Hundreds of UC researchers, faculty and staff converged on Sacramento this month to rally for a major California investment in research.
“I’ve been doing this for a lot of years, and I’ve never seen so many people turn out in the rain to support science,” said UC President James B. Milliken.
Milliken was joined by California State Senator Scott Wiener and United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain to urge state lawmakers to pass SB 895, bipartisan legislation that would place a $12 billion bond to fund scientific research across California on the November 2026 ballot — research that has led to lifesaving medical discoveries and helped California maintain its edge as the world’s fourth-largest economy.
“California science changes the world and saves lives, and we should all be proud of that,” Sen. Wiener said.
Today, UC faces one of the most severe threats to its research enterprise in its 158-year history. Significant reductions and disruptions in federal scientific funding could hinder the state’s ability to remain a global leader in technology, innovation and multidisciplinary research, impacting jobs, health care and the economy in California.
In answer to that challenge, the California Science and Health Research Bond Act is a proposed $12 billion statewide investment that would establish the California Foundation for Science and Health Research and provide long-term, stable funding to support scientific and medical research across the state.
“The faculty and staff at UC come to work every day to help make Californians’ lives better, whether or not they’ve ever set foot on one of our campuses, or medical centers,” Milliken told those gathered for the rally. “We cannot give up on that mission and all the benefits it has brought. SB 895 is the way Californians can ensure that it continues.” (Read President Milliken’s full remarks on his Substack.)
How can I help?
Together, the University of California community has sent over 8,000 emails to state lawmakers, highlighting how essential research funding is to the health and well-being of Californians. Now, it’s important that the governor hears from the UC community. Add your name in support of UC research, and help build momentum by showing Gov. Newsom there is broad support for UC receiving bond funding.
You can also talk to your friends, neighbors and community about the importance of supporting scientific research, our university and SB 895. Your voice matters!
Watch President Milliken speak at the rally
