AUSTIN, Texas – The House of Representatives today voted to extend the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas’ impact by passing two bills related to the agency’s continuation and funding.
House Joint Resolution 12, which passed by a vote of 130-15, authorizes another $3 billion in General Obligation Bonds for cancer research and prevention to be considered by voters at the general election Nov. 5.
House Bill 39, which received preliminary passage with a 125-18 vote, allows CPRIT to award new grants beyond fiscal year 2023 in the event additional General Obligation Bonds are authorized by voters or another funding source is used for FY 2023 and beyond.
“On behalf of cancer patients, survivors and their families across the state, we thank the House for recognizing CPRIT’s necessity so that researchers may expedite innovation here at home,” said ACS CAN South Region Managing Director James Gray. “Today’s vote clearly communicates that the House is committed to Texas remaining a leader in cancer research and prevention. We thank Rep. John Zerwas for authoring these bills and his continued support of CPRIT.”
Texas voters created CPRIT in 2007 with a 10-year commitment to invest $3 billion in cancer research and prevention in the Lone Star State, making it a leader in the fight against cancer. To date, more than 1,300 grants have been awarded totaling more than $2.2 billion. This initial investment has greatly benefitted the state’s economy, resulting in an additional $2.7 billion in outside investments.
Citizens in every county benefit from CPRIT: more than 5.2 million screening or prevention services have been provided, and over 3,500 cancers detected.
HJR 12 now moves to the Senate. HB 39 will receive final consideration Wednesday.
