Assembly Bill 1286 (Skinner) Preserving the California Breast Cancer Research Program

ISSUE The California Breast Cancer Research Program (CBCRP) was established by the California Legislature in the 1993 Breast Cancer Act (AB 2055 (B. Friedman) [Chapter 661, Statutes of 1993] and AB 478 (B. Friedman) [AB 478, Statutes of 1993]). The program is responsible for administering funding for breast cancer research in the State of California. The mission of the CBCRP is to eliminate breast cancer by leading innovation in research, communication, and collaboration in the California scientific and lay communities. The CBCRP is the largest state-funded research effort in the nation and is administered by the University of California, Office of the President. The CBCRP is funded through taxes on tobacco, voluntary tax check-offs on personal income tax forms, and individual contributions. The tax check-off, included on the personal income tax form since 1993, has drawn over $8.5 million for breast cancer research and grants. Since 1994, the CBCRP has awarded nearly $230 million in 939 grants to 107 institutions across the state. With continued investment, the CBCRP will work to find better ways to prevent, treat and cure breast cancer. In order to remain on the income tax form, the CBCRP needs to obtain the minimum contribution amount established by the Franchise Tax Board for the calendar year. The minimum contribution amount for the calendar year is adjusted for inflation every year. Currently, the minimum contribution for 2013 is $371,724. The minimum has increased more than one hundred thousand dollars in 16 years; the minimum contribution amount was $250,000 in 1997. Simultaneously given the economic decline of the past several years, the amount contributed to CBCRP has declined significantly. In 2002 the amount contributed was $724,965 and in 2012 that level dropped to $440,711. The decrease in contributions places CBCRP at risk of not obtaining the minimum contribution and losing critical funding for innovative research; therefore, jeopardizing finding a cure for breast cancer. This critical program should not be jeopardized by a temporary economic downturn. AB 1286 (SKINNER) AB 1286 would maintain the minimum contribution amount for calendar years 2014 and 2015 at the 2013 minimum contribution level of $371,724. In light of the improved economic forecast, freezing the minimum contribution will allow the CBCRP to regain its momentum in contributions while simultaneous alleviating concerns about reaching the minimum contribution amount. Assemblymember Nancy Skinner Staff Contact: Stephanie Puentes (916) 319-2015 or stephanie.puentes@asm.ca.gov