By Indigo Quashie
SPRINGFIELD—On March 31st, 2022, SB3490: Disrupting Disparities for LGBTQ+ Older Adults and Older Adults Living With HIV passed out of the Illinois House of Representatives with a bipartisan vote of 71-32! This is the first of AIDS Foundation Chicago’s (AFC) 2022 policy priorities to pass both chambers during this year’s state legislative session. With Governor Pritzker’s signature, SB3490 will create a three-year Commission on LGBTQ+ Aging; establish an LGBTQ+ Older Adult Advocate at the Illinois Department on Aging; and require providers who are funded by or contract with the Illinois Department on Aging to complete cultural competency training.
“More than half of people living with HIV in the United States are over the age of 50 and face innumerable challenges as they progress in their later years including stigma, isolation, and various comorbidities,” says Timothy Jackson, AFC’s Director of Government Relations. “AFC and Pride Action Tank are proud to champion SB3490, critical legislation that will address some of these challenges faced by LGBTQ older adults and older adults living with HIV head on.”
As this bill makes its way to Governor Pritzker’s desk for his signature, AFC wants to extend our sincere thanks to Senator Karina Villa (D-West Chicago) and Representative Lakesia Collins (D-Chicago) for sponsoring this important measure. We also congratulate community advocates who continuously took action in support of SB3490 from this year’s Illinois HIV Advocacy Day and onward. We would not be able to get our bills passed without your support. AFC and Pride Action Tank are proud to work alongside AARP Illinois, Equality Illinois, Center on Halsted, and SAGE to advance this legislation through the IL General Assembly.
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