California Proposition 38 proposes $8.4 billion for medical research

Proposition 38, known as the ‘Immunology Medical Research and Cures Initiative,’ will appear on California’s November ballot. The proposition seeks to authorize $8.4 billion in state general obligation bonds to fund immunology medical research.

At least $4.2 billion of these funds would be dedicated to research for cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s. Proponents emphasize the need for increased funding, noting that pediatric cancer has historically received minimal attention, with one analysis suggesting only 4% of federal cancer-research funding is directed toward pediatric studies.