The Florida State Capitol, where legislators passed a bill this year to create a new Parkinson's research consortium at the University of South Florida.
We’ve built major momentum for Parkinson’s policy in states across the country together — the results of which will make a real impact for patients and families.
This year, The Michael J. Fox Foundation’s (MJFF) Public Policy team took on a new ambitious goal to vastly scale state government investment in Parkinson’s research. We also grew the number of statewide Parkinson’s registries, improved insurance coverage requirements for biomarker testing and advocated for state-level environmental policy change.
States Step Up to Power Parkinson’s Research
MJFF spearheaded efforts in five states — California, Connecticut, Florida, Pennsylvania and Texas — to dedicate state dollars to new or existing research projects.
Texas Aims Big with Billion-Dollar Commitment to Brain Health
We secured our first victory in May, when Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R) signed bipartisan legislation to dedicate a staggering sum of state funds toward the prevention of brain disease: $3 billion over 10 years.
The bill establishes the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas with $300 million in funding each year. MJFF and our advocates played a leading role in persuading legislators to add Parkinson’s disease to the bill text — which initially focused solely on dementia research — to ensure that Parkinson’s research projects would also be eligible for grant funding through the new institute.
While this is a historic achievement, the work is not done. To unlock the largest state investment in brain disease research in U.S. history, Texans must vote in favor of it during the state’s elections this November. Make sure you’re signed up for our Parkinson’s Policy Network for opportunities to advocate with us as the vote approaches.
Florida Creates New Institute to Fund Parkinson’s Research
In February, Florida lawmakers introduced legislation to create a Parkinson’s research consortium at the University of South Florida with $25 million in financing. While the funding was ultimately removed, the bill — which passed and was signed by Governor Ron DeSantis (R) in June — will still allow for the research consortium to be created. MJFF will return to Florida in 2026 to continue to pursue the $25 million investment.
We also achieved research funding bill introductions in California, Connecticut and Pennsylvania this year. While the Connecticut bill did not pass before the legislature adjourned in June, California and Pennsylvania are still considering their respective legislation.
Photo Gallery
Julia Pitcher, director of state government relations, testifies before Texas lawmakers in support of the creation of the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, including $3 billion in state funding.
MJFF staff joined Parkinson’s patients, care partners, local organizations and state legislators to call for the passage of a California bill that aims to fund Parkinson’s research.
Zach Hardy, senior state government relations manager, joined Connecticut lawmakers and advocates to celebrate World Parkinson’s Day.
Zach Hardy testifies before Connecticut lawmakers in support of a proposed state fund for Parkinson’s research.
Painting a Clearer Picture of Parkinson’s with New Registries
Statewide population-based registries are powerful tools that collect health and demographic data to help us better understand Parkinson’s and how to treat it. Registries can offer insights like accurate incidence and prevalence rates and information about risk factors like environmental exposures and military service.
This year, Kentucky became the 15th state to take steps to create a Parkinson’s registry as Governor Andy Beshear (D) signed a registry bill into law in March. “No two people with Parkinson's have the same causes, symptoms, progression or response to treatment,” said Kentucky advocate Joanie Prentice, who shared her advocacy story with us. “Because of this variation, we need registries to identify patterns that can support research breakthroughs and better care.”
In Ohio, the legislature approved $1.2 million to begin the implementation of their registry, which passed in 2023. And in California, more than 250 advocates responded to our call to urge lawmakers to protect a previously appropriated $3 million for the state’s registry — and it worked. Due in part to this outreach, California’s registry will remain funded.
Influencing Environmental Policy to Protect Brain Health
For more than a decade, MJFF has joined advocates and partner organizations to call for the national ban of harmful chemicals linked to Parkinson’s like the herbicide paraquat.
We took our environmental advocacy to the state level in California in 2024. In 2025, we joined forces with the Environmental Working Group and Parkinson Foundation of Western Pennsylvania to advocate for a bill — which is still under consideration — that would make the state the first in the U.S. to ban paraquat. We look forward to engaging more states on environmental legislation in 2026.
Expanding Coverage for Biomarker Testing
Biomarker testing — the analysis of tissue, blood and other substances — can provide patients with critical health information. While most applications of biomarker testing are in oncology or autoimmune diseases, there is research underway to benefit people living with Parkinson’s and other brain diseases.
We urge states to require health plans, including Medicaid, to expand access to this important health care tool by covering the cost of biomarker testing for all conditions, including Parkinson’s. This year, Connecticut, Nebraska and New Jersey passed legislation to do so, joining two dozen other states with these provisions already in place.
Ready to Make an Impact?
Get involved in our advocacy to accelerate science, expand access to care and improve everyday life for people living with Parkinson’s in your state now, and in the future.