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In the early morning hours of Wednesday, May 29th, Illinois lawmakers passed a record $53.1 billion state spending plan before adjourning until the Fall Veto Session. The state’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget (SB251) includes a number of significant investments including $14 million to launch the new Department of Early Childhood, $290 million for the HOME Illinois plan to end homelessness (a $40 million increase), and $50 million for an expanded child tax credit that will bring economic relief to marginalized communities across the state.  

Earlier this year, AIDS Foundation Chicago (AFC) introduced a comprehensive policy agenda for the 2024 Spring session of the 103rd Illinois General Assembly. Rooted in addressing the racial health inequities faced by Black, Latiné, and LGBTQ+ communities impacted by HIV and homelessness, AFC’s 2024 policy agenda advances the priorities and goals of the Getting to Zero Illinois (GTZ-IL) plan to end the HIV epidemic in Illinois by 2030.   

Speaking of GTZ-IL, we want to thank State Representative Camille Lilly (D-Oak Park) and the Illinois House of Representatives for passing House Resolution 741 in commemoration of the five-year anniversary of GTZ-IL and naming May 15, 2024 as Getting to Zero Illinois Day in the state.  

AFC is proud to work with state lawmakers, coalitions, and workgroups to advance legislation that helps the people and communities we serve. Along with many of you, AFC is proud to have advocated for the following measures during the 2024 Spring legislative session:    

HB5417: THE CONNECTION TO HIV TESTING AND LINKAGE TO CARE (HIV TLC) ACT 

Testing, linkage to care, and HIV treatment are widely recognized as the three critical arms of HIV prevention, especially when prioritized among the Black, Latiné, and LGBTQ+ communities disproportionately impacted by HIV. HB5417 would enact the following reforms: 

• At-Home HIV Testing Kits: Mandates insurers and Medicaid provide coverage for home test kits for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, without cost-sharing.  
• Rapid Start Pilots: Creates eight Rapid Start for HIV Treatment pilot sites that will initiate antiretroviral therapy within 7 days of initial diagnosis or within 7 days of referral to HIV medical care.   
• HIV Education in County Jails: Ensures that all county jails provide HIV/AIDS education to people who are incarcerated and visitors, as well as link them to HIV testing as mandated by Illinois’ County Jail Act.   

END OF SESSION STATUS: HB5417 passed the Illinois House with a bipartisan, unanimous vote of 106-0 on April 18, 2024. Although HB5417 received a subject matter hearing in the Illinois Senate, we were unable to advance this legislation to final action. We will continue our advocacy on this legislation over the summer and fall with hopes to pass HB5417 during the Illinois General Assembly’s Fall Veto Session. AFC commends our legislative champions, State Representative Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago) and State Senator Lakesia Collins (D-Chicago) for their tremendous leadership on this legislative measure thus far.  

HB5667/SB3809, STRENGTHENING AND PROTECTING ILLINOIS’ HIV FUNDING INFRASTRUCTURE 2.0 

AFC was proud to advocate for a $2 million increase in state funding for HIV education, prevention, testing, and treatment in the state’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget, as well as $2.5 million in new funding to launch eight Rapid Start for HIV Treatment pilot sites. This legislation also included the protection of funding for the Getting to Zero Illinois (GTZ-IL) initiative, PrEP4Illinois program, STI testing, treatment, and prevention and the African American HIV/AIDS Response Fund (AAHARF).  

END OF SESSION STATUS: For the first time in the last four fiscal years, state legislators did not include any new HIV-related funding in the state’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget (SB251). Here’s a breakdown of the HIV-specific line items in the state’s FY25 budget:  

• Level funding for HIV treatment and prevention services, also known as the HIV Lump Sum ($25.5 million) 
• Level funding for the African American HIV/AIDS Response Act (AAHARA) that funds grants to Black-led community-based organizations ($15 million) 
• Level funding for the GTZ Illinois Omnibus line item ($5.5 million) 
• Level funding for HIV services meant to address the disproportionate impact of HIV/AIDS on African Americans and other communities of color ($4 million)  
• Level funding for grants and administrative expenses for the distribution of PrEP medication access ($2 million) 
• Level funding for the Quality of Life Endowment Fund for grants related to HIV/AIDS prevention and education ($1 million) 
• Level funding for grants and administrative expenses for STI testing, treatment, and prevention ($500,000)  

While the state budget doesn’t reflect the additional investments we advocated for, we are beyond grateful that the HIV-specific line items were not cut, especially given the state’s precarious fiscal outlook. AFC is especially grateful for State Senators Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) and Lakesia Collins (D-Chicago), State Representatives Hoan Huynh (D-Chicago), Rita Mayfield (D-Waukegan), and Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago), and the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus for their steadfast work in the General Assembly to champion enhanced HIV-related funding. The state’s FY25 budget passed the Illinois General Assembly on May 29, 2024, and now awaits Governor Pritzker’s signature.  

FUNDING TO PREVENT AND END HOMELESSNESS IN ILLINOIS  

Without question, housing is healthcare, especially to people living with or vulnerable to HIV. To keep making progress on the HOME Illinois plan to prevent and end homelessness, AFC and our subsidiary the Center for Housing and Health (CHH) were proud to work alongside community partners Housing Action Illinois, Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, Illinois Shelter Alliance, and the Supportive Housing Providers Association (SHPA) to advocate for $42.2 million beyond Governor Pritzker’s proposed FY25 state budget.  

END OF SESSION STATUS: With a total appropriation of $290 million to further implement Governor Pritzker’s HOME Illinois Program, state legislators included an additional $40 million in new state funding primarily focused on rental assistance, homeless prevention, and funding to address youth homelessness. The state’s FY25 budget passed the Illinois General Assembly on May 29, 2024, and now awaits Governor Pritzker’s signature.  

HB4472: PRESCRIPTION DRUG AFFORDABILITY BOARD (PDAB)  

Many Illinoisans, including people living with and vulnerable to HIV, are often forced to choose between their medication and other necessities, like rent and groceries. Prescription drugs don’t work if people can’t afford them. AFC is proud to support HB4772, legislation that would establish a Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB), an independent, nonpartisan body with the authority to evaluate high-cost prescription drugs and set upper payment limits on what Illinoisans will pay. 

END OF SESSION STATUS: Unfortunately, this legislation did not advance in the state legislative process this session. AFC will continue to work alongside Citizen Action Illinois, Protect Our Care Illinois (POCIL) coalition, and our legislative champions Representative Nabeela Syed (D-Palatine) and Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria Heights) to advance this important legislation in subsequent sessions of the Illinois General Assembly.  

HEALTHY ILLINOIS FOR ALL   

AFC is pleased to work alongside the community partners of the Healthy Illinois campaign to request the full funding of the Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults (HBIA) and Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors (HBIS) programs in the state’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget to enable re-opening program enrollment without co-pays. This program provides state-funded Medicaid-like coverage for undocumented immigrants, including people living with HIV.  

END OF SESSION STATUS: State legislators included an increase in appropriations combined from $440 million from the General Revenue Funds and $189 million from other sources for a total of $629 million for the HBIA/HBIS programs for ages 42 and older in the state’s FY25 budget (SB251). Fortunately, the Healthy Illinois campaign was able to maintain and protect HBIA and HBIS program in its current form. 

Of note, the Healthy Illinois campaign released an April 2024 research brief conducted by the Great Cities Institute at University of Illinois Chicago. The brief revealed that expanding healthcare coverage for immigrants provides benefits for society at large, individuals, and their households and offers a significant return on investment. 

Moving forward, AFC will continue to work alongside the Healthy Illinois campaign and its partner organizations and the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus to expand the HBIA program for ages 19 through 41 and advocate to re-open enrollment for both the HBIS and HBIA program. We will work to ensure that all Illinoisans can access quality, affordable health care coverage.  

HB2499: BAN ON SHORT-TERM LIMITED DURATION “JUNK” HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS 

While short-term limited duration (STLD) health insurance plans, also known as “junk insurance plans”, may appear cheaper, they are not subject to the consumer protections of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) including the requirement to provide coverage of essential health services. HB2499 bans these junk plans that often deny coverage to people with chronic conditions like HIV and result in higher premiums.  

END OF SESSION STATUS: Championed by Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) and Representative Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield), HB2499 passed the Illinois Senate on May 23, 2024, and the Illinois House on May 25, 2024. HB2499 is the culmination of policy work began in 2018 and the legislation now awaits Governor Pritzker’s signature.   

HB5395: HEALTHCARE PROTECTION ACT 

For too long, insurance companies have used predatory practices to restrict healthcare consumers’ access to care and boost profits. An initiative of Governor JB Pritzker, the Healthcare Protection Act (HPA) puts the power back into the hands of patients and their doctors. Specifically, the HPA would implement the following healthcare insurance reforms: 

• Bans prior authorizations for in-patient hospital-setting mental health treatment for adults and children. 

• Requires insurance companies to conduct 90-day internal audits to ensure their provider directories reflect the reality of healthcare that’s available to consumers in that network. 
• Requires insurance companies to obtain prior approval from the Illinois Department of Insurance before large group plans hike rates on consumers. 
• Requires health insurance premiums to align with the actual cost of providing healthcare insurance. 

END OF SESSION STATUS: Championed by Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) and Representative Anna Moeller (D-Elgin), passed the Illinois General Assembly on May 25, 2024. AFC is proud to work alongside the Protect Our Care Illinois (POCIL) coalition, Citizen Action Illinois, Small Business Majority, the Illinois Department of Insurance, and many others to advance this critical legislation. HB5395 now awaits Governor Pritzker’s signature. 

HB2: OVERDOSE PREVENTION SITES (OPS) PILOT   

The HIV epidemic and overdose crisis across Illinois are inextricably linked. People who use drugs are vulnerable to acquiring HIV—both related directly to sharing equipment for injection drug use and to the complex role drug use can play in sexual transmission. AFC is proud to support legislation that would create one OPS pilot site on Chicago’s West Side, meet people where they are while also connecting them to community support and other existing medical care, treatment, recovery programs and harm reduction services.   

END OF SESSION STATUS: Unfortunately, this legislation did not advance in the state legislative process this session. However, through the leadership of AFC’s Policy & Advocacy Manager Aces Lira, the Illinois General Assembly passed House Resolution 665 that declared April 14 through April 20, 2024 as Harm Reduction Solidarity Week in the state of Illinois and also raised awareness about the principles and practices of harm reduction, emphasizing its vital role in public health and safety in ending the opioid epidemic.  

As a member of the Illinois Harm Reduction and Recovery Coalition (IHRRC), AFC will continue to work alongside harm reduction advocates, people with lived experience, and our legislative champions Representative LaShawn Ford (D-Chicago) and Senator Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) to advance this critical legislation in subsequent sessions of the Illinois General Assembly.  

HB5251/SB2158: STOP THE REVOLVING DOOR FROM RE-ENTRY TO HOMELESSNESS TO PRISON  

Housing is the basis for stability and success, but current Illinois registry and housing banishment laws systematically displace, exclude and reincarcerate people—disproportionately Black men—with past convictions while failing to support survivors and prevent victimization. AFC and CHH are proud to work alongside the Chicago 400 to support legislation that would reduce housing banishment zones from 500 to 250 feet, allow Illinoisans experiencing homelessness to register at police stations annually or quarterly (like housed people) instead of weekly, and shrink the registry footprint by making “failure to register” a misdemeanor.  

END OF SESSION STATUS: Unfortunately, this legislation did not advance in the state legislative process this session. AFC and CHH will continue to work alongside the Chicago 400, people with lived experience, and our legislative champions Representative Camille Lilly (D-Oak Park) and Senator Kimberly Lightford (D-Hillside) to advance this critical legislation in subsequent sessions of the Illinois General Assembly. 

HB5051: BAN ON PRIOR AUTHORIZATIONS IN HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS  

Prior authorization is a requirement by health insurance plans for patients to obtain approval of a health care service or medication before the care is provided. However, these requirements often cause delays for patients, including those with chronic conditions like HIV, and in turn, result in negative clinical outcomes. AFC supports legislation that bans prior authorization in health insurance plans for insulin, gender-affirming care/ hormonal therapy, as well as HIV/HCV treatment and prevention. 

END OF SESSION STATUS: Unfortunately, this legislation did not advance in the state legislative process this session. AFC will continue to work alongside Equality Illinois and other community partners to advance this needed legislation in subsequent sessions of the Illinois General Assembly.  

Now that the 2024 Spring Session of the Illinois General Assembly has concluded, it is a perfect time to acknowledge the advocates, allies and people living with HIV that make these legislative victories possible. During HIV Advocacy Day back in April, 140 pledged advocates flooded the inboxes of state representatives and senators with a unified message: “nothing about us without us!” Your collective advocacy resulted in over 1,300 messages in support of AFC’s legislative priorities and over 6,000 people engaged with Advocacy Day content via AFC’s social media channels. The stories and voices of advocates like you made the difference. For that and much more, we are eternally grateful. THANK YOU. 

Although this legislative session has ended, I encourage you to stay engaged in our advocacy work over the summer and fall by signing up for AFC’s Mobile Action Network. With your help, we can continue moving forward in our efforts to end the HIV epidemic in Illinois by 2030–together. 

AFC is hosting community engagement events through the summer to support HIV care and prevention, culminating in the popular AIDS Run & Walk 2024, fundraising for which is now open.  AIDS Run & Walk will take place on Sept. 28 at Soldier Field, where people can fundraise, donate, and run, walk, or roll a course along the lakefront in support of ending the HIV epidemic in Illinois.  Each year, thousands of participants complete the AIDS Run & Walk course, fundraise to support AFC and its community partners, and come together for keynote speakers, art installations and music at the event. 

The theme of AIDS Run & Walk is Show Up, Show Out, encouraging the LGBTQ+ community and allies to come together with authenticity and solidarity in support of a common cause.  Funds raised will benefit AFC and its community partners as they work to end the HIV epidemic through case management and direct services for people living with HIV, and by promoting HIV prevention and care through advocacy and public engagement programs. Summer 2024 programs hosted by AIDS Foundation Chicago will promote PrEP (HIV prevention medication) access, support for women in reentry from the criminal justice system, and intensive public health training for emerging HIV care leaders in Chicagoland. 

“Our summer programs paint a picture of the services you will support through fundraising with AIDS Run & Walk 2024.  To end the HIV epidemic, we must take a holistic approach that includes public engagement and information sharing in addition to connecting people with care and resources,” said Edward Wagner, Chief External Relations Officer for AFC.  “Your contributions and participation will save lives and improve quality of life for thousands of Illinoisians.” 
The AFC summer program lineup and AIDS Run & Walk 2024 are part of a comprehensive strategy to end the HIV epidemic by 2030, known as Getting to Zero Illinois.

AIDS Foundation Chicago Event Details: 

AIDS Run & Walk Chicago: Show Up, Show Out! 
•	Saturday, September 28, 2024 at Soldier Field 
•	Begins at 9 a.m. 
•	More details at www.aidschicago.org/aids-run-walk 
Women’s Connection Summit of Hope 
•	A free community expo for criminal justice-involved women featuring case management, employment, housing and legal services and an array of other resources to support reentry.   
•	Tuesday, June 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Fellowship Chicago, 4543 S Princeton Ave, Chicago. 
•	For more information, contact [email protected]. 
Illinois PrEP Summit: Disrupting disparities and advancing access 
•	A gathering of HIV service providers and community members that aims to promote biomedical HIV prevention. Sessions will cover strategies, policies and implementation research. 
•	Tuesday, June 18, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at Malcolm X College Conference Center, 1900 W. Van Buren St., Chicago. 
•	More information and registration available at bit.ly/4aDzEMx 
Public Health Boot Camp 
•	An intensive training institute to foster future HIV community leaders. 
•	Sunday, July 21-Thurday, July 25. 
•	Applications are currently closed; contact [email protected] for future opportunities. 

On April 11, 2024, AFC's Community Partnerships and Special Projects Department hosted Sisterhood: Sips and Solutions at the Shine Bright Community Center, located on Chicago’s Southside in the Chatham neighborhood. Orchestrated by AFC Employment Specialist Nicole Baldwin and featuring speakers Victoria Rudd and Ibie Hart, the event provided a platform for women to connect, learn, and uplift one another in the context of navigating the workplace and maximizing employment opportunities. 

A Night of Empowerment and Education 
Throughout the night, there was a palpable sense of camaraderie and support, as participants encouraged one another and shared their insights and experiences. The atmosphere was charged with positivity as attendees delved into discussions around workplace communication, negotiation, and navigating the job market.   

Sisterhood Sip & Solutions was inspired, in part, by studies cited in a 2022 Harvard Business Review article which discussed the various pressures that are more likely to affect women in the workplace, often in surprising and nuanced ways.  

“The inequities in employment are undeniable. This is important in our work because we know that there is a clear connection between gainful employment and improved medical outcomes,” said Nicole Baldwin, the event’s organizer. “As a professional in employment, it is clear to me that minimum wage pay is not a long-term solution to the challenges that our clients face. Therefore, sharing ways to gain equity in pay and working conditions is a necessary part of what we must offer those that we serve.” The premise of the Sisterhood Sip was to provide women just that: sharing necessary skills, valuable workplace communication tools, and strategies to navigate the job search and workplace effectively. 

Engaging in Sisterhood 

Attendees also enjoyed light food and refreshments, creating an inviting and welcoming atmosphere that encouraged connection and conversation. A prize drawing added excitement to the evening, and each guest received a gift bag to take home as a token of appreciation for their participation. 

“The opportunity to engage in sisterly bonding was a highlight of the evening, fostering a sense of unity, relevancy, necessity, support, learning, and shared purpose among the women present,”  said Dr. Cynthia Tucker, Senior Vice President of Prevention and Community Partnerships at AFC. The supportive and encouraging environment provided participants with networking practice and confidence to navigate the job market and workplace with a sense of self-worth and empowerment. 

Career Insights

The session offered an abundance of valuable information. Attendees learned the importance of creating a professional email and received guidance on crafting effective job applications, resumes, and cover letters. 

Attendees also received valuable strategies and tips for an effective job search, such as: 

- Leveraging online job search platforms: Utilizing tools like Indeed to find job opportunities and maximize employment options. 
- Developing an impactful elevator pitch: Crafting a concise and compelling pitch to showcase their skills and qualifications. 
- Presenting themselves professionally: Emphasizing the importance of professional attire and personal care during interviews and on the job. 
- Expanding their network: Learning how to build connections with others in their industry. 
- Negotiating job offers: Being prepared to advocate for fair compensation and benefits during job acceptance. 

To further support attendees in their journey, each guest received an Employment Resource Guide, which provided more detailed information on the topics discussed during the event. The guide also included links to resources and tips to help women succeed in their job search and in the workplace. 

Speakers highlighted the importance of negotiation during job acceptance, providing attendees with the confidence to advocate for fair compensation and benefits. This includes negotiating for more money, equity, stock options, or additional perks such as extra vacation days. 

Meet the Speakers 

Victoria Rudd is a Chicago native with a passion for community engagement and social impact. As the Lead Community Affairs Specialist for Discover Financial Services, she manages relationships with community-based organizations and supports workforce development. Rudd's career began at Discover following her graduation from the University of Chicago with a master's in social work. She is dedicated to creating a significant impact in Chicago communities through her work. 

Ibie Hart brings her firsthand experience with inequitable work environments to her role supporting Women Employed. She helps women reach economic security, leadership, and wealth through initiatives such as the Women’s Entrepreneurship Hub and Women Employed Consulting practice. Hart is committed to advocating for women's rights and opportunities, both within traditional workplaces and through entrepreneurship. 

AFC's Community Partnership and Special Projects Department 

AFC's Community Partnership and Specials Projects Department (a mouthful, we know) plays a critical role in advancing research initiatives and programs while fostering capacity building and providing technical assistance. Under the leadership of Dr. Cynthia Tucker, the team consisting of Tamika Foust, L'Oreal Bailey, Tamecia Moore, Donnise Gaffeney, Nicole Baldwin, Anthony Dupree, and Carla Davis, is dedicated to promoting employment and workforce development, as well as racial equity work and specialized programming for Black and Brown populations. Their collective efforts create a foundation for lasting impact and positive change. 

Special Thanks 

The Shine Bright Community Center provided a welcoming space for the event, contributing to the evening's success. AFC is grateful for the center's support. 

The Sisterhood: Sips and Solutions event was an impactful opportunity for women to gain insights, network, and find empowerment as they navigate the complexities of the modern workplace. Thanks to AFC's Community Partnership and Special Projects Department, future events will continue to foster sisterhood and provide women with the tools they need to succeed. 

Photos from Sisterhood: Sips and Solutions can be found here.

AIDS Foundation Chicago (AFC) and the Center for Housing and Health (CHH) are excited to announce that a local and national leader in the HIV, health care, and social services fields, Rosa Martínez Colón, joined CHH as the Vice President of Housing Strategy in April 2024. 

“We are thrilled to have Rosa’s leadership, passion and experience in this key role for the organization. We know she will help CHH to evolve to provide even stronger live-saving housing and services to our communities,” said Peter Toepfer, Executive Director of the Center for Housing and Health. 

A native of Arecibo, Puerto Rico, Rosa is a founding member of CALOR (Comprensión y Apoyo a Latinos en Oposición al Retrovirus), a grassroots effort for Latinos impacted by HIV in Chicago. For over 30 years, Rosa has continued her social service activism. She was the Regional Director for the AIDS Healthcare Foundation in Chicago until February 2019. In March 2019, through her company Nativa Strategies and Solutions, LLC, Rosa directed a project in Puerto Rico focused on providing trauma-informed services to children and adolescents after Hurricane María. 

Rosa has been active locally and nationally. In 2010, she was Community Co-Chair for the Host Committee for the United States Conference on AIDS, held in Chicago in 2011. In 2012, she was selected as an Ambassador to the XIX International AIDS Conference in Washington, DC. In 2015, she was elected Co-Chair of the National Latino AIDS Action Network. She also served as a member of the Steering Committee for the Alliance for Research in Chicagoland Communities, as well as with the AIDS Foundation of Chicago’s Service Provider Council and the Case Management Cooperative Leadership Council. In addition, she was Co-Chair of the Linkage and Retention to Care Committee of the Chicago Area HIV Integrated Services Council. She is also active in the Hispanic/Latinx Health Leadership Network. In 2020, she was selected as a member of the National Minority AIDS Council’s Latinx Constituent Advisory Panel. As Co-Chair, she led the Latinx Institute at the United States Conference on HIV/AIDS in Puerto Rico in 2022 and Washington, DC in 2023. 

In 2021, Mayor Lori Lightfoot appointed Rosa to the Chicago Board of Health, and she continues to serve on the Board today. 

Rosa holds a Master of Science in Public Service Management from DePaul University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Management from North Park University. 

As Vice President of Housing Strategy, Rosa will help lead the creation and execution of strategy for CHH, lead the organization’s work to achieve its Racial Equity Action Plan goals, provide project leadership on strategic plan implementation, and manage overall program development. Rosa’s years of experience and deep community connections will allow her to build and strengthen relationships with leaders in housing, including health care, behavioral health, criminal legal, violence reduction, and youth services sectors.  In her role at AFC/CHH, Rosa will lead and inspire internal and external stakeholders in the work to end homelessness and improve health outcomes through housing.   

The Bring Chicago Home campaign was an historic opportunity to create a dedicated revenue stream to end homelessness in Chicago by increasing the one-time real estate transfer tax on properties sold for over $1 million.  The ballot measure was defeated in the March 19, 2024 election, and the campaign issued the following statement to acknowledge the loss and pledge to keep fighting.

As you may have read in the several emails leading up to election day, AIDS Foundation Chicago and the Center for Housing & Health were fully committed to the Bring Chicago Home campaign – a campaign created and led by people with lived experience of homelessness that would restructure the one-time real estate transfer tax to make it more fair – wealthy Chicagoans pay more, and working and middle class Chicagoans pay less. The revenue generated from this increase would be legally dedicated to funding homelessness services in the city of Chicago.


While the results of yesterday’s election were disappointing, we know that we fought hard, in coalition with people currently and formerly experiencing homelessness, other social service agencies, faith leaders, and community organizations, to demand that Chicago’s wealthiest pay their fair share to fund affordable housing.

 
With your help, our coalition was able to knock on over 300,000 doors, make over 600,000 phone calls, and send over 1 million text messages across all 50 wards. This is the type of energy that propels us forward to continue to seek a solution to ending homelessness in our beautiful city.

We believe that housing is a human right and we believe that housing is healthcare. Regardless of the results of this election, we hope you’ll join us to keep fighting for a solution to end homelessness for all Chicagoans, and in particular those living with or vulnerable to HIV or other chronic conditions.

CHICAGO, IL – AIDS Foundation Chicago applauds President Biden for calling out the attacks on women’s reproductive care, including the criminalization of clinicians who provide life-saving care to pregnant women and other individuals who can become pregnant, the attacks on the LGBTQ+ community, in particular transgender Americans, and the detrimental impact of price gouging in health care during the 2024 State of the Union Address. 

AFC staunchly supports the right of women and people who can become pregnant to make decisions about their body without government interference. At a time when maternal and infant mortality rates are sky-high, particularly for Black women, we cannot politicize difficult and private medical decisions between a patient and their provider. 

We agree with the President and urge Congress to pass the Equality Act (H.R. 15) to prevent discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. LGBTQ+ individuals can still be discriminated against in health care settings and denied housing opportunities in states across the country, and this is not only morally unacceptable, it also threatens the work we are doing to end the HIV epidemic in the U.S. 

AFC further supports all efforts to reign in price gouging in health care and by pharmaceutical companies, including Medicare’s new ability to cap spending on insulin and to negotiate the price of the highest costing drugs. We applaud the administration’s efforts to increase enrollment in health insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and other programs, and vehemently oppose any attempts to repeal the ACA. 

Finally, we applaud the President for calling out the dangerous rise in housing costs, and the administration’s work to make home ownership more affordable in the face of rampant inflation. Housing is health care, and when people impacted by HIV cannot access affordable housing, they are unable to prioritize their medical care. We support any efforts to make housing more affordable. 

The fight against HIV/AIDS has been ongoing for decades, and in Illinois, we persist in our efforts to end the epidemic by 2030. 

On Wednesday, April 10, advocates, allies, and people living with HIV from every corner of Illinois will come together for the state's virtual HIV Advocacy Day. 

Deeply rooted in the theme “Nothing About Us, Without Us,” we look forward to increasing accessibility for folks across the state to participate in this year’s efforts to raise awareness of the needs of people living with and vulnerable to HIV. 

AIDS Foundation Chicago (AFC) has laid out a comprehensive 2024 state legislative agenda built on the principle that “racism is a public health crisis,” and that moves the state closer to fulfilling the goals and priorities of the Getting to Zero Illinois (GTZ-IL) plan to end the HIV epidemic by 2030. This agenda also addresses broader issues of health equity, health insurance and prescription drug reform, harm reduction, immigrant healthcare access, and ending homelessness. The targeted interventions outlined in AFC's policy priorities closely align with the broader goal of creating a healthier and more equitable Illinois. 

Today, AFC unveils the 2024 Advocacy Day Pledge Page and Action Center where advocates will be able to make their voices heard on these important issues impacting their daily lives. Advocates will also be able to learn more about our policy priorities, contact their state legislators via email and social media, and engage their community on how they can get involved. 

In advance of the April 10 Virtual HIV Advocacy Day, AFC will host webinars to prepare Illinois advocates and activists  to take action:

March 20, 2024, 5:30-6:30 p.m. CST: 	
Advocacy 101: GRWM Advocate Style (for new advocates)

March 20, 2024, 5:30-6:30 p.m. CST: Advocacy Day 2024 Frontlines: A Session for Returning Changemakers (for seasoned advocates)

March 27, 2024, 5:30-6:30 p.m. CST: 	
Overview of AFC's 2024 State Legislative Policy Priorities 

April 3, 2024, 5:30-6:30 p.m. CST:        	
Crafting Your Story: Tools for Advocacy & Systems Change 

April 8, 2024, 5:30-6:30 p.m. CST:        	
Advocacy Day 2024: Prep With Us!

To pledge to participate in Illinois’ Virtual HIV Advocacy Day 2024 on April 10th, please visit the Pledge Page.

As we gear up for this year’s Virtual HIV Advocacy Day on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, the importance of legislative action in combating HIV/AIDS cannot be overstated. We are always mindful that there’s “nothing about us without us” and the stories and voices of advocates like you make the difference. Although this year’s event may be virtual, the impact of advocacy and community engagement promises to be informative, accessible, and meaningful. And with your help, we can get to zero by 2030—together.  

For more information about Illinois’ Virtual HIV Advocacy Day 2024 on April 10th, please visit https://www.aidschicago.org/advocacy-day/

Facing a Fiscal Year 2025 state budget deficit nearing $900 million, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker delivered his annual State of the State and Budget address on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, before a joint session of the Illinois General Assembly. With a “bright future and opportunities ahead,” Governor Pritzker outlined his $52.7 billion Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) budget that includes substantial investments in early childhood education, the creation of a state child tax credit, and the elimination of $4 billion in medical debt for over 1 million Illinoisans over the next four years.  

While AIDS Foundation Chicago (AFC) is supportive of many of the provisions outlined in Governor Pritzker’s proposed budget, we are disappointed to learn that there will not be any new state funds geared towards ending the HIV epidemic in Illinois. The Governor’s FY25 budget flat-funds most HIV-related programs when compared to FY24. Of note, this includes flat funding of the HIV Lump Sum – the state’s largest funding allocation for HIV testing, education, treatment, and prevention – which has not seen an increase in funding in the past three fiscal years. The lack of increased funding acts as a barrier to acknowledging and correcting the racial health disparities experienced by people living with and vulnerable to HIV, including the Black, Latinx, and LGBTQ+ communities most impacted by HIV.  

To address that inequity, AFC is proud to partner with State Representative Hoan Huynh (D-Chicago) and State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) on HB5667 and SB3809, legislation that will increase funding to the HIV Lump Sum by $2 million while also providing an additional $2.5 million in new state funding to develop a statewide Rapid Start for HIV Treatment Pilot program. In addition, AFC continues to advocate for fully funding the African American HIV/AIDS Response Fund and ensure timely disbursement to intended Black-led community-based HIV organizations. Additionally, AFC is proud to team with State Representative Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago) and State Senator Lakesia Collins (D-Chicago) on HB5417 and SB3711, the HIV Testing and Linkage to Care (TLC) Act, that includes reforms to increase access to HIV testing and linkage to care. Finally, AFC fully supports Governor Pritzker’s Healthcare Consumer Access and Protection Act that seeks to improve health insurance plans by banning short-term limited duration “junk” plans, step therapy, and prior authorization for in-patient adult and children’s mental health care, among other reforms.  

The initiatives laid out above are essential pieces of our comprehensive 2024 state legislative agenda that addresses racial health equity, health insurance and prescription drug reform, harm reduction, immigrant healthcare access, ending homelessness, and expanded funding for HIV prevention, testing and linkage to care. Without question, AFC is committed to fulfilling the goals and priorities of the Getting to Zero Illinois (GTZ-IL) plan to end the HIV epidemic by 2030.

For nearly forty years, AFC has and continues to lead the fight for HIV prevention and treatment services across Illinois. With community as our North Star, we remain committed to protecting the most vulnerable in our communities while amplifying the voices, stories and lived experiences of people living with and vulnerable to HIV.   

AFC’s continued advocacy is rooted in a clear understanding that we cannot and do not do this work alone. To that end, AFC urges advocates from across Illinois to participate in this year’s Virtual HIV Advocacy Day that will be held Wednesday, April 10, 2024! Please join our Mobile Action Network to receive the latest updates on how you can use your voice and advocacy to advance health equity for people living with and vulnerable to HIV.  In our fight to end the HIV epidemic in Illinois, we can reach those that have too often been pushed to the margins of our society—together.