AIDS Foundation of Chicago Rallies to Save Essential HIV/AIDS Services

On May 31, the Illinois General Assembly concluded the 2009 legislative session by passing a budget that cuts funding to HIV/AIDS and human services by 50% or more. The AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) will rally alongside thousands of advocates from across the human services sector on Thursday, June 18, at 11:30 a.m. in front of the Thompson Center.

Today, AFC sent an open letter to Illinois lawmakers expressing deep concern over the budget cuts.  The letter strongly urges Governor Pat Quinn to veto the proposed budget, and call lawmakers back to Springfield to negotiate real and lasting budgetary solutions.

AFC estimates that the budget passed by the legislature could result in cuts of more than $15 million for HIV services.  Programs like the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), which provides lifesaving medications for low-income individuals, would lose an estimated $2.9 million, likely leading to waiting lists for the program and rationing of medications. Additionally, HIV prevention, housing, and corrections services would lose millions of dollars, resulting in more HIV infections, increases in homelessness, and inadequate healthcare for people with HIV who rely on state programs for lifesaving HIV treatments.

“Illinois needs strong leadership to safeguard the integrity of health and human services on which more than one in ten state residents rely,” says AFC President/CEO Mark Ishaug. “Illinois cannot afford to lose ground in the fight against HIV/AIDS, but that’s exactly what will happen if these state budget cuts take place. Lawmakers need to go back to the drawing board and immediately pursue revenue streams that will save programs that will otherwise disappear.”

The letter calls for budget reforms that increase revenue while protecting low-income people from a higher financial burden.  Some level of tax increase that is fair and broadly distributed across the economy is most likely needed to close the projected $9 billion state budget gap. 

Read the open letter to Illinois lawmakers at aidschicago.org/budget09.