New jersey senate panel advances bill to boost cancer research funding tenfold

TRENTON, N.J. — Legislation to dramatically increase New Jersey’s investment in cancer research cleared a key hurdle Monday, as the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee approved a bill to raise annual state funding for cancer studies from $1 million to $10 million.

The measure, S-664, is sponsored by Senate Republican Deputy Leader Robert Singer (R-30) and Senate Republican Leader Anthony M. Bucco (R-25). It would allocate cigarette and tobacco tax revenues to the New Jersey Commission on Cancer Research and create a dedicated Cancer Research Fund within the Department of the Treasury to ensure the money is not redirected during the budget process.

The new allocation would be split evenly between general cancer research and pediatric cancer research, with an emphasis on reducing racial and ethnic disparities in outcomes. The bill also seeks to improve access to clinical trials and quality care in underserved communities.

“Cancer is the second leading cause of death in New Jersey, and far too many families are affected each year,” Senator Singer said in a statement posted Monday.

Senator Bucco, who is a pediatric cancer survivor, said the bill aims to support early detection and research: “By securing long-term, reliable funding, we’re giving researchers the tools they need to discover breakthroughs and offer hope to families across our state.”

Bill aims to address disparities, expand clinical trial access

Nearly 16,000 New Jersey residents died from cancer in the past year, according to state data. Lawmakers noted that the COVID-19 pandemic intensified disparities in cancer care, as many patients experienced delayed treatment and fewer opportunities to participate in clinical trials.

The bill now heads to the full Senate for consideration. If passed and signed into law, it would represent one of the largest state-level increases in cancer research funding in the nation.

Lawmakers say the initiative marks a long-term investment in cancer prevention and treatment through research.

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