# Prop 38: California's Medical Research Bond Sparks Unlikely Alliances

> California's Prop 38 ballot measure to fund medical research faces unexpected alliances from both sides as it prepares for the 2028 vote.
- Title: Prop 38: California's Medical Research Bond Sparks Unlikely…
- Summary: California's Prop 38 ballot measure to fund medical research faces unexpected alliances from both sides as it prepares for the 2028 vote. California voters…
- Keywords: prop 38, california, medical research, ballot measure, immunology, cancer research, heart disease, alzheimer's, state parks, bond measure, university of california, governor gavin newsom
- Source: Sfchronicle — https://sfchronicle.com/politics/article/prop-38-ballot-california-22476943.php
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: prop 38, california, medical research, ballot measure, immunology, cancer research, heart disease, alzheimer's, state parks, bond measure, university of california, governor gavin newsom
## Prop 38 ballot measure
A California ballot measure to fund medical research will appear on the 2028 ballot.
## Prop 38 funding details
Prop 38 would authorize $8.4 billion in general obligation bonds for immunology and immunotherapy research.
## Funding distribution
Half the funds are earmarked for cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer's research.
## Yes on Prop 38 supporters
California's Republican and Democratic parties both support Prop 38, with Governor Gavin Newsom planning to vote yes.
## No on Prop 38 backers
The Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, League of Women Voters, and Common Cause California oppose Prop 38.
## Parks opposition
Ruth Coleman, former California State Parks director, warns Prop 38 could cut state parks funding in economic downturns.
## Bond repayment costs
The measure would cost $500 million to $600 million annually for about 20 years in bond repayment.
## Prop 38 revenue requirements
Prop 38 requires funded research to generate revenue, with 10% going to the state.
## Opposition concerns
Opponents say Prop 38 is inflexible and lacks transparency, with critics calling it 'naked self-dealing'.
## Campaign funding
The Yes campaign has raised over $50 million, while the No campaign has less than $10,000.
## Prop 38 vs. SB895
State Sen. Scott Wiener's SB895 bond measure was cut from $23 billion to $7.5 billion and postponed to 2028.
## Federal research cuts
Trump froze $600 million in UC research funding, reducing NIH grants from 5,000 to 3,900 in 2025.
## Key takeaway

California voters will decide in November 2028 whether a $8.4 billion bond measure for immunology research passes, drawing support from both major parties and opposition from parks advocates and critics.