Governor Vetoes $1.2 Million in HIV/AIDS Projects in the Name of Healthcare Reform

CHICAGO, IL (August 28, 2007) – On August 24, Governor Rod Blagojevich eliminated more than $1.2 million for programs benefiting people with or at risk for HIV. The move was part of his amendatory veto of the recently passed 2008 state budget. Governor Blagojevich said in a press release that spending saved by the veto will be used to expand healthcare for uninsured Illinoisans. At this writing, however, it remains unclear when and if this new healthcare expansion program will go into effect or what services it may cover.

Programs affected by the governor’s line-item veto include targeted HIV/AIDS prevention services; HIV testing expansion in medical care settings; and employment, housing, food, and other services for people living with HIV/AIDS.
While AIDS advocates have long championed healthcare expansion, including the governor’s “Illinois Covered” proposal, the recent HIV/AIDS funding reductions will hamstring HIV prevention and care efforts across Illinois.

“It's disgraceful that the political impasse in Springfield has pitted funding for essential HIV/AIDS services against healthcare expansion,” said Mark Ishaug, president/CEO of the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC). “The truth is Illinoisans need and deserve both comprehensive HIV/AIDS services and bold leadership to ensure everyone receives high-quality healthcare, no matter their income or health status.”

AFC calls on Governor Blagojevich and the Illinois General Assembly to identify sustainable funding sources to meet our state’s long-term healthcare and human service needs. In addition, AFC urges state leaders to fully implement “Illinois Covered” without short-changing vital HIV prevention, care, testing, employment, and housing services.

A list of HIV programs affected by the governor’s veto appears below. At this writing, it remains unclear whether the Illinois House and Senate will take action to over-ride the governor’s amendatory veto, which requires three-fifth majority votes in each chamber to reverse.

A partial list of HIV-related items vetoed:

• $500,000 for the Illinois Department of Public Health to expand voluntary HIV testing in medical settings (p. 541 of budget, reduced on p. 72 of veto message)
• $25,000 for a grant to Vida/SIDA (p. 1016 of budget; vetoed p. 21 of veto message )
• $50,000 for a grant to Vital Bridges for food and nutrition services (p. 1096 of budget; vetoed p. 39 of veto message)
• $70,000 for Chicago House for job training (p. 1098 of budget; p 39 of veto message)
• $25,000 for House of James for a transitional living facility (p. 1111 of budget; vetoed p. 42 of the veto message)
• $154,500 for Bonaventure House for services for men and women living with AIDS (p. 1111 of budget; vetoed p. 42 of the veto message)
• $50,000 for the Englewood United Methodist Church for HIV/AIDS ministry (p. 1112 of budget; vetoed p. 42 of the veto message)
• $40,000 for Campaign for a Drug Free Westside for HIV/AIDS services (p. 1112 of budget; vetoed p. 42 of the veto message).
• $70,000 for Better Existence for HIV for education outreach on HIV/AIDS (p. 1112 of budget; vetoed p. 42 of the veto message).
• $50,000 for Vital Bridges for HIV/AIDS support services (p. 1112-3 of budget; vetoed p. 42 of the veto message).
• $100,000 for the Howard Brown Health Center for HIV prevention services (p. 1113 of budget; vetoed p. 42 of the veto message).

View a chart of FY2008 State HIV/AIDS Funding (PDF)

View the amendatory veto message (PDF)

View the 2008 budget bill HB 3866 (PDF)