Proposition 14 - Dementia Prevention Research Institute

Описание: On November 4th, there will be an election covering several proposed changes to the Texas Constitution.

One of these proposed changes is Proposition 14, the constitutional amendment "providing for the establishment of the Dementia
Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, establishing the Dementia Prevention and Research Fund to provide money for research on and prevention and treatment of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and related disorders in this state, and transferring to that fund $3 billion from state general revenue."

EXPLANATION
This amendment proposes establishing a Dementia Prevention Research Institute (DPRIT). Th e goal of DPRIT is to accelerate research that leads to breakthroughs in the prevention and treatment of dementia and related disorders.

DPRIT would be created with an initial $3 billion investment that is anticipated to last at least 10 years. Up to $300 million could be spent each year on research grants, facilities and operations. The fund will consist of money from the Legislature, investment income, grants, and gifts. Safeguards would be in place to ensure the grant money is awarded based on merit and is used properly.

ARGUMENTS FOR
• The need for more proven dementia prevention strategies and treatments is urgent, due to the state’s aging population. More than 400,000 Texans suffer from dementia, expected to climb to 500,000+ by 2030. Dementia costs Texas families about $3.9 billion a year and is not as well researched as other chronic diseases.
• DPRIT will accelerate innovation, expedite research, and attract top talent to the state.
• Texas could become a national leader in dementia research, with commercial potential that would benefit society.

ARGUMENTS AGAINST
• Agency leaders will be appointed by politicians which could lead to distribution of money based on favoritism rather than scientific expertise.
• Rather than creating a new government agency/bureaucracy, the money should be returned to the citizens of Texas.
• Medical research should be left to the private sector and the free market.