UC-sponsored legislation to invest $7.5 billion in California research signed by Governor Newsom

As the University of California faces one of the most severe threats to its research enterprise in its 158-year history, UC-sponsored legislation to provide $7.5 billion for scientific research across California was signed by Governor Gavin Newsom. SB 895, authored by state Senator Scott Wiener, will place a measure on the March 2028 state ballot to invest in cutting-edge research addressing some of California's most pressing health, environmental and technological challenges.

"This is a major achievement, made possible by an extraordinary coalition of people who understand the importance of investing in scientific research," said UC President James B. Milliken. "The University of California's research enterprise improves lives, creates opportunity, and drives innovation and economic growth across our state and the entire nation. We are grateful to Gov. Newsom, Sen. Wiener, members of the legislature, and our partners at UAW for their leadership and collaboration on this issue. I also want to thank the thousands of UC faculty, staff, students, researchers, alumni, and supporters who made their voices heard and helped us achieve this important milestone."

If approved by voters, the California Science and Health Research Bond Act would keep critical research moving in California, supporting work in biomedical and health research, wildfire resilience, climate and environmental science, and emerging technologies. The investments are projected to create new jobs across the state - from construction and skilled trades to science and health research - and strengthen California's future talent pipeline.

"With this investment, California is imagining a better future for millions of families," said Senator Scott Wiener. "Scientific advancements are curing and preventing diseases, improving the lives of people living with chronic conditions, protecting our communities from wildfires, lowering the cost of food, and powering our economy. We cannot allow the federal government to throw away that hope for a better future. SB 895 is a bold step to protect science, improve lives, and continue California's global leadership on innovation for many years to come."

UC is a driver of California's economy, generating $82 billion in economic activity annually and serving as the state's pipeline for our future workforce and innovation. For every $1 the state of California invests in UC, $21.04 in economic output is generated across the state. Last year, UC received the most U.S. utility patents of any university, helping keep the nation and state at the forefront of scientific discovery and global competitiveness.

"California is at the forefront of innovation and discovery, converting bold ideas into real-life solutions to society's most difficult challenges," said UCSF Vice Chancellor for Research Harold Collard. "Investing in research improves lives, leads to medical discoveries, boosts the economy, and creates good-paying jobs across the state. Amidst unprecedented federal funding challenges, we're thankful to Governor Newsom for signing SB 895 and to legislative leadership, Senator Wiener, and UAW for pushing forward SB 895 to invest billions in funding for research in California."

"This funding will safeguard California's role as a global leader in innovation, an investment that will dramatically boost longterm tax revenue, drive middle-class job growth, and provide hope and healing to millions of Californians confronting deadly and debilitating diseases," said Mike Miller, director of UAW Region 6, which co-sponsored the legislation.

Support for SB 895 was bipartisan and broad-based, from researchers and physicians to legislators throughout the state. The bill is co-sponsored by UAW Region 6 and Union of American Physicians and Dentists (UAPD). It is jointly authored by Senators Scott Wiener, Sasha Renée Pérez and Aisha Wahab, and principal co-authored by Assemblymembers José Luis Solache, Jr., Mike Gipson, Jacqui Irwin, Al Muratsuchi and Darshana Patel, Ph.D. Forty-three members of the state Legislature co-authored the bill.

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