Yes, we have a state budget. Well, sort of. Actually, it’s kinda complicated.
Let’s break it down.
The General Assembly passed on May 25 a state budget. However, this budget is deeply flawed. It doesn’t address the state’s nearly $6 billion in unpaid bills, relies too heavily on one-time revenue, and jeopardizes services for all Illinoisans. Most importantly,...
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This week, the Illinois General Assembly sent Governor Pat Quinn a state budget bill (HB 859) that gives him unprecedented ability to fund - or not fund - state programs in fiscal year 2011. The ball is in the governor's court.
HB 859 gives Governor Quinn sole authority to allocate funding to lifesaving HIV programs such as the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), HIV prevention...
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Facing an historic budget crisis that could destabilize HIV treatment access for more than 4,000 low-income Illinoisans with HIV/AIDS, a state advisory panel voted on May 21 to urge Illinois to immediately close the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) to new applicants and begin a waiting list. The recommendation is now under review by state officials.
“Because the program is deeply...
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Attention Individuals, Consumers, Service Providers and Friends! HIV/AIDS Funding Petition!
Beginning July 1, 2010, Illinois state government will need to operate with approximately half the revenue that was available one year ago. Life-saving services, including medications, supportive services, housing, and HIV prevention programs, are at risk of severe reductions or elimination...
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Lobby Days 2010 was a huge success! The AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) thanks the more than 230 AIDS advocates from around the state who came to Springfield by bus, car, and train to urge the Illinois General Assembly to fund the AIDS Drug Assistance Program, HIV prevention, care, and housing programs, and to raise taxes to protect these and other vital services. The event was the largest...
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Facing a grim state financial situation, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn Wednesday proposed a fiscal year 2011 state budget that underfunds HIV prevention and care services by nearly $22 million. The budget plan relies on a mix of cuts to programs, borrowing, and federal funding. Gov. Quinn also proposed a 1% tax increase to maintain education programs. Read more.. .
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Today, 66 organizations and over 400 individuals called on Illinois Governor Pat Quinn to fairly fund HIV services in the FY 11 state budget, to be introduced March 10. READ MORE .
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Governor Quinn released a preliminary budget outline on February 24 that highlights the consequences of the state budget disaster: $2 billion more in cuts to programs, a massive budget deficit, and $11 billion in unpaid bills. Taken together, the budget problems predict massive harm for vulnerable people, and particularly people with and at risk of HIV. READ MORE .
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Illinois AIDS advocates expect to have difficult conversations with lawmakers in Springfield this week. Unless immediate actions are taken to remedy the state's spiraling budget crisis, vital HIV/AIDS services -- along with the state's educational, healthcare, and human service systems assisting millions of vulnerable children, families, disabled, elderly, and chronically ill individuals -- will...
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Five Illinois State Representatives today sent a letter to Governor Pat Quinn requesting $44.06 million in HIV funding in the FY 2011 state budget, an increase of $18 million. Reps. Harry Osterman (D-Chicago), Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago), Deborah Graham (D-Chicago), Lisa Hernandez (D-Cicero) and Greg Harris (D-Chicago) are leading the funding request. READ MORE .
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