This year ushers in significant changes in political leadership on the national level. The Trump administration and the Republican-controlled Congress have pledged to alter the future of health care in America. The effects of this could have drastic impacts on people around the country, and in Illinois specifically. At the same time, Illinois is now in its second year without a state budget, which is devastating vulnerable Illinoisans, including people living with or vulnerable to HIV, and the organizations that serve them.
With this backdrop, the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) has developed its policy priorities for the coming two years. During the summer and fall of 2016, AFC staff created and disseminated our Community Engagement Survey, seeking input from community members throughout the state on various policy initiatives. AFC received 132 responses from all over Illinois, and AFC staff then compiled these results to identify the most critical items to take action on. With these responses and in light of the political climate in Illinois and the United States, AFC will work to address issues that most affect those living with or vulnerable to HIV.
Our policy priorities include:
