Victory! New State Budget Includes $14.1 Million More for AIDS
6/30/10 - Moments ago the North Carolina legislature gave final approval to the state budget for the fiscal year that starts tomorrow, and Governor Perdue has pledged to sign it today. Thanks to our incredible grassroots advocates, Equality NC's constant hounding of the budget writers, and the great work of our partners in the NC AIDS Action Network (NCAAN), funding for HIV/AIDS programs was one of the few bright spots in a bleak budget year.
Because of our efforts together, the state budget includes an additional $14.1 million in recurring funding for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program, which provides life-saving medication to low income people living with HIV/AIDS.
Earlier this year, North Carolina began turning away new enrollees to this program due to insufficient funding. As of Friday, 769 people were on the waitlist for the program--the largest waitlist in the nation! The additional funding will allow everyone on the current waitlist who is at or below 125% of federal poverty level to enroll in the program and get the medicine they need.
"This is a huge win that will make a real difference in people's lives," said Ian Palmquist, Executive Director. "In the context of $800 million in cuts to important state programs--on top of $2 billion in cuts last year--getting the state to double its contribution to ADAP was no easy task. We thank Governor Perdue and leaders in both chambers for fighting hard for this important program."
The additional funds are not enough to fully restore the program; there will almost certainly be a waiting list again in the coming fiscal year. However, it gives Equality NC a strong foundation to build on as we continue to advocate for HIV prevention and care.
Equality NC and our coalition partners in NCAAN will continue to support efforts to get additional federal funding for the program, and will work with the state to pursue creative ways to get better care to more low-income people living with HIV.
