In a new opinion piece published on June 2, 2026, in the Los Angeles Times, Michael J. Fox calls on California leaders and voters to seize a critical opportunity by passing Senate Bill (SB) 895. The bill would establish a state-funded, voter-approved health and science research institute to support a broad range of research, including in Parkinson’s disease.
Reflecting on the scientific progress made since his Parkinson’s diagnosis in 1991, Michael says: “A lot has changed in those three decades, and thanks to the tireless efforts of a global community of scientists, patients and advocates, we’re closer to a cure than we’ve ever been. But it’s no secret that finishing the job will take everything we’ve got — and the science continues to outpace the money.”
“We’re closer to a cure than we’ve ever been. But it’s no secret that finishing the job will take everything we’ve got — and the science continues to outpace the money.”
Michael points to key developments from researchers at California institutions like UC San Francisco and UC San Diego. These advances — like adaptive deep brain stimulation — are supported in part by The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) and illustrate what’s possible when researchers have sustained resources to pursue promising ideas.
Underscoring the scale and urgency of the challenge, Michael notes that Parkinson’s is the fastest growing neurological disease in the world, affecting more than 1.2 million people in the United States, including nearly 135,000 Californians. According to a new study commissioned by MJFF, Parkinson’s cost patients, families and taxpayers across the country more than $82 billion in 2024 alone.
“Whether you live with Parkinson’s or not, you’re paying for it,” Michael emphasizes. “For some of us, there’s no opting out. But for California taxpayers, SB 895 gives you a chance to put your money to better use — directing it toward cures instead of costs to ease the burden on all of us.”
“For California taxpayers, SB 895 gives you a chance to put your money to better use — directing it toward cures instead of costs to ease the burden on all of us.”
Despite the growing burden of Parkinson’s disease, there has never been a more opportune moment to go all in on treatments and cures, Michael continues: “Nearly two dozen new treatments have been approved in the last decade. More than 175 are currently in clinical development, half of which aim to slow or entirely stop the disease — not just treat its symptoms — something we’ve never been able to do before.”
Throughout the piece, Michael extends his gratitude to the global community behind this progress: “patients who roll up their sleeves and join clinical trials, scientists who turn dead-ends into detours, fundraisers who power research and advocates who help policymakers understand what’s at stake.”
Michael argues that realizing the tremendous potential of today’s scientific opportunity will require increased public research investment. SB 895 is an important chance to do that in a state “where smart, ambitious people come together to solve our toughest problems.” “Senate Bill 895 is a bet on California’s ability to do what it does best, at exactly the moment when science is set to sprint,” Michael says.
“Senate Bill 895 is a bet on California’s ability to do what it does best, at exactly the moment when science is set to sprint.”
Ultimately, Michael calls on the California Assembly to pass the bill while urging Californians to call their representatives and Governor Newsom to let them know why SB 895 matters. By signing up for MJFF’s Parkinson’s Policy Network, you can receive an email from our Advocacy team with a simple form and call script.
If the bill passes the legislature and is signed into law by Governor Newsom, it will appear on the November ballot for voter approval, similar to last year’s $3 billion in state funds for neurodegenerative diseases in Texas.
Michael closes the opinion piece by reminding readers: “The science is ready. How fast it can go is up to us.”
“The science is ready. How fast it can go is up to us.”
Read the full piece in the Los Angeles Times to learn more about SB 895 and the potential it holds to drive vital research forward.