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Senate committee advances funding framework for UAMS to pursue NCI cancer‑center designation
Summary
The Senate Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee voted to pass SB151, which creates a fund and reporting requirements to support the Winthrop Rockefeller Cancer Institute’s effort to secure National Cancer Institute designation; sponsors estimate a $10M annual state ask plus federal and philanthropic support.
The Senate Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee passed Senate Bill 151 to establish a funding mechanism and accountability requirements to help the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) seek National Cancer Institute (NCI) designation. Senator Missy Irvin, who carried the bill, described a legislative goal date of June 30, 2027, and said the measure requires semiannual reports on fund balances, administrative costs and progress toward designation.
Cam Patterson, chancellor of UAMS, told the committee the effort rests on three funding streams: increased federal research support, philanthropy and state appropriations. “We currently get about $12,000,000 a year from the National Cancer Institute,” Patterson said, adding that UAMS anticipates needing about $18–20 million annually in federal funding to complete an application and that the state contribution sought is a base of $10 million annually with flexibility up to $20 million. He said a one‑time philanthropic campaign aims to raise $30 million.
Patterson framed the designation as a public‑health and economic priority: he said NCI designation reduces cancer mortality and estimated a 25 percent drop in mortality could equate to about 1,500 lives saved annually in Arkansas. He also cited potential economic benefits, describing job creation and expanded clinical‑trial access for Arkansans.
Committee members asked about UAMS’s fiscal health and cash flow. Patterson said earlier deficit projections had improved and that UAMS was operating in a balanced budget year at the six‑month mark. Michael Keck of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network testified in support, urging lawmakers to expand clinical research opportunities in state.
The bill requires the treasurer’s office to hold the fund, allows monies from private grants or legislative authorization, and mandates semiannual reports to the governor, legislative counsel and the legislature. After discussion, a committee member moved to pass the bill; a voice vote approved SB151.
The committee advanced the bill to the next step in the Senate process. No roll‑call tally was recorded in committee minutes.
