Analysis on the Governor's 2010-2011 Budget and Cuts to HIV/AIDS

From the AIDS Life Campaign:

The Governor's budget proposes to cut Syringe Exchange and AIDS prevention services by 30% in the Department of Public Health's budget. The cuts to AIDS Services places us at the 1997 funding level; and the cuts to SEP fall below funding levels prior to 1995. During that same time period, the number of people living with HIV/AIDS in the state has doubled. We have publicly stated that we were willing to share the burden of the state's budget crisis, but not to do so disproportionately. A 30% cut is far too deep for us to be able to sustain the tremendous HIV prevention work offered across the state.

Action Steps:

1. Attend the public hearings on the budget! DSS is tentatively scheduled for the evening of February 11th and DPH for the evening of February 18th. We will need good turnout of PLWHA and providers. All should wear their AIDS Awareness T-shirts so that we stand together as a unified effort.

2. Contact your legislators to let them know how these cuts will impact you. For example, if you have an SEP, what would a 30% cut look like in your agency? Click here to find your legislator.

This is only the beginning of the budget process. We will need to respond quickly and strongly as things happen, and will need maximum participation from all of you, your boards, consumers and colleagues. As always, thanks for all you do. Contact Shawn at 860.761.6699 or Leif at 203.258.3718 should you have questions.