Texas Voters Approve Historic $3 Billion for Brain Disease Research Funding

Texas Voters Approve Historic Research Funding for Brain Diseases

The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research recently celebrated a monumental victory in the state of Texas, where voters overwhelmingly supported Proposition 14. This landmark measure, receiving more than 68% approval, authorizes a significant investment of $3 billion dedicated to brain disease research over the next decade. This decision marks the largest commitment at the state level towards investigating neurodegenerative diseases in U.S. history.

In Texas, the initiative was widely supported by various national and local organizations focused on neurodegenerative illnesses. The Michael J. Fox Foundation actively spearheaded a week-long campaign aimed at informing the electorate about the potential benefits of Proposition 14.

The funds allocated through this proposition will primarily support the establishment of the Texas Dementia Prevention and Research Institute (DPRIT), which was founded earlier this year as part of Senate Bill 5. The Michael J. Fox Foundation and local advocates in Texas played pivotal roles in expanding the Senate Bill to incorporate funding for Parkinson’s disease research, ensuring that DPRIT would include this critical area of study. Texans living with Parkinson’s testified before the state legislature to help secure bipartisan support for the legislation and to pave the way for the voters' approval.

Dan Feehan, the policy and government affairs director of the Michael J. Fox Foundation, emphasized the importance of this approval, stating, "With the passage of Proposition 14, Texas is setting a national example of public investment in science aimed at achieving breakthroughs that those living with Parkinson’s urgently deserve. Other states and the federal government should look at Texas as a model for bold, forward-thinking investment in public health."

Following the implementation of Senate Bill 5, the Michael J. Fox Foundation collaborated with local advocates and organizations to launch a robust "Yes on Proposition 14" campaign. This campaign aimed to educate voters on the potential of a $3 billion investment in brain health research, promising new discoveries, treatments, and hope for millions affected by brain diseases in Texas and beyond. The number of Texans living with Parkinson’s has more than doubled in recent years. Moreover, the financial burden of this disease on Texas is staggering, costing the state over $3.6 billion annually.

In addition to advancing Parkinson's research, DPRIT aims to expand access to clinical trials and strengthen the state’s workforce dedicated to brain health. The state also anticipates that this investment will attract companies and startups to Texas, generating jobs and stimulating economic activity.

DPRIT follows in the footsteps of the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT), which voters initially approved for $3 billion in funding in 2007, with an additional $3 billion approved in 2019. According to state reports, CPRIT has conducted nearly 375 clinical studies, garnered $11.6 billion in additional non-state funding, and recruited 340 cancer researchers to Texas, among other achievements.

Dr. María L. De León, a movement disorders specialist residing in East Texas and a member of MJFF's Patient Council, reflected on the community's power to effect change, stating, "As someone living with Parkinson’s and caring for loved ones also facing this disease, I've witnessed the tremendous impact our community can make when we unite for progress. The approval of Proposition 14 demonstrates the profound difference collective advocacy can bring, offering hope and a brighter future for families like mine across Texas and worldwide."

The Michael J. Fox Foundation extends its gratitude to the voters of Texas and to the legislators who championed Senate Bill 5, including Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick and lead bill sponsors Senator Joan Huffman (R-17) and Representative Tom Craddick (R-82). Additionally, the Foundation appreciates the many advocates and local organizations that played a vital role in making this historic investment a reality.

Texas is poised to establish DPRIT, appoint a board, define research priorities, and start awarding grants. The Michael J. Fox Foundation will continue to collaborate with its national network of Parkinson's policy advocates to secure state and federal funding for Parkinson’s research. For those interested in joining this vital cause, visit michaeljfox.org/advocacy.

About the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research

As the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to funding Parkinson's research, the Michael J. Fox Foundation is committed to hastening the development of a cure for Parkinson’s while enhancing therapies for current patients. The Foundation pursues its mission through robustly and strategically funded research programs, along with active engagement from a global network of scientists, Parkinson's patients, business leaders, clinical trial participants, donors, and volunteers. To date, the Foundation has funded $2.5 billion in research and has significantly advanced the progress toward a cure. Serving as a nexus for global Parkinson's research, the Foundation fosters innovative collaborations with industry leaders, academic scientists, and government research funders, creating a comprehensive open-access data set and biorepository to expedite scientific advances and treatment. For more information, visit www.michaeljfox.org.