The University of California has announced its sponsorship of SB 895, a bipartisan bill introduced by state Senator Scott Wiener. The legislation proposes placing a $23 billion bond measure on the November 2026 ballot to fund scientific research across California. UC President James B. Milliken described the initiative as essential for preserving jobs, supporting lifesaving medical advancements, and maintaining California’s position in global innovation.
“University research has been under sustained attack over the past year,” said UC President James B. Milliken. “This bill aims to protect the remarkable advances benefiting millions of Californians now and in the future. We are proud to cosponsor this bill and will always stand up for science.”
SB 895 would create the California Foundation for Science and Health Research, which would distribute competitive research grants, low-interest loans, and support for modernized facilities focused on statewide priorities.
“As the federal government upends science funding, California must stand up to defend science and to double down on our state’s global science leadership,” said Sen. Scott Wiener. “Science makes California great in so many ways, from helping cure diseases, to helping prevent climate-driven wildfires, to driving our economy. The UC has been at the center of that scientific leadership for decades, and I’m proud to have its partnership in the fight to take back control of California’s destiny on science funding.”
California’s biotechnology sector contributed significantly to the state’s economy in 2024, generating $395.7 billion in output and supporting over one million jobs. As a major public research institution, UC plays a central role in this ecosystem by fostering innovations that impact daily life—from technology to agriculture and medicine.
For every dollar invested by the State of California into UC, more than $21 is generated in economic activity while adding over $14 in real value. In recent years, UC achieved notable recognition with record Nobel Prizes awarded within a single year and leading globally in U.S. utility patents.
“This measure could help you or someone you love by continuing research in groundbreaking therapies for cancer, heart disease, diabetes, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and more,” said UAW Region 6 Director Mike Miller. “As the federal government slashes research funding across the country, we are proud to come together with Senator Wiener, Assemblymember Solache and the University of California to ensure that California meets the moment.”
Federal support remains vital for thousands of jobs throughout California and enables breakthroughs across sectors such as health care, agriculture, climate science and artificial intelligence. Recent disruptions at the federal level threaten ongoing progress as well as employment opportunities within these fields.
In addition to research funding provisions, SB 895 requires that pharmaceuticals developed through bond-funded projects be made available at discounted rates for Californians. It also allows some licensing fees from inventions produced with these funds to be reinvested into state programs.
Supporters of SB 895 include researchers, physicians and legislators from both parties statewide. The bill is sponsored by United Auto Workers Region 6 and Union of American Physicians and Dentists (UAPD), with additional joint authorship from Senators Sasha Renée Pérez and Aisha Wahab as well as principal co-authorship from several Assemblymembers.
UC Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR), affiliated with the University of California (official website), enhances lives statewide through sharing science-based practices (official website). It operates offices in all 58 counties along with nine Research and Extension Centers serving as living laboratories (official website). By applying university expertise via outreach initiatives (official website), UC ANR supports communities through creative resources related to nutrition education, food systems development and environmental conservation efforts spanning more than a century (official website).
Glenda Humiston serves as vice president of UC Agriculture and Natural Resources (official website).