For the third year in a row, Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner failed to present the Illinois General Assembly with a budget that protects the state’s most vulnerable people, proposing a 44% cut to vital HIV funding streams in his budget address on Wednesday.
“The budget proposed today is outright dangerous for people living with...
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by Cotrell Loftin
2016 was quite the year for HIV and AIDS. Last year, reducing stigma, broadening HIV prevention, and breakthroughs in treatment were all the rage. From research to advocacy to innovation — and even some forays into pop culture — the epidemic was front and center. Cheers to an even more newsworthy 2017 for HIV and AIDS! Here's a roundup of 10 interesting...
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by Dan Frey, Director of Government Relations
A quick update on last week’s session days in Springfield.
The Budget Impasse
The Senate’s attempt at a Grand Bargain took a hit last week as one of the component pieces of legislation dealing with pension reform was voted down by the Senate. Senate President Cullerton began calling pieces of the deal...
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For the AIDS Foundation of Chicago's Associate Board, a leadership group for people ages 21-35 who want to make an impact on health equity in Chicago, the word of the year for 2016 was IMPACT. Together, this group of young professionals from across Chicago amplified their work and lived into AFC's mission through a variety of efforts.
"My favorite aspects of being involved...
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by Dan Frey, Director of Government Relations
Greetings all, I just thought I would provide a quick update on what happened during this week of session in Springfield.
Governor’s State of the State
The governor addressed a joint session of the General Assembly (GA) on Wednesday, Jan. 25, where he highlighted what he believes to be the successes of his...
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The AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) stands in solidarity with individuals and organizations in strong opposition to President Donald Trump’s executive orders. These orders aim to erode health care for 20 million people, including hundreds of thousands living with and vulnerable to HIV, and create an environment of prejudice and discrimination against people of color, immigrants, Muslims,...
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In his annual State of the State Address, Gov. Bruce Rauner discussed the accomplishments of the past year, goals for the year ahead and how lawmakers must work together. Unfortunately, we’ve heard this before. Illinois’s most vulnerable residents can’t afford another year of empty promises and battles between the governor and the General Assembly, while those in need continue...
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by Cotrell Loftin
Over the past year, it’s been a pleasure to amplify the voices of so many HIV advocates, and to be heard by thousands of readers throughout 2016. The audience has spoken —here are the ten most viewed News and Inside Story posts from 2016. Share your favorites with a friend!
1. Que No Estas Solo: Beto Comes out as an Undocumented Person Living...
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The AIDS Foundation of Chicago has debuted its first issue brief to kick off a new series covering statewide issues related to HIV prevention, education and care in Illinois.
The brief, titled "The Illinois state budget impasse and HIV services: A case of governmental dysfunction," illuminates Illinois' current fiscal landscape and examines the state’s recent...
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by Dan Frey, Director of Government Relations
Good morning everyone, I just wanted to take a moment and update you all on the developments that transpired in Springfield last week as the 99 th General Assembly (GA) came to a close and the 100 th GA got started.
Budget Update
In the Lame Duck session, there were multiple efforts to address the budget situation in each...
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