The AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) will deliver more than 950 individually signed petitions to the White House from Illinois residents concerned with the Bush administration’s lack of attention to the AIDS pandemic. The petitions call on the president and Congress to demonstrate leadership in the fight against AIDS both at home and around the globe through increased funding for domestic and international HIV/AIDS prevention, care, housing, and research programs. Lawmakers are also urged to support comprehensive, science-based HIV prevention programs.
More than 900 separate petitions will also be delivered to Illinois lawmakers and Gov. Rod Blagojevich later this month when the General Assembly convenes under new leadership. The petitions call attention to the growing HIV epidemic in Illinois and outline policy recommendations for the new legislature to adopt, including syringe purchase legislation and increased funding for HIV prevention and the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP).
On Wednesday, Jan. 15, AIDS advocates nationwide will be calling Congress to urge members to support increases for AIDS programs in the delayed FY03 budget negotiations. For more information, contact Sara Schmitt at or at (312) 922-2322.