Governor’s 2009 Budget Plan Proposes Healthcare
Expansion, No Cuts for Vital HIV/AIDS Programs

Springfield, IL (February 20, 2008) – Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich today proposed a fiscal year 2009 state budget that preserves HIV/AIDS funding and continues the push for healthcare expansion.

“We applaud Governor Blagojevich for maintaining all critical HIV/AIDS prevention and care programs and championing healthcare expansion,” said AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) President/CEO Mark Ishaug. “In these tough economic times, we must protect the most vulnerable Illinois citizens, including those living with HIV. The governor’s budget does just that.”

Unveiling his proposal in the State Capitol to members of the Illinois General Assembly, the governor pledged to continue the fight for comprehensive healthcare reform. The governor’s 2007 healthcare expansion proposal, called “Illinois Covered,” failed to win legislative support last year. AFC strongly endorsed Illinois Covered and does so again this year. If enacted as originally proposed, Illinois Covered would provide comprehensive healthcare coverage to thousands of Illinoisans living with HIV/AIDS. The plan would help control the increasing cost of healthcare and expand coverage to tens of thousands of previously uninsured Illinoisans.

The governor also proposes an economic stimulus package that includes tax breaks for businesses, a public works program, and child tax credits. The programs will be funded with one-time revenue sources, such as a partial lease of the state lottery.

The governor’s 2009 budget exempts health programs (including public health and HIV/AIDS programs), education, public safety, and most human services from a three percent across-the-board cut imposed as a cost-saving measure.

In addition, Governor Blagojevich proposes a $4 million increase for supportive housing services. Supportive housing programs help hundreds of low-income Illinoisans, including people disabled by HIV, stay in their own apartments or homes.

The governor’s budget proposal now goes to the state legislature for its consideration.

In addition to the HIV-related funding requests included in the Blagojevich plan, Illinois AIDS advocates will urge lawmakers to appropriate $2 million in new funding for targeted HIV testing services in emergency rooms and community health clinics. Expanded testing programs are needed to help reach the estimated 10,000 Illinoisans who remain unaware of their HIV-positive status, a crisis that contributes to poor utilization of lifesaving HIV treatments, support services, and prevention measures designed to slow the spread of the epidemic.

Introduced Bills and AFC Priorities

AFC staff members are currently reviewing more than 3,000 bills introduced this legislative session to determine their impact on people with and at risk for HIV/AIDS. Special thanks go to Sen. Donne Trotter (D-Chicago), Sen. David Koehler (D-Peoria), and Rep. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) for leading important HIV/AIDS bills this year. Learn more at AFC's state legislative news page.

Illinois HIV/AIDS Lobby Days

Join nearly 200 AIDS advocates and people living with HIV/AIDS as they gather in Springfield on April 1-2 for Mission: Possible 2008 HIV/AIDS Lobby Days. The statewide event will include a rally in the Capitol, a legislative reception, and constituent lobbying in support HIV/AIDS-related funding proposals and legislation. Limited scholarships are available for people living with HIV/AIDS, but applications must be submitted to AFC by Friday, February 22. Accept this mission and register today by clicking here.

About AFC

Founded by community activists and physicians in 1985, the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) is a catalyst for local, national, and international action on HIV/AIDS. AFC collaborates with government and community partners to pursue comprehensive strategies against HIV/AIDS; funds and coordinates prevention, care, and advocacy projects; and champions effective, compassionate policy and human rights to bring an end to the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

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