Victories, Losses in Fight Against HIV in Illinois

Halfway through the 2009 spring legislative session, the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) is pleased to report significant progress advancing three HIV-related bills in the Illinois General Assembly. 

Three bills championed by AFC cleared their respective chambers.  A bill to prevent opiate overdose deaths (HB 497) including injection drug users at high risk of HIV infection passed the House unanimously, thanks to sponsor Rep. David Miller (D-Chicago).  AFC congratulates and thanks Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago) for passing HB 3923, which will make the health insurance industry more accountable to consumers.  Finally, SB 212, sponsored by Sen. David Koehler (D-Peoria) will give health care providers a new method to treat sexually transmitted diseases. 

 Read more about these and other victories, as well as losses, here.

When the General Assembly reconvenes on April 21, AFC will need the support of AIDS advocates statewide to help advance the bills that remain under consideration. AFC will also continue to monitor the state budget and urge lawmakers to approve Governor Quinn's budgetary reform proposal without any funding reductions to HIV-related programs and services.  Stay tuned to the Statewide Network and please take action to raise your voice in the fight against HIV/AIDS.