The AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) spearheaded or collaborated on the following bills during the 2011 Illinois General Assembly spring session that will impact the lives of people living with or at risk of HIV/AIDS. The bills are described below.
HB 3027 Comprehensive Sex Education
(D-Chicago) & Rep. Camille Lilly (D-Chicago)
AFC and...
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The ended its spring session on May 31, 2011 by approving a state budget that cuts HIV program spending by $1.5 million, or just under 5%. This funding cut, while lower than initially proposed by Governor Pat Quinn , creates significant uncertainty for people living with or at risk of HIV/AIDS.
“We are grateful that the General Assembly restored $2 million in HIV funding,”...
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On June 5, 1981, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published the first official mention of the appearance of a mysterious illness among a cluster of gay men.
The obscure citation in the equally arcane Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report is often referred to as the “beginning of AIDS.”
Since then, AIDS has claimed the lives of more than 25 million...
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“Mayor Emanuel provided hopeful signs for an aggressive reform agenda on HIV and related concerns.”
By Keith R. Green , AFC Federal Affairs Director
On May 16, 2011, I had the privilege of attending the City of Chicago’s inauguration ceremony where 50 City Council members, citywide officials, and the Honorable Rahm Emanuel, Chicago’s newest Mayor,...
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Great news! The Illinois House on Tuesday, May 10, 2011 released a proposed public health budget for next fiscal year that would restore $2 million in HIV funding. This higher amount would reduce funding cuts to cost-effective HIV prevention, care and housing programs.
We couldn’t have done it without your advocacy—and the leadership of State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz...
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AFC Urges to Reverse Funding Cut, Identify Revenue
The Illinois Senate on May 3, 2011 released nearly two dozen bills that could make up next year’s state budget. The proposed (IDPH) budget would reduce state funding for HIV programs by 11% or $3.5 million. This funding cut was included in Governor Pat Quinn’s introduced state budget in February. ...
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AFC Urges Governor, General Assembly to Reverse Decision in the Interest of Public Health
On April 15, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced plans to restrict access to the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) to new applicants with incomes at or below 300 percent of the federal poverty level ($32,670 for a single individual) beginning in July. The current...
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Improve HIV/AIDS Outcomes in the FY 12 State Budget:
Tie Budgeting for Outcomesto the National HIV/AIDS Strategy,
Overhaul Grantmaking, and Sustain Public Health Programs for Former Inmates with HIV
Testimony presented by John Peller, Director of Government Relations, AIDS Foundation of Chicago
Before the Illinois House Human Services Appropriations Committee,...
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On March 15 in Springfield, Senate Bill 1619, the Illinois Personal Responsibility Education Program (PREP) Act , passed out of the Senate Public Health committee. This is a great first step towards comprehensivein Illinois schools. SB 1619 is moving to the full Senate; we need your help to make it a reality for Illinois youth.
Take action now and send your state senator a letter urging...
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CHICAGO March 7, 2011 — The AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) announced today its appointment of Keith Green, founding member of the Chicago Black Gay Men's Caucus and former director of Project PrEPare, to the newly-created post of Director of Federal Affairs.
"We are excited and proud to have Keith join our organization," said AFC President/CEO David Ernesto Munar. "Keith's energy,...
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