Equality California backs Proposition 38 for medical research funding

Equality California has endorsed California Proposition 38, a measure that would direct $8.4 billion to immunology research aimed at preventing and treating cancer, Alzheimer’s, heart disease and other diseases. Supporters say the initiative would speed discoveries, expand clinical trials and create a new statewide research network.

Why it matters: - Proposition 38 would channel $8.4 billion into immunology medical research and cures. - Supporters say the funding could accelerate treatments for Alzheimer’s, cancer, heart disease and other diseases affecting nearly every California family. - The measure could help California maintain momentum in biomedical research during uncertainty in federal funding. - The initiative is framed as a way to speed discoveries from the lab to patients and expand access to new therapies.

What happened: - Equality California endorsed YES on Proposition 38 on Sept. 1, 2026. - The endorsement adds one of California’s leading LGBTQ+ civil rights organizations to a coalition of more than 50 patient advocacy, medical, research and civil rights groups. - Supporting organizations include The Source LGBT+ Center and The Wall Las Memorias. - The measure is called the Immunology Medical Research & Cures Initiative.

The details: - Prop 38 would fund breakthrough immunology research focused on prevention and treatment of persistent and debilitating diseases. - Immunotherapies use the body’s immune system to recognize and stop disease. - These therapies are already being used to save and extend lives for patients with melanoma, lung cancer, leukemia and lymphoma. - The initiative builds on prior progress in HIV treatment, where antiretroviral therapy transformed HIV from a fatal diagnosis into a manageable chronic condition. - Half of the funding would support 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 California Department of Public Health would select the eligible institute under strict criteria. - Grantees would be required to collaborate so discoveries, expertise and best practices are shared across institutions. - The measure includes a 2% cap on state administrative expenses. - Prop 38 requires public disclosure of spending and independent financial audits. - For-profit corporations would not be eligible for grant funding. - Ten percent of proceeds from the licensing of immunotherapies must be returned to California to offset the measure’s total costs, including interest. - Any cure or immunotherapy developed would be provided to California patients at a 20% discount.

Between the lines: - Equality California is linking medical research funding to health equity and LGBTQ+ advocacy, signaling a broader coalition strategy around cures and access. - Supporters are arguing that a more collaborative statewide model could reduce the siloed nature of research funding. - The measure also responds to frustration with slower federal research funding, positioning California as a more reliable source of support. - Backers are emphasizing accountability and cost recovery to counter concerns about a large public funding commitment.

What's next: - Supporters are urging Californians to vote YES on Prop 38. - More than 50 organizations are expected to keep promoting the measure across patient, medical, research and civil rights networks. - Californians can learn more at the campaign website, including the full coalition list and supporter statements.

The bottom line: - Proposition 38 is being sold as a major California bet on immunology research, with the promise of faster cures, stronger accountability and broader access to resulting treatments.