For Immediate Release

Media Contact: Justin Burke - 213.201.1525

EMAIL:jburke@apla.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 10, 2002

GOVERNOR DAVIS ANNOUNCES STATE BUDGET PROPOSAL

AIDS PROJECT LOS ANGELES HOPEFUL ABOUT HIV/AIDS PROGRAMS

Los Angeles, CA January 10, 2002 - AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA) applauds Governor Gray Davis' commitment to HIV/AIDS programs reflected in his budget proposal for fiscal year (FY) 2002 - 2003.

Considering the tough economic situation the State of California faces, this budget offers much hope for people living with HIV/AIDS," said Daniel C. Montoya, Director of Government Affairs at APLA. Montoya, who expressed his concern for all Californians given the impending deficit, noted that "Californians infected and affected by HIV/AIDS cannot shoulder further reductions in funding for care and treatment and education and prevention programs in the midst of increasing demand for services and new infections. Fortunately, Governor Davis has recognized this."

Despite a $12 billion shortfall, The Governor's budget for FY 2002-2003 proposes increasing funding for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) by $22 million and maintains the current budgets of existing HIV/AIDS programs through the California Office of AIDS.

HIV/AIDS advocates including APLA have advocated on behalf of the ADAP program, which provides lifesaving medications for nearly 25,000 Californians who would otherwise have no access.

"Today's budget announcement, combined with the recent formation of a formal Governor's Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS and efforts to improve access to quality care through the proposed definition of an HIV Specialist are welcome developments," said Montoya. "Governor Davis is taking steps to recommit California to prioritization of HIV/AIDS care, treatment and prevention programs."

The State Legislature will now begin to act on the budget, which must be completed by the end of the current fiscal year on June 30, 2002. In May, Governor Davis will issue the "May Revise" of his budget, based on tax revenue and economic projections.

"We are all hopeful that economic conditions in the state will improve the budget picture by the time the governor submits his revision in May, " added Montoya. "AIDS Project Los Angeles looks forward to working with the Governor, State Legislature and other advocates on behalf of people with HIV/AIDS to ensure the highest possible appropriations for education and prevention efforts and vital care and treatment programs for all Californians."

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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