Patient advocates and medical and public health leaders are renewing their call for an increased state investment in cancer research after the FY27 state budget maintained level funding for the New Jersey Commission on Cancer Research (NJCCR). The budget was finalized as support for legislation to increase annual state funding for the NJCCR and permanently establish that funding level at $10 million continues to grow in the Legislature.
A coalition of patient advocates and medical and public health leaders, spearheaded by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), has advocated for increased support for the NJCCR through both the budget process (S267/A756) and pending legislation (S773/A4579), citing the Commission's role in accelerating ongoing research, bringing economic growth to New Jersey and retaining bright minds.
Quinton Law, who serves as the government relations director for ACS CAN in New Jersey, said, “While we are grateful lawmakers preserved funding for the New Jersey Commission on Cancer Research, maintaining the status quo is not enough.”
He continued, “A greater investment in cancer research translates directly to more time for New Jerseyans and their families. There is no better time than now to pass S773/A4579, keeping more neighbors alive, discoveries flowing, economic growth coming and leaders in scientific research from leaving. This legislation is the best thing we can do to help end cancer as we know it, for everyone. We hope lawmakers don’t miss another opportunity to lend their support to this bipartisan bill.”
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About ACS CAN
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) advocates for evidence-based public policies to reduce the cancer burden for everyone. We engage our volunteers across the country to make their voices heard by policymakers at every level of government. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. Since 2001, as the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN has successfully advocated for billions of dollars in cancer research funding, expanded access to quality affordable health care, and advanced proven tobacco control measures. We stand with our volunteers, working to make cancer a top priority for policymakers in cities, states and our nation’s capital. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.