The worst California proposition is going to pass. Here’s who to blame
Gov. Gavin Newsom, seen in 2025, backs Prop 38, which authorizes the state to issue $8.4 billion in bonds for medical research. But there’s a catch.
TL;DR
- Proposition 38, a California ballot measure, is expected to pass, allocating $8.4 billion for medical research.
- Half of the funds, $4.2 billion, will go to the new California Institute for Immunology & Immunotherapy, founded by billionaires.
- Critics label the measure as crony capitalism, citing the institute's untested status and the billionaire founders' ability to fund it themselves.
- The measure faces substantial interest payments for taxpayers over 20 years.
- Despite bipartisan support from major political parties and figures like Gov. Gavin Newsom, a small opposition group struggled against the well-funded 'yes' campaign.
- San Francisco voters largely rejected the measure, but this was not enough to prevent its statewide passage.
- The author criticizes the political establishment for endorsing a 'shady, subpar plan' that dupes voters and disserves patients.