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Rally at California Capitol Urges Support for $23 Billion Research Bond

lite News Desk 2 min read

At a glance

  • A rally supporting SB 895 took place on May 4, 2026 in Sacramento
  • University of California President, State Senator, and UAW President spoke at the event
  • SB 895 proposes a $23 billion bond for science and health research

On May 4, 2026, a public rally was held at the California State Capitol in Sacramento to promote SB 895, a proposed multi-billion dollar research bond measure scheduled for the November 2026 ballot.

The event began at 12:00 p.m. Pacific Time on the Capitol grounds and featured participation from University of California President James B. Milliken, State Senator Scott Wiener, United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain, patient advocates, and scientific researchers.

Speakers at the rally encouraged support for SB 895, which seeks to secure $23 billion in funding for scientific and health research projects throughout California. The measure is designed to appear before voters later in the year.

Organizers stated that the rally brought together representatives from higher education, labor, and research communities to highlight the potential impact of the proposed bond on scientific advancement in the state.

What the numbers show

  • SB 895 proposes $23 billion in funding for research initiatives
  • The Senate Health Committee approved the bill with a 9 to 2 vote on March 25, 2026
  • More than 2,000 University of California faculty signed a letter supporting the bill

Prior to the rally, over 2,000 faculty members from the University of California signed a letter expressing their support for SB 895. This action was coordinated to demonstrate academic backing for the measure.

On March 25, 2026, the Senate Health Committee advanced SB 895 with a 9 to 2 vote, moving the proposal forward in the legislative process. The bill’s progress through committee was cited by organizers as a sign of legislative interest in research investment.

Patient advocates and scientific researchers also attended the rally, joining university and labor leaders in calling for increased state funding for science and health initiatives. Their participation was intended to emphasize the broad coalition supporting the bond act.

According to event information, the rally was organized to build momentum for SB 895 ahead of the November 2026 election, when voters will decide on the proposed research funding measure.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.

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