The UAW is the driving force behind significant state-level funding campaigns to counter the devastating federal research budget cuts proposed last year. Instead of relying solely on federal funding, these initiatives seek to establish localized, stable funding structures to protect academic jobs, and ensure the continuity of research and the economic and health benefits that flow from it. 

• In California - Fund CA Science: The California Health and Science Research Bond Act (SB 895, formerly SB 607), is a $23 billion bond which would be decided by voters on the November 2026 ballot. This initiative aims to create a state-level institution to provide grants for biomedical, climate, and public health research threatened by federal cuts.

• In Washington State: SB 6321 would establish the Washington Institute for Scientific Advancement, which would create a state-funded research body to counter federal cuts, following a loss of over $550 million in federal funding for state institutions in 2025.

• In Massachusetts - MA Runs on Research: The DRIVE Act, supported by Governor Maura Healey, includes a $200 million investment to fund life-saving research at institutions including the UMass system and Harvard.

• In New York State - Fund NY Science: After intense organizing by researchers and allies across New York, Governor Hochul has allocated $65 million to support the Bolstering Biotechnology Initiative (BBI) in this year’s state budget. UAW members are pushing to add an additional $100M to BBI with a focus on supporting competitive research grants and fellowships for early career researchers.