Among the statewide measures on the Nov. 3 ballot is a bond that asks Californians to finance one branch of medical science. Proposition 38 would let the state borrow $8.4 billion for research in immunology, the study of how the immune system defends the body, and immunotherapy, the work of building treatments that strengthen the immune system's response to illness.
Where the money would go
According to the Legislative Analyst's Office, about half the money would go to one research institute specializing in the field, chosen by the California Department of Public Health. To qualify, the institute must meet criteria tied to its size, its private funding and its collaboration with a University of California campus.
A CalMatters analysis published in July found the criteria appear to fit only one organization: the California Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, housed in a UCLA-owned research center and co-founded by Gary Michelson, a billionaire who is among the measure's chief financial backers. A UCLA spokesperson told CalMatters that, among UCLA-affiliated nonprofits, only that institute could meet the requirements.
The other half would be awarded as competitive grants by a council drawn from seven UC campuses plus 10 to 15 additional universities and nonprofit research groups in the state. Grant winners would come from among the council's member organizations, the analyst's office says.
The measure also requires that at least $4.2 billion go to immunology research on cancer and other listed diseases, that treatments developed with the money be sold in California at a 20% discount, and that 10% of any revenue from discoveries go to the state until the bond cost is repaid.
What it would cost
The analyst's office estimates repayment at $500 million to $600 million a year from the state's general fund for about 20 years, roughly a quarter of 1% of the general fund budget. Any revenue from discoveries could offset some or all of that, but the amount and timing are uncertain and could take decades, the office says.
The arguments
Supporters, who include the Michael J. Fox Foundation and the Alzheimer's Association in the state voter guide, say the research could lead to treatments for cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer's, and that state money is needed because federal research funding has become unreliable.
Yes on 38 spokesperson Claudia Briggs told CalMatters the eligibility rules were written so that whichever institute is chosen can start research right away under strict standards, and that the campaign could not say which institutes might qualify.