California is moving to protect its research community by putting a $7.5 billion bond measure on the March 2028 ballot. The proposal, signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom on Wednesday, would create the California Foundation for Science and Health Research, a state agency tasked with awarding grants and loans for public‑health, climate, agriculture and other critical projects.
Why the State Is Acting
Supporters argue that recent federal actions have left California’s universities and labs vulnerable. The Trump administration cancelled nearly $2 billion in University of California research grants in early 2025 and later admitted that officials searched for keywords such as “health equity” and “sexual orientation” when deciding cuts. Although a court order restored much of the money, the National Science Foundation has since slowed grantmaking nationwide, and President Trump has proposed giving political appointees greater authority to veto NIH grants that do not align with his agenda.
In addition, the NSF cancelled a further $21 million in grants to UC Berkeley this spring, alleging undisclosed foreign funding – a charge some researchers denied. UC President James Milliken called the disruption “one of the gravest threats to the University of California in our 157‑year history.”
What the Bond Would Fund
The bond would fund a new state agency that reviews proposals through panels of scientists, provides both grants and loans, and creates mechanisms for the state to share in profits from inventions developed with its support. While the $7.5 billion fund would not replace all lost federal dollars – the UC system alone received nearly $5 billion in federal research funding in FY 2024‑25 – it could offer a reliable source of financing for projects that align with California’s priorities, especially climate science and public‑health initiatives that have faced federal headwinds.
Legislative Journey
The measure survived a rocky legislative path. An earlier, more ambitious $23 billion version failed to reach the November ballot despite bipartisan backing. After negotiations among bill supporters, legislative leaders and the governor, the scaled‑down version was approved and signed. Lawmakers had previously hesitated to move the bond forward due to competing budget demands, such as a housing bond also slated for the 2028 ballot.
Broad Eligibility
Eligibility would extend beyond the University of California system to include California State University campuses, private universities and independent laboratories. Proponents say the bond will help keep California at the forefront of scientific innovation, ensuring that breakthroughs in areas like wildfire mitigation, disease prevention and sustainable agriculture can continue without being jeopardized by shifting federal priorities.
Political Context
Gov. Newsom framed the initiative as a direct response to what he described as the Trump administration’s “throwing away hope for a better future.” He highlighted the historic symbolism of signing the bill atop the Golden Gate Bridge – a structure originally funded by voter‑approved bonds in the 1930s – to underscore California’s tradition of investing in long‑term infrastructure and innovation.
Critics, including some conservative think tanks, argue that the bond adds to the state’s debt load and that private‑sector solutions could address research funding gaps. However, supporters contend that the bond provides a necessary safeguard against unpredictable federal funding, preserving jobs and maintaining California’s reputation as a global leader in science.
Next Steps for Voters
California voters will have the opportunity to approve or reject the bond in the March 2028 election. If passed, the state would begin issuing bonds to fund the new agency, with the first round of grants expected to be awarded within a few years of the bond’s issuance.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
