Press room ... 1999 archive

Governor Davis’ Budget Proposes Decrease
in State HIV/AIDS Funding

January 8, 1999

San Francisco, CA—Project Inform today expressed disappointment in Governor Davis’ proposed budget for Fiscal Year 1999-2000, which calls for a reduction of $4.1 million in overall state spending for HIV and AIDS programs. The decreased commitment comes at a time when more Californians are living with the disease than ever.

“We are deeply disappointed that this budget does not reflect the continued growth of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in California ,” said Anne Donnelly, Public Policy Director. “Given that the number of Californians living with AIDS has increased by nearly 200% in the past five years, now is not the time to decrease the state’s commitment to critical programs serving those in need.”

The proposed cut for HIV services from the state General Fund is the result of higher than expected federal funding for California’s AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), which provides access to HIV treatments to those who can not otherwise afford them. Project Inform is confident that ADAP will continue to maintain its high level of service due to the increased federal funding; however, we believe strongly that the state should reallocate any extra funds to other care programs which have been historically underfunded, such as early intervention centers, case management, and housing.

“We are grateful that California’s ADAP will continue to provide a high level of service to its clients,” continued Donnelly. “However, there are many other critical programs that could benefit from increased funding.”

Project Inform is also concerned that if the state decreases overall spending for HIV and AIDS, California will not meet the “maintenance of effort” requirement mandated by the Ryan White CARE Act, a key source of federal funding for HIV/AIDS care programs. The CARE Act requires states to maintain their HIV/AIDS funding every year in order to qualify for federal dollars.

In addition, Governor Davis’ budget flat funds HIV prevention programs, even though approximately 8,000 Californians are infected with HIV each year. Project Inform supports increased funding for effective, culturally appropriate, targeted prevention and education programs, particularly for groups most at risk for infection.

Project Inform and other HIV/AIDS advocates will work with the Davis Administration and the State Legislature on these issues. In addition, the California HIV Advocacy Coalition (CHAC), is organizing the California AIDS Lobby Day on Monday, April 19th. This is an opportunity for people living with HIV/AIDS, service providers, and advocates to met with their state legislators to discuss the need for adequate funding and rational legislation to combat the epidemic. For more information about Lobby Day, contact Ryan Clary at 415-558-8669 x224.