Thanks to the steadfast support of our donors throughout the nation, this past year we have advanced policies to reduce health care costs, promoted education reforms that improve student outcomes, and expanded our work to counter the narrative that heavy-handed government control is the future of America.
Our team has done an outstanding job of getting our message out to the media, placing PRI scholars at the forefront of the policy debates in Sacramento and Washington, D.C. To date in 2025, your support helped generate:
- 1,250 placements of op-eds by PRI scholars.
- 90 radio, podcast, and television appearances.
- 15 published books and studies.
- 44 episodes of PRI’s “Next Round” podcast.
One of the things I am most thankful for is PRI’s work on issues that directly affect the cost of living and quality of life for Americans.
For nearly a decade, PRI’s Center for Medical Economics and Innovation has been the leading voice arguing that the path to lower drug prices is not through government price controls, but through vibrant market competition.
We have consistently argued that biosimilars (the equivalent of generic alternatives for complex biologic drugs) held the key to saving the U.S. health care system billions. After years of persistent educational efforts and policy briefings, we were thrilled when the FDA finally took significant action this year to accelerate the development of these medicines. These biosimilars are now, on average, 50% less expensive than other drugs. This isn’t just a policy win; it is a validation of PRI’s long-term strategy to stay the course until common sense prevails.
We also continued to expose the high cost of government mandates. Our research this year found that the push for a “green transition” in California could cost families between $17,398 and $20,182 to fund the switch to alternative energy sources. Through the release of the study The Cost of Going Green: How the Green Energy Transition Will Hurt Californians, we are making the case that the Golden State needs an energy policy that accounts for the technological constraints of renewables and the reality of skyrocketing utility bills.
The Institute has also been tirelessly fighting to protect American wallets from bad trade policy. PRI Senior Fellow Wayne Winegarden’s extensive analysis has been crucial in the national debate over tariffs, demonstrating that broad tariffs act as a direct tax on American families and businesses. Wayne has effectively argued that even without foreign retaliation, these protectionist measures make the United States worse off by driving up the cost of living and stifling economic growth.
His insightful work warning against these economic missteps has resonated across major media outlets, with his research being cited in The New York Times, Associated Press, and CBS News, among others. By exposing the unintended consequences of these policies, PRI is helping lead the charge for free trade and economic liberty.
We are only able to do this important work because of our loyal supporters. As we look toward 2026, we have ambitious plans, including a comprehensive documentary film about America’s high school dropout crisis and an expanded events calendar to celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding.
As we approach the end of the year, I encourage you to consider supporting PRI’s mission. There are a number of ways to give, including joining PRI’s Sir Antony Fisher Freedom Society, which recognizes PRI’s closest friends who contribute gifts of $1,000 or more each year, granting them exclusive access to PRI’s events, publications, and leadership.
Click here to make a contribution.
Together, we will continue to promote freedom, prosperity, and opportunity next year and in the many years to come.
Ben Smithwick is the Pacific Research Institute’s vice president of development.
