For Immediate Release

Media Contact: Justin Burke - 213.201.1525

EMAIL:jburke@apla.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 26, 2001

AIDS ACTIVISTS CHARGE MIXED MESSAGES
IN GOVERNOR'S BUDGET

AIDS PROJECT LOS ANGELES APPLAUDS INCREASED FUNDING FOR AIDS DRUG ASSISTANCE PROGRAM; QUESTIONS CUTS IN EDUCATION AND PREVENTION PROGRAMS

Los Angeles -- AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA) applauds Governor Gray Davis for the augmentation of the AIDS Drug Assistance Program in California's FY 2001 - 2002 Budget. The cuts to HIV prevention and education programs, however, elicited harsh criticism. Though extremely pleased with the sought after augmentation to the AIDS Drug Assistance Program, APLA believes cuts in HIV prevention and education programs send the wrong message about California's priorities.

The approximately 103 billion-dollar state budget represents a 1.7 percent cut from FY 2001 spending levels.

In signing the budget, the Governor approved the State Legislature's $15.3 million augmentation of the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), a move strongly supported by APLA and most other California HIV/AIDS advocates. During FY 2002 $162.9 million will be spent on ADAP in California, the State government will spend $59.9 million.

"Making sure the estimated 24,000 Californians who rely on ADAP for drugs used to battle HIV and AIDS related infections was priority number one for California's AIDS activists," said Daniel C. Montoya, Director of Government Affairs at AIDS Project Los Angeles. "The Legislature and the Governor showed a strong commitment to the continued health and well-being of California's people with AIDS."

Unfortunately, citing economic and fiscal challenges, the Governor used his line-item-veto power to cut $4 million dollars from the State's already under funded prevention and education activities.

"We understand limited dollars require tough budgeting choices. However, we do not believe in cutting HIV education and prevention programs at a time when we are witnessing increasing rates of new HIV infection, particularly in communities of color and our young people," said Montoya.

AIDS Project Los Angeles advocates on local, state and national levels for fair and effective HIV and AIDS policy. APLA provides direct services each year to more than 10,000 men, women and children living with HIV and AIDS in Los Angeles County. Services include a food bank, professional dental care, housing assistance, child care, transportation, mental health counseling, case management, home health care and Adult and Child Buddy support. APLA also provides extensive treatment and prevention education.

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