AIDS Action Network Information

Labor/HHS:

The Labor/HHS FY'96 Appropriations bill remains stalled in the Senate. Programs are operating under a continuing resolution which expires November 13, 1995.

VA/HUD:

The House has yet to name its conferees for VA/HUD appropriations. It is possible that House conferees will be named within the next week, especially since the conference report must be completed by November 1, 1995. The bill would still need to be voted on in both chambers in order to meet the November 13, 1995 deadline (the Continuing Resolution which has kept government operating will expire November 13, 1995). The message to conferees is to provide line item funding for HOPWA - as in the Senate bill, at a funding level of $213 million - the proportionate amount HOPWA would receive in the House bill.

Ryan White Care Act.

Senate conferees are: Kassebaum (R-KS); Kennedy (D-MA); Jeffords (R-VT); Frist (R-TN); Dodd (D-CT). House conferees have not been named. Conference staff members are expected to meet on October 25, 1995.

Medicaid:

Greater Action is Needed. Hill and media action is especially needed in states with moderate Republican Senators in the following states: Vermont, Maine, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Colorado, Kansas, and Oregon.

We must make our concerns known. Remember, the dismantling of Medicaid will severely impact the ability of health professionals to provide care, treatment and services to low-income people with AIDS.

AIDS Action has prepared a special "Medicaid Press Action Alert" which was sent to press outlets in targeted states. If you would like a copy of the press action alert, please contact BETH JONES at ext. 3050. Your help is needed NOW! Make those calls, write those letters, ask others to join us in protecting Medicaid and the people it serves.

Department of Defense Authorization

The FY'96 Department of Defense Authorization remains stalled. Representative Dornan (R-CA) continues to press for language which will mandate the immediate discharge of HIV-positive military personnel. Many thanks to Senator Simon (D-IL) for sending a letter to the conferees in opposition to the Dornan provision.

Job Announcement
Nebraska AIDS Project

The Nebraska AIDS Project (NAP) is seeking a full time Executive Director. NAP is a statewide agency with headquarters in Omaha. NAP has a staff of 16, with support of 500 active volunteers. The agency's annual budget is approximately $1 million, with 40% public and 60% private funding. Please send resume, cover letter, and salary requirements to Don Randolph, Interim Executive Director, Nebraska AIDS Project, 3610 Dodge Street, Suite 110-W, Omaha, NE 68131.

For more information, contact:
AIDS Action Council
1875 Connecticut Avenue NW #700
Washington DC 20009
202-986-1300
202-986-1345 (fax)
202-332-9614 (tty)
E-Mail:aidsaction@aidsaction.org