Illinois - TAKE ACTION! Tell your legislators: People with HIV and at risk of HIV can't afford budget cuts

State funds for vital HIV prevention, housing, and care programs are in jeopardy. Last week, House Speaker Michael Madigan announced that at least one-quarter of the state's budget would need to be cut unless additional revenue is identified and approved. That means that essential programs serving Illinoisans with and at risk for HIV could face a 25% or greater funding cut.

TAKE ACTION! Tell your legislators: People with HIV and at risk of HIV can't afford budget cuts.

The impact of these budget cuts could be devastating. Low-income, uninsured people with HIV could wait weeks or months for medications that they must take daily to stay healthy. Housing agencies could be forced to close their doors. HIV testing programs might not have staff to reach people at risk.

These and other cuts could lead to more HIV infections in Illinois and worsen the health and quality of life of people with HIV.

Less than three weeks remain until the scheduled adjournment of the Illinois General Assembly on May 31. Illinois faces a FY 2010 state budget deficit of more than $7.3 billion, yet many lawmakers balk at raising new revenue to close the budget gap.

Tell your legislators to raise revenue to protect services for low-income people in Illinois!