California Legislature Advances $12 Billion Research Bond for November Ballot as Federal Science Cuts Deepen
Updated
Updated · The Santa Rosa Press Democrat · Jun 6
California Legislature Advances $12 Billion Research Bond for November Ballot as Federal Science Cuts Deepen
2 articles · Updated · The Santa Rosa Press Democrat · Jun 6
Summary
$12 billion in proposed borrowing under SB 895 is moving through the California Legislature to place a science and health research bond on the November ballot.
The measure is meant to offset a widening federal funding gap after more than 7,800 U.S. research grants were frozen or terminated and roughly $32 billion in cuts were proposed.
If voters approve it, the bond would fund human health work such as cancer research alongside climate, conservation and environmental health studies tied to extreme heat, wildfire smoke and infectious disease risks.
California backers argue the need is growing as longer, more destructive wildfire seasons and worsening drought increase pressure for research that can guide land management, water protection and community resilience.
Can California's $12 billion science bond single-handedly protect America's innovation edge as federal funding declines?
Will a $12 billion research fund deliver tangible solutions for California's escalating wildfires and droughts in time?
As public trust in science wanes, how will this $12 billion investment prove its worth to skeptical Californians?
California’s $23 Billion Science Bond Proposal: A Lifeline for Research in the Face of Federal Retreat
Overview
California's Senate Bill 895 (SB 895) is a proposed $12 billion research bond introduced by State Senator Scott Wiener in response to federal cuts in university research funding. The bill aims to create the California Foundation for Science and Health Research, which would distribute grants through a transparent, competitive, and peer-reviewed process. SB 895 is currently moving through the legislative process and seeks to appear on the ballot for voter approval. If enacted, it would provide stable funding for scientific and health research in California, helping to offset the impact of reduced federal support.