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6d ago

California Leaders Launch Push for $23 Billion Science and Health Bond

Supporters frame the plan as a state backstop for disrupted federal grants through a new peer-reviewed funding foundation.

Audience members hold signs as they listen to California State Sen. Scott Wiener speak during a press conference in San Francisco on Monday for a ballot measure to fund medical and scientific research in the state.
California State Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, holds the microphone for Ryan Manriquez, who suffers from spinal muscular atrophy, during a press conference in San Francisco on Monday for a ballot measure to fund medical and scientific research in the state.
California State Sen. Scott Wiener speaks during a press conference in San Francisco on Monday for a ballot measure to fund medical and scientific research in the state.
Audience members hold signs as they listen to California State Sen. Scott Wiener speak during a press conference in San Francisco on Monday for a ballot measure to fund medical and scientific research in the state.

Overview

  • Senate Bill 607, authored by Sen. Scott Wiener and Assemblymember José Luis Solache Jr., seeks to place a $23 billion research bond on the November 2026 ballot.
  • SB 607 would create the California Foundation for Science and Health Research to award competitive, audited grants and loans across biomedicine, behavioral health, climate science, wildfire prevention and pandemic preparedness.
  • Backers, including the University of California, the United Auto Workers, scientists and patient advocates, rallied at UCSF Mission Bay to kick off a public campaign.
  • The proposal follows federal actions that cut or froze research funds, including a move to halt about $584 million in UCLA grants and NIH terminations that contributed to layoffs at UCSF.
  • To qualify for the ballot, the bond needs two-thirds approval in both legislative chambers, as fiscal critics warn of new long-term debt and proponents prepare to build endorsements and funding next year.