Help Gov. Quinn Build a Responsible Budget

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. 

But for the first time, you have the chance to publicly tell Governor Quinn what to include in his state budget proposal before it’s released next Wednesday, March 10. Visit budget.illinois.gov right now and ask for the following two things:

1. Tell Governor Quinn that people with and at risk of HIV need a responsible and balanced budget solution:

• Illinois must raise significant new revenues to avoid even more harmful cuts in crucial services for kids and families.

• Illinois has already slashed funding and delayed payments for critical programs, at the very time people need them most.

• It’s time for a balanced, responsible approach: a general tax increase combined with fairness measures to raise more adequate revenues and do it the right way.

2. Then ask Governor Quinn to allocate an additional $18 million to maintain access to life-saving HIV medications through the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), provide supportive services and housing to people with HIV, and prevent new HIV cases. Personalize your comments! Word-for-word duplicate comments won’t be read! Make your message of compassion and caring gets through. Comment today!

Read the comments submitted so far, learn about the state’s fiscal challenges and view questions and answers on the budget.