Illinois Legislature
Approves New HIV/AIDS Funding

SPRINGFIELD, IL (May 31)—In a major victory for HIV/AIDS advocates, the Illinois General Assembly appropriated $2 million in new funding for HIV/AIDS prevention education in state prisons and re-entry services for HIV-positive inmates returning to community settings. The appropriation, a centerpiece of the AIDS Foundation of Chicago’s (AFC) policy priorities, was included as part of the state fiscal 2006 budget approved on May 31.

“Today marks a milestone in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Illinois,” said Mark Ishaug, AFC executive director. “By addressing HIV/AIDS among current and former inmates, we are fighting the epidemic where it is most prevalent and where we stand to make the greatest difference.”

The prevalence of HIV/AIDS in correctional settings is believed to be 14 times greater than the rate of HIV/AIDS in the general population. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, 2% of inmates in state prisons are estimated to be HIV-positive. In 2002, 471 state prisoners were known to be living with HIV/AIDS. The actual number may be as high as 900.

In the final days of the spring legislative session, the General Assembly also passed the African American AIDS Response Act, comprehensive legislation to increase HIV testing and prevention education services. State Rep. Connie Howard (D-Chicago) and state Sen. Kimberly Lightford (D-Westchester) sponsored the bill, which will expand voluntary HIV counseling, testing, and prevention services in state and county correctional facilities and other government offices; create AIDS liaisons in several state offices and departments; and improve benefits for low-income people with HIV/AIDS. The bill now awaits action by Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

In addition to increased HIV corrections funding, the FY06 state budget also maintains $3.15 million for HIV prevention services in communities of color and a $10 million appropriation for the Illinois AIDS Drug Assistance Program. For the second year in a row, Illinois will fund the HIV/AIDS Policy and Research Institute at Chicago State University, which will receive $400,000 in FY06. In addition, the budget achieves the final phase of Family Care expansion, which will provide healthcare coverage through Medicaid to an additional 74,000 low-income families.

AFC thanks Senate President Emil Jones, Jr., House Speaker Michael Madigan, state Sens. Donne Trotter, Mattie Hunter, and Kimberly Lightford, and state Reps. Monique Davis, Sara Feigenholtz, Barbara Flynn Currie, Harry Osterman, and Connie Howard for supporting HIV-related appropriations and sound AIDS public policy. AFC also applauds members of both chambers for enacting the African American AIDS Response Act, and thanks the Let’s Talk, Let’s Test Foundation and scores of Illinois HIV/AIDS organizations and advocates for helping secure increased funding and sensible HIV/AIDS policy.

Later this week, AFC will release a full report on AIDS-related legislation considered this session on its website at www.aidschicago.org.

Founded in 1985 by community activists and physicians, AFC is a local and national leader in the fight against HIV/AIDS. AFC collaborates with community organizations to develop and improve HIV/AIDS services; funds and coordinates prevention, care, and advocacy projects; and champions effective, compassionate HIV/AIDS policy.

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View 2005 legislative recap