NIH Research Funding at Risk—Take Action Now!

Along with supporting important scientific discoveries, federally funded scientific research has significant impact on state and local economies. It is estimated that, on average, every $1 of National Institutes of Health (NIH)-supported research results in $2.56 of local economic activity. Not only does an NIH grant pay the salaries of lab personnel, who in turn support community businesses, it also funds the purchase of lab supplies and equipment ranging from pipette tips to multimillion dollar imagining equipment.

1. As in our previous Advocacy Alerts, we strongly urge you to contact your representatives in Congress and tell them why it is so important to continue to support funding for science.
2. In addition, both your Mayor and your Governor should be very concerned about the impact that the White House’s current attacks on science will have on their local economy. Recent news reports indicate the White House will propose a 40% cut to the NIH budget in their Fiscal Year 2026 budget request to Congress.

We urge you to call your governor and your mayor, remind them how important scientific research is to your state’s economy, and ask them to contact the White House to express their concern about the implications federal cuts to science will have on the economy of your city and state.

Here’s How to Have Your Voice Heard:

Call Your Governor and Mayor:

• To find the phone number for your Governor’s office, use this link: https://www.nga.org/governors/
• To find the phone number for your Mayor, use this link: https://www.usmayors.org/mayors/

When a staff member answers, introduce yourself with your name and address to confirm you are a constituent. If you get voicemail, leave a message.

Your conversation may be brief, as they may have to answer other calls. Clearly explain why you’re calling, your research field, how your research is funded, and what you want the Governor or Mayor to do. Also, mention any potential medical outcomes your research could have.

Be courteous and respectful, and offer to leave contact information for further follow-up.

Sample Call:

“Hello, my name is [Dr. Ronald Wilson], and I live on [Main Street in Saunderstown, Rhode Island]. I am a [biomedical researcher at the State University,] where I study [briefly describe your research]. This research is funded by the [NIH] and is crucial because [in one sentence, explain why your research is important to the public].

I am deeply concerned about the impact cuts to the NIH will have on (your state’s) economy. In Fiscal Year 2024 [see link] in research grants were awarded to our state which resulted in [see link] jobs, including [x] members of my lab. This funding also provides jobs at the companies we purchase supplies from [provide a local example if possible]. We are all very worried. I urge [the Governor / the Mayor] to contact the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs (202-456-1414) and share their concern about the economic damage that could take place in our state if the assaults on the NIH and other areas of federally funded science continue. Thank you for your time, and I would be happy to discuss this further at any time.”