Brian writes:
Thank you for your kind and generous interest. Please find below an updated letter listing the relevant states. It’s been refined following its distribution to some legislative assistants and governors’ offices. Your backing is extremely valuable. Individual contributions may be drops, but collective action can become a stream, or even a river.
Michigan is #8 in GDP, which is why it’s not listed.
I want to express my sincere appreciation for your continued service to the scientific community.
Brian
Letter:
You belong to a group that can save the world—the Magnificent Seven. Your governor leads one of seven Democratic-led states (California, New York, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Washington, New Jersey) that represent 38% of U.S. GDP—equivalent to the world’s third-largest economy.
Of all the Trump administration’s destructive attacks, impounding 40%, $20 billion, of NIH funding is the most egregious. NIH is the linchpin of U.S. scientific leadership. A temporary 1.86% tax increase on incomes exceeding $1 million across all seven states would generate sufficient revenue to backfill 38% of the impounded NIH funding.
There are over 400,000 individuals with $1M+ incomes across the seven states. The income threshold ensures broad public support. Coordinated timing across states maximizes political impact.
The administration’s impoundment is illegal. If NIH funding is restored through legal challenges, the additional tax revenue will be returned to the affected taxpayers. Reversibility is fair. It addresses typical taxpayer concerns. It provides a built-in advocacy mechanism: wealthy taxpayers have a financial incentive to support restoration of NIH funding.
Shared action across multiple states provides political cover and reduces vulnerability to attacks. Every state has its own problems politicians want to increase funding for. But polling consistently shows strong public support for scientific research funding.
All seven states can enact this tax, even California, where Democrats have the 2/3 majorities needed.
NIH is world’s largest funder of biomedical research, its grant system producing the highest quality research, fueling innovation, making the U.S. a hub for discoveries that attract global talent and partnerships. NIH funding trains thousands of scientists and physicians annually, renewing and expanding the U.S. scientific workforce. NIH is being dismembered by the Trump administration.
Demonstrate that Democrats respond decisively to federal policy dismemberment, that Democrat leaders collaborate proactively, that Democrats use their fiscal power for the greater good. Opposition requires policy alternatives, not just words. It transcends state boundaries.
Thank you for your consideration of this time-sensitive opportunity to demonstrate effective Democratic leadership on scientific research funding.
Gerry writes:
Hi All,
First I wanted to thank you for continuing to highlight the ongoing attacks on science and healthcare as well as the consequences they will have on the US and around the world.
On that theme I would like to submit a listener pick. This pick is from a podcast that does media criticism. Their recent episode covers the long history of US politicians and news media attacking supposedly frivolous science.
For example TWiP and sharp eared clinical update listeners might remember the screwworm fly, spreader of a horrible parasite that eats living flesh and leaves enormous wounds on cattle and people before ultimately killing them. Back in the mid 1950s a senator actually claimed that research into the sexual habits of the screwworm fly was wasteful. The podcast hosts note that the researcher from the paper ended up using that research to develop the program that has (until recently) eradicated the screwworm fly from North America, saving many lives and, less importantly, billions of dollars.
It’s an interesting look at the history of anti-science and anti-intellectual attacks in the U.S. that might give younger folks context for our current situation. It also goes into the possible reasons behind these attacks.
Thanks again and keep up the good work!
Gerry
Joyrell writes:
Hi all,
I am writing in with a listener pick. With all the airline crashes and issues with air traffic control it seems like time to recommend my favourite series: Mayday: Air Disaster. As a Canadian, I am proud that it is a Canadian production. This series combines recreations of airline disasters with the science behind how the causes were identified and the resulting changes made to improve safety. Interviews with the investigators or other professionals in the field, surviving pilots and passengers are informative and give the viewer a personal look into the people behind the disasters. There is a YouTube channel featuring many of the episodes and I have included links to my 3 favourite episodes as well as a personal pick for Vincent. It features one of the first official investigations and has an old time detective show feel to it which I think he will like. The series really drives home the importance of independent investigations, investing the proper funds and training into air traffic control, and so much more. My three favorites all feature incredible acts of piloting as well as very thorough explanations of the events causing each disaster. With everything being dismantled in your country, this series could serve a reminder as to why the funding to science is so important. Links are listed below with season and episode number in case links do not work. Thank you for all you are doing for science. Never stop fighting for knowledge.
Joyrell
Favourite 1 – S5Ep2 “The Gimli Glider” A Powerless Boeing Falls From The Sky! | Gimli Glider | FULL EPISODE | Mayday: Air Disaster
Favourite 2 – S2Ep1 “Blow Out” The Captain That Got Stuck Outside Of The Plane! | Blow Out | FULL EPISODE | Mayday: Air Disaster
Favourite 3- S4Ep3 “Fire Fight” Falling From The Sky | FULL EPISODE | Mayday: Air DisasterRecommend for Vincent – S12Ep6 “Grand Canyon Disaster” The Worst Accident In History Of Commercial Aviation | Grand Canyon Disaster | Mayday: Air Disaster