Legislation authored by Houston Senator Joan Huffman and Representative Senfronia Thompson, aiming to establish a $3 billion dementia research fund in Texas, has successfully passed the House. The crucial next step – securing funding through a constitutional amendment – is now facing significant obstacles due to a partisan standoff primarily centered on the contentious issue of school vouchers. This political climate casts doubt on the ultimate realization of the Houston-led initiative.
Senate Bill 5, a measure that would establish a $3 billion fund to support dementia-related research in the state, was enacted by the Texas House on Wednesday. In a 127-21 vote, the measure, which was authored by Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston, and supported by Rep. Senfronia Thompson, D-Houston, a longtime advocate, was passed with strong bipartisan support.
The proposed Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas is designed to increase the funding of research into brain diseases, recruit top-tier medical professionals, and promote innovations in dementia and related conditions, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
The state's surplus revenue will fund this initiative. Although the measure received a 127-21 vote, Senate Joint Resolution 3, which is necessary for unlocking the funds through a constitutional amendment, necessitates a minimum of 100 House votes. The current partisan tensions complicate the task of Republican leaders, who must garner support from across the aisle, given the presence of 62 Democrats.
House Democrats have expressed their intention to obstruct all constitutional amendments unless Republicans consent to a public vote on school vouchers. This stance was evidenced by their unanimous opposition to a voucher proposal on Thursday, which resulted in the postponement of SJR 3 and other amendments.
Rep. Brian Harrison, along with other Republicans, has also expressed opposition, characterizing the $3 billion cost as government overexpenditure. However, Rep. Tom Oliverson of Cypress contends that it is a necessary counterweight to private pharmaceutical interests.
The future of this dementia research initiative, led by Houston, is currently contingent upon delicate cross-party negotiations and the broader political landscape within the Texas Legislature.
The urgency of such research is underscored by the fact that Alzheimer's, the most prevalent form of dementia, affects approximately 459,000 individuals over the age of 65 in Texas.
Alzheimer's care is already a national burden that exceeds $300 billion annually, and it is expected to increase significantly.
