Illinois: AIDS Advocate on State Budget -- "Prepare for the Worst"

A temporary state budget passed on May 31 calls for a 50 percent or higher cut to social service programs, leaving the future of many HIV/AIDS initiatives in Illinois uncertain.

With the fiscal year starting July 1, lawmakers in Springfield attempted to close a multi-billion dollar deficit by slashing state departments' funding in half. Even worse, say AIDS advocates, these departments were not given any direction on how to spend the reduced money. Because of this, it is entirely possible that departments could decide to allocate no or very little funds for HIV/AIDS services, said John Peller, director of government relations for AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC).

"My suggestion to agencies is to prepare for the worst," Peller said during a June 11 state budget call-in.

While the cuts will not likely affect the state AIDS Drug Assistance Program, many other HIV/AIDS programs will face significant cuts. For example, funding for HIV/AIDS-related housing could be cut by half or more. AFC, which gives the vast majority of its money to community-based programs, faces significant cuts as well.

A mid-May community alert it issued about the situation has generated more than 1,000 responses, AFC said. HIV/AIDS advocates should continue to contact their state legislators about their concerns, AFC urged.

"There will be cuts," said Peller, "The question is how deep they are going to be."

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