Press room ... 1999 archive

Governor Davis Sends Mixed Message
in Final State HIV/AIDS Budget

June 5, 1999

San Francisco, CA—Project Inform, a national HIV treatment information and advocacy organization, reacted with mixed feelings to California’s Fiscal Year 1999-2000 budget, which was signed today by Governor Davis. We are thankful that the budget ensures full funding for the California AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), which provides life-prolonging HIV/AIDS treatments to those who can not otherwise afford them. In addition, the budget provides increased funding for critical HIV/AIDS care, treatment, and housing programs. It also provides increases for prevention programs targeted at communities at risk. Many of these programs have not received an increase in state funding in many years, despite a tremendous growth in the number of Californians living with AIDS.

“We are grateful to Governor Davis and the California State Legislature for demonstrating leadership in addressing the needs of people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS,” said Anne Donnelly, Public Policy Director. “This budget ensures adequate access to HIV treatments, while augmenting other important care, treatment, housing and prevention programs that are struggling to meet the needs of growing numbers of Californians affected by HIV/AIDS. It also is an important first step in recognizing the HIV crisis among communities of color.”

In addition to fully funding the AIDS Drug Assistance Program, the budget also includes $2.6 million for the expansion or development of projects that serve communities of color . It also provides a $6 million increase for prevention and education programs targeting at communities of color, women, high risk youth and men who have sex with men. The budget also increases funding for Early Intervention Programs (EIPs) by $1.9 million. These programs provide access to early treatment and HIV transmission risk reduction for women, and in rural communities and communities of color. Funding for Residential Care Facilities for the Chronically Ill (RCFCIs), which provide housing and support services for people living with HIV/AIDS will increase by $1 million. Finally, the budget includes a $2 million increase for prevention evaluation and behavioral surveillance.

However, the Governor vetoed some increases passed by the State Legislature. Project Inform is very disappointed in this action. The Governor eliminated $1.6 million for HIV testing services at family planning clinics, which would have increased access to anonymous testing for many women, people of color, and heterosexuals. He also vetoed $1 million for voluntary partner counseling and referral services. In addition, Governor Davis reduced the Legislature’s augmentation for Early Intervention Programs by $375,000 and for Residential Care Facilities for the Chronically Ill by $500,000.

“Governor Davis missed an excellent opportunity to use the surplus in state funds to adequately support many HIV/AIDS programs.” continued Anne Donnelly. “We have found that services such as early intervention sites and housing programs are crucial for the medical management of HIV disease. Additionally, anonymous testing and voluntary partner counseling are essential tools in the fight against the HIV epidemic.”