, known as state Senate Bill 895, was authored by Senator Scott Wiener from San Francisco. He described it as a “bold step to protect science, improve lives, and continue California’s global leadership in innovation.” The bill received sponsorship from entities such as the Union of American Physicians, the University of California, and the United Auto Workers Local 4811, representing 60,000 UC academic workers.
This bond measure reflects a compromise from the original proposal by Wiener and supporters. Initially planned as a $23 billion bond for voter approval in November, it was reduced to $12 billion but failed to gain legislative approval in time. Subsequent negotiations led to the current $7.5 billion compromise for 2028.
The measure also includes regulations for recouping investments without stifling innovation. UC President James B. Milliken applauded this achievement, crediting a coalition of individuals who recognize the importance of investing in scientific research.
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