Facing another year of fiscal challenges, Governor JB Pritzker delivered his annual State of the State and Budget Address on Wednesday, February 19, 2025. The fiscal year 2026 (FY26) proposal outlines a $55.2 billion state budget with essential investments in healthcare, education, and economic stability. While we recognize the Governor’s office efforts to maintain a balanced budget given concerns of the state’s budget deficit and funding cut threats looming from the federal government, we are concerned that all HIV-related funding remains flat-funded, despite ongoing and emerging public health needs. We are also deeply concerned that the Governor’s proposed budget includes defunding the Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults (HBIA) program. Defunding HBIA and flat-funding HIV services will work against our shared goal to end the HIV epidemic in our state by 2030.

There will be a devastating impact if the state eliminates the HBIA program, which provides state-funded Medicaid-like coverage for a specific population of immigrants, including people living with HIV. AFC has proudly worked with the Healthy Illinois Campaign and community partners to protect and expand these efforts. The decision to zero-out funding for the program will drive further health inequities, increase preventable hospitalizations, and raise uncompensated care costs for providers. AFC urges the Governor and the Illinois General Assembly to restore funding for the HBIA program and ensure that Illinois provides quality, affordable healthcare coverage for all.

In addition, we must go further to address persistent gaps in HIV prevention, treatment, and housing support. AFC is proud to partner with Senator Mike Simmons and Representative Hoan Huynh to protect and advocate for HIV state funding. This session, we will advocate to secure an additional $2 million in the HIV Lump Sum, which funds vital services including HIV testing, education, treatment, and prevention services. Our budget advocacy will also include $2.8 million in funding for Permanent Supportive Housing for people living with HIV, a critical resource for people living with HIV who face housing instability. With this investment of $2.8 million, Illinois will be able to create 140 new housing subsidies specifically dedicated to people living with HIV, coupled with the necessary supportive services.

AIDS Foundation Chicago (AFC) remains steadfast in its commitment to ending the HIV epidemic in Illinois through the Getting to Zero Illinois Plan 2.0, which prioritizes racial health equity, expanding access to care, and addressing social determinants of health. However, without new state investments and preservation of current funding streams – like Health Benefits For Immigrant Adults – achieving these goals will be significantly more difficult. State funding must reflect the urgency of ending the HIV epidemic and addressing the unmet housing needs of people living with and vulnerable to HIV.

AFC’s 2025 Legislative Advocacy Agenda continues to advance the goals of the GTZ-IL Plan 2.0, prioritizing health equity, harm reduction, and ending homelessness. We remain committed to working with lawmakers, community organizations, and advocates to ensure that Illinois makes real progress toward ending the HIV epidemic by 2030.

We cannot do this work alone. We urge advocates across Illinois to join our Mobile Action Network and support our advocacy efforts. Together, we can ensure that HIV funding, housing support, and healthcare access remain top priorities in Illinois.