Texas Voters Approve $3 Billion Investment in Brain Disease Research Through Proposition 14

Texas Voters Set a New Precedent for Brain Disease Research Funding

In a landmark decision, over 68% of Texans voted in favor of Proposition 14, leading to a $3 billion initiative to bolster research into brain diseases over the next ten years. This significant investment aims to address medical conditions such as Parkinson's disease, making it the most substantial state-level commitment to neurodegenerative research in U.S. history.

The proposition gained widespread support from various organizations focused on neurodegenerative diseases, especially The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research (MJFF). MJFF played a vital role in mobilizing support for the initiative, conducting an extensive advocacy campaign to educate voters and maximize turnout. The results have been jubilantly received by supporters who see this as a turning point for research funding in Texas and beyond.

This funding will primarily support the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (DPRIT), which was introduced through Texas Senate Bill 5 earlier this year. Notably, MJFF and numerous local groups were instrumental in ensuring that Parkinson's research was included in the bill’s scope, reflecting the growing urgency of addressing this debilitating condition. Many Texans living with Parkinson's disease actively testified before the legislature, fostering bipartisan support that ultimately led to the historic approval at the ballot.

Dan Feehan, MJFF's chief policy and government affairs officer, stated, "With the passage of Proposition 14, Texas is setting a national example for public investment in science to help deliver the breakthroughs people living with Parkinson's urgently deserve." Feehan urges other states and the federal government to model similar investments in public health, reaffirming the notion that community advocacy can lead to substantial change.

The $3 billion investment is expected not only to elevate research but also to enhance access to clinical trials for patients while strengthening the workforce dedicated to brain health. In addition, this financial commitment aims to attract startups and companies to Texas, spurring job growth and economic activity.

The pressing nature of Parkinson's disease in Texas cannot be understated. The number of patients has more than doubled in recent years, which incurs staggering annual costs of over $3.6 billion to the state. The DPRIT is seen as a significant step toward ensuring that those affected by neurodegenerative diseases receive the attention and resources necessary for progress.

The DPRIT initiative is modeled after the successful Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT), which previously received $3 billion in funding approved by voters in 2007, followed by another $3 billion in 2019. CPRIT has since facilitated nearly 375 clinical studies, drawing in an additional $11.6 billion in non-state funding and attracting 340 cancer researchers to Texas, demonstrating a successful formula that could potentially be replicated in brain disease research.

Maria L. De León, a movement disorder specialist and a member of MJFF's Patient Council, expressed her satisfaction, stating, "As someone who lives with Parkinson's and cares for loved ones who also face this disease, I've seen how powerful it is when our community comes together to push for change. The passage of Proposition 14 proves that collective advocacy can bring hope, progress and the promise of a better future for families like mine at home in Texas and around the world."

As the state gears up to launch DPRIT, it will establish a governing board to outline research priorities and start awarding grants. MJFF will continue to collaborate with a nationwide network of advocacy groups for Parkinson's research funding on both the state and federal levels. The movement reflects a hopeful future where impactful research could lead to new treatments and breakthroughs for millions living with Parkinson's and other neurodegenerative diseases.

For more information on how to get involved, visit the Michael J. Fox Foundation's advocacy page at michaeljfox.org/advocacy.

The Michael J. Fox Foundation has distinguished itself as the premier nonprofit entity funding Parkinson's research. Through targeted efforts and robust collaborations with scientists, policy advocates, and businesses, the foundation aims at expediting research to improve therapies and ultimately find a cure for Parkinson's disease.