GET READY TO VOTE

• What’s at stake?
• Here’s what supporters say
• Here’s what opponents say
• Potential financial impact
• What it takes to win
• Watch the ballot cram session analysis
• Campaign financing

Proposition 38 allows California to borrow $8.4 billion in bonds to pay for the study of the human immune system and to develop treatments that help it fight diseases. It requires the state to enter into a partnership with — and allocate about half of the bond funds to — a University of California-affiliated institute that meets specific criteria. The other half of the funds would go toward competitive research grants. The measure would require at least half of the bond funds be used for immunology research on cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease.

But the measure has sparked controversy over who backs it — and who stands to benefit if it passes.

What’s at stake?

Supporters of Prop. 38 say that uncertainty around federal funding for scientific research means that other funding sources are needed and that the research could lead to treatments that help tens of millions of patients living with Alzheimer’s disease, cancer or heart disease.

So why is this measure controversial?

Opponents of Prop. 38 say it would seemingly steer $4.2 billion — half the bond funds — to one research group.

A CalMatters analysis of Prop. 38 found that only one organization would probably qualify for the partner research institute under the measure’s current language: the California Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy. The billionaire co-founder of the California Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, Gary K. Michelson, is one of the two ultrawealthy chief backers of Proposition 38, CalMatters reports.

Opponents question why, with several viable immunology research institutes in the state, the measure would apparently single out just one recipient.

Backers of Prop. 38 contend that the specific criteria detailed in the measure do not solely apply to the California Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, according to the CalMatters analysis.

Official title on the ballot: Prop. 38: Authorizes bonds for immunology medical research

Language you will see:

Here’s what supporters say

• The Yes on Prop. 38 website states that the $8.4 billion is “vitally needed funding to advance breakthrough immunology research” that could have a positive impact on the lives of millions of people living with Alzheimer’s disease, cancer or heart disease. 
  
• Notable supporters: Alzheimer’s Los Angeles, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, California Black Health Network

Here’s what opponents say

• The Vote No on Prop. 38 website says the measure could “unfairly” steer $4.2 billion to one research organization. 
  
• Notable opposition: League of Women Voters of California, Orange County Register Editorial Board, Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association

Potential financial impact

The measure would lead to an increased cost of $500-$600 million annually for about 20 years for the state, representing about 0.25% of the state’s total General Fund budget, according to the state’s Legislative Analyst’s Office.

The LAO reports that there could be opportunities for “significant” revenue from the measure, if the research it funds leads to viable treatments.

What it takes to win

A majority is needed to pass.

Watch the ballot cram session analysis

Campaign financing

Go deeper

• This CA proposition will send $4 billion to a single nonprofit. Who’s behind it?
• Guide to Prop. 38 (The Sacramento Bee)
• Guide to Prop. 38 (CalMatters)