Legislative Update and AIDS Awareness Day
The legislative session is in full swing with committee deadlines looming. We were not hit with any cuts in the Governor’s budget. However, he did apply a 5% rescission on AIDS Services (primarily funds state prevention efforts and our new-er nPEP program), and Syringe Exchange Programs. I testified at both the DSS and DPH budget hearings urging them to restore those funds. To see a copy of my testimony click here.
SAVE THE DATE – AIDS AWARENESS DAY is May 8th, at the North steps of the state capitol. It’s never too early to put together an organizing committee of AIDS services and housing providers, and consumers to plan your day.
While we begin planning for that day, we’re strongly urging you to organize HIV legislative breakfasts in April. Many of you did this last year with good success. We had nearly 100% participation from Hartford legislators and hope for the same this year. I can help with a basic agenda, some ideas for outreach, etc. Contact me ASAP if you can do this. I’m hoping all the “main” areas will organize one. Hartford, New Haven, Bridgeport, Norwalk/Stamford, Waterbury, Danbury, The Valley, Torrington, Middletown, Meriden, Willimantic, New London, New Britain, Plainville.
About the AIDS LIFE Campaign (ALC)
The AIDS LIFE (Legislative Initiative and Funding Effort) Campaign - a program of AIDS Connecticut - is Connecticut's only statewide group that focuses solely on all of the policy-related issues impacting people living with and at high risk for HIV/AIDS - from prevention and education, including needle exchange; to supportive services; to health care, such as Medicaid and CADAP; to housing.
In addition to our advocacy work at the legislature, members of the AIDS LIFE Campaign convene meetings with key state departments such as the Department of Public Health and the Department of Social Services to work with them on a whole host of issues ranging from contracts and timely payments, CADAP, Medicaid changes (e.g. prescription and provider visit co-pays), as well as federal issues such as the HOPWA (Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS) housing program, Ryan White funds, and other pertinent topics that arise.
ALC Co-Chairs: Shawn M. Lang and Leif Mitchell