A Texas Program Has Poured Billions Into Cancer Research. Ken Paxton Voted Against It.

In 2007, Texas Governor Rick Perry introduced the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) to tackle the problem of cancer, which claimed around 35,000 lives annually in the state. The CPRIT was funded with $3 billion in public money and aimed to boost cancer research at top institutions while improving prevention efforts throughout Texas.

The initiative was supported by a majority of both parties in the legislature, and a constitutional amendment authorizing the program received 61% approval from voters. However, not everyone backed the program. Among the 150 House members, about 24 voted against the CPRIT, including Ken Paxton, who later became the Texas Attorney General and is now running for U.S. Senate.

Paxton did not participate in public debates or comment on his opposition to the program, but nearly two decades later, CPRIT has proven to be a valuable investment. According to the CPRIT's annual impact reports, it has diagnosed 58,507 cases of cancer, funded 282 child and adolescent cancer research projects, attracted $12.5 billion in additional outside funding, and contributed to saving tens of thousands of lives.

Although the program has faced some challenges, such as a grant-awarding scandal in 2012 that led to hearings and legislative adjustments, Texans have generally appreciated its achievements. In 2019, voters approved a second $3 billion investment in CPRIT, showing continued support for the program.