California parties back Proposition 38 for disease research funding

California’s Democratic and Republican parties are both endorsing Proposition 38, a ballot measure that would direct $8.4 billion to immunology research aimed at curing and preventing cancer, Alzheimer’s, heart disease and other diseases. Supporters say the measure pairs bipartisan backing with accountability rules and a funding model designed to offset its costs.

Why it matters: - Proposition 38 would put $8.4 billion behind immunology medical research focused on diseases that affect nearly every California family. - Supporters say the measure could speed work on cancer, Alzheimer’s, heart disease, Parkinson’s and other conditions by funding research, trials and clinical collaboration. - The measure is drawing rare bipartisan support, with both major California parties backing the same ballot initiative.

What happened: - The California Democratic Party and the California Republican Party both endorsed YES on Proposition 38, the Immunology Medical Research & Cures Initiative. - The measure is the only item on the ballot to receive support from both parties. - The bipartisan push comes alongside support from more than 70 patient advocacy, medical and research organizations. - The campaign is asking Californians to vote YES in the upcoming election. - More information is available at YESon38.com.

The details: - Prop 38 would split funding in two parts. - Half would go to 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 institute would bring together scientists, technology, laboratories, patients and clinical trials. - The measure requires grantees to collaborate so discoveries, expertise and best practices can move across institutions. - Immunotherapies use the body’s immune system to recognize and stop disease. - The campaign says immunotherapies are already saving and extending lives for patients with melanoma, lung cancer, leukemia and lymphoma. - Prop 38 includes a two percent cap on state administrative expenses. - It also requires public disclosure of spending and independent financial audits. - For-profit corporations would not be eligible for grant funding. - Ten percent of proceeds from licensing immunotherapies would return to California to offset the measure’s total costs, including interest. - Any cure or immunotherapy developed under the measure would be provided to California patients at a 20 percent discount below the national average.

Between the lines: - The bipartisan endorsements signal that medical research funding can still cut across party lines in a polarized environment. - The measure’s structure suggests supporters want to frame Prop 38 as both a science investment and a fiscally guarded program. - The collaboration rules appear designed to prevent research from staying isolated inside individual institutions.

What's next: - California voters will decide the measure in the upcoming election. - If approved, Prop 38 would launch a statewide research network built around grants, a UC-affiliated institute and shared research requirements. - Supporters are directing voters to the coalition list and campaign materials on YESon38.com.

The bottom line: - Prop 38 is being pitched as a bipartisan, accountability-heavy bet on accelerating cures for some of California’s most devastating diseases.