Patrick Rose

AUSTIN, TX (January, 20, 2010) Rep. Patrick M. Rose (D–Dripping Springs) joined James Mansour, Chairman of the Cancer Prevention Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) Oversight Committee, Bill Gimson, CPRIT Executive Director, and Dr. Al Gilman, Chief Scientific Officer, in announcing the first round of research grants awarded by CPRIT today.

"Texas has the health care and higher education infrastructure and the leading scientists necessary to tackle cancer," said Rep. Patrick M. Rose.  "Every investment that CPRIT made today helps us make strides in the fight against cancer and serves to spur economic development in communities across our state."

During the 81st Regular Session of the Texas Legislature, Rep. Patrick Rose worked to secure $42 million in general revenue for CPRIT to fund $450 million in research and prevention grants over the next two years.  Today, CPRIT’s Oversight Committee voted to approve 66 research awards, one research faculty recruitment award and nine research planning awards totaling $61 million.  Every grant recipient is required to secure 50 cents to every grant dollar in matching funds.

"Cancer is the number one killer of people under the age of 75 in our state today, costing Texas taxpayers an estimated $21.9 billion each year," said Rep. Rose.  "These grants are an investment in Texans’ health, and my hope is that this innovative research will lead to faster commercialization of new treatments here in Texas, thereby growing our health care economy."  

In 2007, Rep. Rose joined four of his House colleagues in passing legislation to create CPRIT and Texas voters approved the constitutional amendment that authorized the state to issue $3 billion in bonds to fund groundbreaking cancer research and prevention programs and services in Texas.  CPRIT’s goal is to expedite innovation and commercialization in the area of cancer research in Texas and to enhance access to evidence-based prevention programs and services throughout the state.

About State Rep. Patrick M. Rose

Rep. Patrick M. Rose is serving his fourth term in the Texas House representing Blanco, Caldwell and Hays Counties. As Chairman of the Committee on Human Services, he has led efforts to make affordable health insurance available to Texas families, and led reforms of our state’s Child Protective Services.  In 2007, he worked to create the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, an historic, $3 billion investment in cancer research and prevention over ten years.  For his efforts, the Susan G. Komen for the Cure named him the "2008 Legislative Champion of the Year." Rep. Rose continues to spearhead efforts to bring about reform at the Pedernales Electric Cooperative and to prevent similar mismanagement at electric co-ops across the state.  He is also an attorney in private practice in San Marcos and a real estate broker affiliated with his family’s small business, Rose Real Estate.