PI Action alerts & updates ... 2007
PI ACTION ALERT:
Urge Your Senators to Support Increases
for Ryan White Program
June 15, 2007
Last week, the House Labor-HHS Appropriations Subcommittee voted
to increase funding for some parts of the Ryan White Program in
the Fiscal Year 2008 appropriations bill. While these increases
are badly needed, they fall well short of what is needed for Ryan
White to meet the needs of those who depend on the program for their
care and treatment. You can details about these increases here.
Also, the Subcommittee failed to increase funding for other parts
of Ryan White, such as Part D/Title IV, which pays for important
services targeting women, children, youth, and families. All parts
of the Ryan White Program must be adequately funded for it to be
the real safety net for people who have no other way of getting
these services.
The Senate Labor-HHS Subcommittee is expected to vote on its version
of the bill on Tuesday, June 19th. This is a crucial opportunity
to get higher increases for Ryan White and help people get the care
and treatment they need!
How you can help:
Before Tuesday, June 19th, call your two U.S. Senators
in their Washington, DC offices. Ask to speak to the staffperson
who handles HIV and health care issues. Whether you speak to this
person live or leave a message, tell him/her:
"My name is _________________ and I live in
City/State. I urge Senator ______________ to support full funding
for all parts of the Ryan White Program in the Fiscal Year 2008
appropriations bill. The program can't support all those who qualify
for services and people are going without essential HIV care. These
increases are badly needed to help make sure low-income people with
HIV/AIDS can remain healthy and productive. I would like the Senator
to convey his/her support for increased Ryan White funding to members
of the Senate Labor-HHS Appropriations Subcommittee."
If you have time in your conversation, please give the specific
funding requests determined by the HIV/AIDS community for each Part
of the Ryan White Program (listed below). Or, ask for the staffperson's
e-mail address and send the information in a follow-up email.
Part A (Title I): $236.4 million increase
Part B (Title II)/Base: $57.4 million increase
Part B (Title II)/AIDS Drug Assistance Program: $232.9 million increase
Part C (Title III): $87.8 million increase
Part D (Title IV): $46.4 million increase
Part F/AIDS Education and Training Centers: $15.3 million increase
Part F/Dental: $5.9 million increase
You can call your Senator toll-free at 1-800-614-2803. You will
get the Capitol switchboard. Ask to be connected to your Senator's
office. Thank you for taking the time to make a difference!
