Proposition 38 – Medical Research Bond
IJ Action Recommendation: Neutral
Summary
Prop 38 would authorize an $8.4 billion bond to fund immunology research. This research will focus on immunotherapy treatments for diseases such as Alzheimer’s, cancer, and heart disease.
Supporters Say
Supporters say that immunotherapy treatments have the potential to prevent and treat many serious diseases, such as Parkinson's, ALS, diabetes, Alzheimer's, and many cancers, but more funds are needed to further their research. Prop 38 is supported by dozens of medical and research organizations, such as the Alzheimer’s Association, American Nurses Association, and the Parkinson’s Foundation.
Opponents Say
Opponents say that, because of the funding criteria outlined in the measure’s language, Prop 38 would likely only benefit a small number of research institutions, namely the California Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy. They also argue that bonds are not a good way to fund research, since they incur so much interest over time. At this time there are no organizations listed in opposition; rather, there are two individual doctors leading the campaign to oppose Prop 38.
IJ Action Recommendation
NEUTRAL. This measure is hyper-specific to the field of immunotherapy, and IJ Action as a justice reform organization, does not have a strong position either way.