PI Action alerts & updates ... 2005

Budget Resolution Process Ends With Medicaid Cuts

FY 06 Appropriations Process Begins With “Dear Colleague” letters
Dear TAN Members,

As you may have heard, the House of Representatives and the Senate have approved a final budget resolution. Unfortunately, it contains $10 billion in Medicaid cuts over five years (starting in Fiscal Year 2007). The details of those cuts will be made later in the year and through a separate process. One outcome of negotiations around the budget resolution is the establishment of a Medicaid commission that will make recommendations on short and long-term changes to the program.

Even though the Senate voted last month to strike all Medicaid cuts from its version of the budget resolution, four of those Senators wound up voting for the final version containing the $10 billion in cuts. Those Senators include Senator Gordon Smith (R-OR), Susan Collins (R-ME), Olympia Snowe (R-ME) and Arlen Specter (R-PA).

Senators Lincoln Chafee (R-RI), Mike DeWine (R-OH), and George Voinovich (R-OH) joined all Democrats and the one Independent in holding firm against these cuts.

A big thank you to everyone who communicated with their elected officials over the past few months about the impact of Medicaid cuts on people living with HIV/AIDS! While these cuts are very disappointing, they are far better than what was originally proposed by President Bush. We will continue to educate Congress as it considers where to make these specific cuts. Stay tuned for more information and ways you can continue to make your voice heard.

FY 2006 Appropriations Process Begins-Urge Your Representative To Sign Key “Dear Colleague” Letters

Our work is never done!
While we close out one battle, another has begun. Congress will soon debate funding levels for HIV/AIDS-specific programs for the next fiscal year.

There are two “Dear Colleague” letters circulating in the U.S. House of Representatives asking for badly needed increased funding for HIV/AIDS programs. These are sign-on letters for Members of Congress urging specific funding levels for various AIDS programs that will be sent to the House Appropriations Subcommittee making the first decisions about how much money to give to these programs.

One letter is from Representative Jim Leach (R-IA) and William Delahunt (D-MA) that supports increased funding for domestic and global HIV/AIDS research, prevention, care, and treatment programs for Fiscal Year 2006. Included in the letter is support for the funding levels request from AIDS advocates for these programs.

The other letter is from Representatives Mary Bono (R-CA) and Bill Pascrell, Jr (D-NJ). It asks for a $303 million increase for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) for FY 2006. This is the amount identified by treatment experts as necessary to help alleviate the current ADAP crisis.

Both of these letters are extremely important vehicles for Members of Congress to show their support for these vital programs and services. The more Members that sign the letters, the better the chance we have of getting the money we need.

Please take a few minutes to call your U.S. Representative and urge him/her to sign both of these letters!

How you can help:
Please call your U.S. Representative’s office in DC as soon as possible. Ask to speak to the legislative aide who handles HIV/AIDS and healthcare issues. Whether you speak to that person live or leave a message, tell him/her:

Sample message:

“My name is __________ and I’m a constituent. I’m calling to ask Representative __________ to sign two important “Dear Colleague” letters that support HIV/AIDS funding. I would like Representative ___________ to sign the Leach/Delahunt letter supporting increased funding for domestic and global HIV/AIDS programs, and the Pascrell/Bono letter supporting adequate funding for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program.”

Note that these letters are only for House Representatives. You don’t need to call your Senators yet. There will be similar Senate “Dear Colleague” letters soon.

You can reach your Members of Congress toll-free by calling the Congressional Switchboard at 1-877-762-8762. Ask to be connected to your Representative’s office.

Thank you for taking the time to make a difference!