Abbreviated Timeline: President Obama
And the AIDS Foundation of Chicago

2008: Sen. Obama advanced microbicide research as part of a global AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria bill that also ended the statutory entry-ban against HIV-positive foreign nationals. He advocated with leadership for swift consideration of the bill, which he co-sponsored, but was not present for the final vote. The bill became law in July.

2008: In a public statement, Sen. Obama mourns the death of the Honorable Larry McKeon who introduced several of Obama’s AIDS-related bills as a member of the Illinois House.

2007: Sen. Obama becomes a co-sponsor of the Early Treatment for HIV Act, which allows states to extend Medicaid coverage to non-disabled, low-income people with HIV.

2007: Sen. Obama responses to AFC’s presidential candidates’ primary questionnaire, and becomes one of the first presidential candidates to support creation of a National AIDS Strategy.

2006: Sen. Obama introduces the Microbicide Development Act in the U.S. Senate and co-hosts a congressional briefing to educate other members and Hill staff about the urgent need for new tools in HIV prevention.

2006: Senators Obama and Durbin champion Illinois priorities in negotiations to reauthorize the Ryan White CARE Act. With their help, a compromise bill was negotiated and signed into law in December 2006.

2006: Despite ideological differences, Senators Obama and Brownback discuss global AIDS policy at a public forum hosted by the evangelical Saddleback Church.

2005: Michelle Obama delivers opening remarks for “The Time Is Now: Confronting HIV/AIDS in the African-American Community,” a panel discussion co-hosted by AFC and the Chicago Foundation for Women and moderated by PBS Senior Correspondent Gwen Ifill.

2005: Barack and Michelle Obama are guests of honor at AFC’s 15th annual gala “Not Just Song & Dance” featuring the Pointer Sisters.

2004: In his bid to become the junior U.S. Senator from Illinois, Obama responses to AFC’s candidate questionnaire and provides a written statement about his HIV/AIDS-related positions.

2004: In the Illinois Senate, Obama passes legislation to establish a community-based task force to recommend components of a universal healthcare proposal.

2003: Sen. Obama votes to approve a landmark HIV prevention law drafted by Sen. Donne Trotter and Rep. Sara Feigenholtz to allow Illinois adults to purchase syringes at a pharmacy without a prescription.

2003: Sen. Obama works with House and Senate colleagues, including Rep. Larry McKeon, to pass legislation making voluntary HIV testing a routine part of perinatal healthcare in Illinois medical settings.

2003: Sen. Obama sponsors the Senate version of a bill [HB 200] introduced by Rep. Monique Davis in the House to require public health to conduct an HIV testing public education campaign. The measure was approved by the Illinois General Assembly but amendatorily vetoed by Gov. Blagojevich.

2003: Sen. Obama introduces legislation [SB 264] to increase funding for HIV prevention in communities of color.

2003: Sen. Obama cosponsors legislation to add sexual orientation to the state’s Human Rights Act and to create a panel on universal health care options.

2002: As part of his state Senate re-elect bid, Obama completes AFC’s candidate questionnaire.

2002: Sen. Obama supports effort to over-ride then-Governor George Ryan’s line-item veto, which eliminated a $2 million appropriation for HIV prevention in minority communities. The override effort failed to pass by seven votes.

2001: Sen. Obama is among several dignitaries attending AFC’s “Not Just Song & Dance” gala headlined by seven-time Grammy Award winner Chaka Khan.

1999: With Rep. McKeon, Sen. Obama co-sponsors legislation to create an HIV/AIDS community service pilot program with case management and street outreach.

1999: Working with State Representatives Sara Feigenholtz and Constance Howard, Sen. Obama introduces legislation to create HIV/STD prevention education for individuals over age 50.

Photos
Mark Ishaug's Windy City Times Op-Ed (Jan. 9, 2008)
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Photos

Mark Ishaug's Windy City Times Op-Ed (Jan. 9, 2008)

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