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With national health care under threat, Gov. Rauner's state budget further endangers Illinoisans

February 15, 2017

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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Tracking AIDS in 2016: a year in the epidemic

February 14, 2017

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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BudgetWatch: The Senate's attempt at a Grand Bargain takes a hit

February 13, 2017

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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Associate Board boosts fundraising, services and membership in 2016

February 9, 2017

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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BudgetWatch: Gov. Rauner's State of the State

February 1, 2017

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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Trump's first week: executive orders contrary to HIV policy and human rights

January 30, 2017

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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AFC responds to Gov. Bruce Rauner's 2017 State of the State Address

January 25, 2017

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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ICYMI: Some of your favorite AFC stories from 2016

January 24, 2017

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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Illinois' state government: "A case of governmental dysfunction"

January 24, 2017

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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BudgetWatch: Transition from 99th to 100th General Assembly

January 18, 2017

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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