Lawmakers in California have introduced a bill on Apr. 15 that would place a $23 billion bond on the November 2026 ballot, allowing voters to decide whether the state should fund scientific research.
The proposal is considered significant because it aims to sustain research that supports California’s economy, medical advancements, and community health. The funding is seen as essential for maintaining innovation and supporting industries such as biotechnology, agriculture, clean energy, computing, and semiconductors.
Senate Bill 895, known as the California Science and Health Research Bond Act, is co-sponsored by the University of California and authored by state Senator Scott Wiener. It has received bipartisan support and additional backing from United Autoworkers Region 6 and the Union of American Physicians and Dentists. If approved by voters, SB 895 would establish the California Foundation for Science and Health Research to provide competitive grants, low-interest loans, and updated facilities focused on urgent statewide priorities.
Supporters say UC’s research has led to major medical breakthroughs including vaccines and treatments for premature babies. The University of California employs more than 266,800 Californians across various roles. They argue that losing research funding could result in job losses affecting researchers, healthcare professionals, students in support roles, administrators, and facility staff.
UC leaders also highlight that continued investment is necessary due to uncertainty around federal funding sources like NIH (National Institutes of Health) or NSF (National Science Foundation). They say this measure will help UC maintain its leadership position in global scholarship while providing hands-on experience for students at labs or medical centers across its campuses.
Advocates encourage residents to contact their lawmakers about supporting science funding or discuss with their communities why scientific research matters.
