California scientists back Proposition 38 to boost medical research funding

With one week left before California’s November election, scientists, doctors and research teams are pushing voters to support Proposition 38, a measure they say would create a self-sustaining funding stream for immunology research. Supporters argue the initiative could help offset federal cuts that have stalled trials and slowed work on potential treatments for cancer, Alzheimer’s and other diseases.

Why it matters: - Supporters say Proposition 38 would give California a new, self-sustaining source of medical research funding at a time when federal cuts and uncertainty are slowing clinical trials. - The measure is pitched as a way to speed work on treatments and cures for cancer, Alzheimer’s, heart disease, Parkinson’s, ALS and other immune-related conditions. - California’s university and nonprofit research ecosystem could use the money to keep scientists, labs and clinical trials moving.

What happened: - California scientists, doctors and research teams are urging voters to support Proposition 38, the Immunology Medical Research & Cures Initiative, with one week left before the November election. - The campaign says federal funding cuts have halted at least 160 active clinical trials nationwide. - The campaign also points to reporting that researchers are leaving the United States for other opportunities after planned cuts. - Prop 38 is designed to pay for itself, according to supporters.

The details: - The measure would create a collaborative statewide network for medical research funding. - Half of the funds would support competitive grants at California universities and nonprofit research institutions. - The other half would support a nonprofit immunology institute affiliated with the University of California. - The proposed institute would bring together scientists, technology, laboratories, patients and clinical trials. - The measure would require grantees to collaborate so discoveries and best practices can be shared across institutions. - Supporters say immunotherapies are already helping people with cancers such as melanoma, lung cancer and leukemia reach long-term remission. - Supporters say the same research field could also help prevent and cure diseases including Alzheimer’s, heart disease, Parkinson’s and ALS. - The campaign says California is a worldwide leader in biomedical research and the University of California sits at the center of that work.

Between the lines: - The push for Prop 38 reflects concern that federal instability is weakening a research pipeline that depends on long timelines and stable money. - The measure is also framed as a strategy to keep California from losing scientific talent and momentum to other states or countries. - Backers are presenting the initiative as a public-health investment and a state-level response to political fights over science funding. - Support comes from scientists across cancer, brain health, immunology, allergy and vaccine research, which broadens the measure’s appeal beyond one disease area.

What they’re saying: - Arie Belldegrun said bold investment can turn cutting-edge discoveries into real treatments faster and help California lead the next wave of cures. - Wayne Koff said supporting Prop 38 would help decode the human immune system and accelerate breakthroughs needed to end major diseases. - Vicky Yamamoto said California cannot afford to slow progress and should lead the world toward lifesaving breakthroughs. - Elaine Y. Hsiao said major initiatives are needed to turn emerging immune-system science into real-world solutions faster. - Peter Hotez said immunology research is a powerful tool for preventing and curing diseases and for strengthening preparedness for future health threats. - Linda Liau called immunology and immunotherapy research one of the most transformative frontiers in modern medicine. - Rafael Jaime said Prop 38 would support scientists, researchers and lab staff as federal funding is cut and delayed. - Lili Yang said declining federal research funding makes Prop 38 essential for sustaining innovation and accelerating treatments. - Julia Falo-Sanjuan said the measure would help keep California at the forefront of medical discoveries, treatments and cures. - Jillian McCool said sustained investment is essential to delivering the next generation of life-saving treatments. - Hannah Nilsson said the measure would complement SB 895, which is set to appear on the March 2028 ballot. - Andrew White said stable funding would help improve diagnosis, treatment and long-term care for people with allergies, asthma and immune deficiencies. - John Anding said the measure could help accelerate research that brings hope and cures to families facing cancer, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and heart disease.

What’s next: - Supporters are urging voters to approve the measure on Election Day. - More information is available at the campaign website, including a coalition list and supporter statements. - The campaign also points to its social channels for updates: LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, X and Substack.

The bottom line: - Prop 38 is being sold as a way to protect California’s biomedical research engine from federal instability and turn the state’s scientific depth into faster medical breakthroughs.