by Dan Frey, Director of Government Relations

Good afternoon everyone!  Though the legislature has not been in session for a few weeks now, AFC has been busy in preparing for their return to Springfield on Monday, April 5.

Virtual Advocacy Days

AFC held its second Virtual Advocacy Day on Wednesday, March 23. Over 100 individuals and organizations took to social media to advocate for Springfield to pass a positive budget. We demanded the full restoration of the HIV funding line and the African American AIDS Response Act, as well as stopping cuts to critical services that affect people living with HIV, including supportive housing, mental health, substance abuse and child care.  Advocates sent over 1,000 tweets/posts and reaching over 150,000 social media users.

The day consisted of a Twibbon campaign where advocates changed their social media profile pictures; a Periscope Q&A with Rep. Greg Harris; a Twitter chat; and digital outreach to elected officials via social media.

Click here for the whole story!

Southside Town Hall

Last night at West Point Missionary Baptist Church, AFC facilitated a conversation about how Governor Rauner’s proposed budget will impact prevention, care, treatment, housing, and other services for the HIV community.  Attendees heard from community leaders working on the budget crisis and were able to share their stories.

Up Next

The House reconvenes on Monday, April 4 and the Senate is back on Tuesday, April 5.  It is Committee Deadline week in the House, so we are expecting the following bills to be up for a hearing this week.  Please click on their link and submit a witness slip in support!

About the blog

BudgetWatch is a weekly update from the AIDS Foundation of Chicago’s on-the-ground team in Springfield about the state’s longstanding budget impasse. Follow along at aidschicago.org/budgetwatch.