AIDS Advocates Urge General Assembly
to Pass HIV Funding Increases

CHICAGO- The AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) expressed concern that the health of thousands of Illinoisans living with and at risk for HIV will be jeopardized if top lawmakers decide to pass a state budget containing no new spending on AIDS.

"Funding for HIV/AIDS programs is desperately needed if we are to keep pace with the rate of HIV infection in Illinois," said AFC Director of State Affairs Karen Reitan. "Without the proposed budget increases, the results will prove disastrous for the men, women, and children living with or affected by HIV who lack access to lifesaving medicine and prevention services."

Due to stalled budget negotiations with Governor Rod Blagojevich, General Assembly members are considering passing last year's budget again in place of the Governor's proposed 2005 budget. If lawmakers forgo the fiscal year 2005 budget proposal, over $4 million slated for AIDS programs would be eliminated, including $1 million in funding for HIV prevention education in communities of color and $3.1 million for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP).

"With more than 70% of AIDS cases in Illinois reported among people of color, we are hopeful that lawmakers will see the critical value that an increase in funding for HIV prevention education will have in these communities," said Reitan.

The proposed $3.1 million increase for ADAP is needed to serve the growing number of uninsured people who need assistance obtaining HIV/AIDS-related medication and to expand the program to include access to other medically necessary classes of drugs. Currently 16 states have capped enrollment or implemented program restrictions, and nationwide this year, thousands of people will likely be on ADAP waiting lists.

AFC is working with concerned individuals throughout the state to try and prevent any reduction in funding for AIDS services.

"There are thousands of people who are worried that a budget decision of this magnitude could dramatically impact their health and the health of their family members," Reitan said.

Lawmakers are expected to approve a budget in the coming week.

Established in 1985 to provide central leadership in the fight against the epidemic, the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) promotes sound HIV/AIDS public policy, funds HIV/AIDS prevention and care projects, and through its Service Providers Council, helps to coordinate the delivery of essential HIV/AIDS services.

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