CPRIT: 2013 Legislative Preview

The Texas Legislature will convene on January 8, 2013. Our ACS CAN issue priorities this session include:

• The Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, also known as CPRIT
• Smoke-Free Texas
• Tobacco cessation and control programs
• Cancer screening requirements for health insurance
• Breast and cervical cancer screening access for at-risk women in Texas
• Obesity, nutrition and physical activity in schools

In 2013, ACS CAN will ask Texas legislators to continue to provide the critical funding for CPRIT.

What is CPRIT?
CPRIT’s purpose is to prioritize cancer research and foster breakthroughs in cancer prevention and treatment. To that end, CPRIT is charged to attract, create, and expand research capabilities at public and private facilities in Texas.

In November 2007, voters approved Prop 15, which authorized up to $3 billion in general obligation bonds over 10 years to fund CPRIT activities.

Although overwhelmingly approved by the voters, CPRIT is a state agency that must go through the same budget process every two years as any other institution.

What is ACS CAN’s role with CPRIT?
The American Cancer Society (ACS) and ACS CAN were the single largest financial contributors to the campaign supporting Prop 15, and played key roles in passage of the legislation that created CPRIT.

Today, ACS CAN plays a critical role in monitoring and advising CPRIT on its mission. While ACS and ACS CAN do not apply for CPRIT grants, our involvement takes other important forms:

• Our volunteers and staff actively lobby the Legislature for full funding.
• ACS volunteers are involved on CPRIT advisory committees.
• We serve a “watch dog” role to ensure CPRIT is a careful steward of Texas taxpayer dollars.

What kinds of projects does CPRIT fund?
CPRIT awards up to $300 million per year: 90 percent to be used for cancer research, and up to 10 percent to be used for cancer prevention.

Since its creation, CPRIT has funded 427 awards worth more than $756 million for cancer research, treatment, commercialization, and prevention. Together with matching funds obligated by grant recipients, more than $900 million has been invested in Texas' efforts to change the face of cancer. A comprehensive report on CPRIT’s successes will be published by the CPRIT Foundation in February.

Recipients of CPRIT awards include 62 academic institutions, non-profit organizations, and private companies – all located in Texas. These grants promote:

• Basic scientific research that uncovers new medical concepts.
• Commercialization projects that transform discoveries into treatments.
• Community screening and prevention programs that help people live healthier and longer lives.

What is happening with CPRIT in 2013?
The Texas legislature will need to appropriate full funding for CPRIT to allow the state to issue $600 million in bonds over the next two years.

Why has CPRIT been in the news lately?
ACS CAN shares the public’s concerns about the recent news about CPRIT grant reviews and staff changes. CPRIT's projects have the potential to be groundbreaking in the fight against cancer, and we do not want to see lifesaving research and prevention programs interrupted. We have been an active supporter and external monitor of CPRIT since its overwhelming approval by the legislature and the voters of Texas in 2007. We are not directly involved in the CPRIT grant process nor do we receive any of their funds.

Every effort should be made to regain the public trust and avoid disruption of the important work of the institute. To CPRIT's credit, its own internal audit system detected errors in the grant review process. Restoring public trust will require that all CPRIT grant proposals moving forward should follow a strict and transparent selection process, and be subjected to the same rigorous review.

What can volunteers like you do to support CPRIT in 2013?
ACS CAN will ask legislators to fund CPRIT at its full level. You can help us succeed by sharing these talking points with your legislators and others:

• Please support full funding for CPRIT.
• CPRIT is taking the necessary steps to continue funding the best research.
• Prevention grants save lives and reduce suffering by preventing cancer before it starts and by catching cancer earlier.
• If CPRIT is not fully funded, Texas will lose out on life-saving research and prevention programs.