Illinois: HIV/AIDS Advocates Urge Quinn, Lawmakers to Prevent Funding Cuts

At a time when demand is increasing, Illinois AIDS activists are critical of a proposed state budget that cuts funding for HIV education and services.

The 2010 budget proposed by Gov. Pat Quinn cuts 3 percent from the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), HIV prevention, HIV correctional services as well as other programs. No funding increases are allocated for Minority HIV/AIDS Prevention Outreach, Brothers and Sisters United Against HIV/AIDS, and the Quality of Life Endowment Fund.

"It's a 3 percent cut, but it's still significant and we're very concerned about it," said John Peller, a spokesperson for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC).

AFC estimates that an increase of $3 million will be needed to accommodate the 500 additional clients every month expected to use ADAP in the next fiscal year.

Overall, the state budget calls for $800 million in budget cuts.

Back to other news for May 2009

Search the Newsroom archive