Aids Chicago: Rep Quigley helps restore $3m to federal aids housing
This is a copy of an article that originally apearred in the Aids Chicago on June 28, 2013 and can be read here.
The AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) thanks U.S. House of Representatives member Mike Quigley (D-IL) for his leadership in restoring $3 million to the federal AIDS housing line. Together with Reps. Barbara Lee (D-CA) and Adam Schiff (D-CA), Quigley proposed an amendment to the annual Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations Bill that will increase funding for the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) program.
"The security HOPWA provides to vulnerable families is a proven and effective tool in the fight against HIV/AIDS, Quigley said. "Studies show individuals in stable housing have improved health, are less likely to transmit the virus, and are more likely to adhere to their medications and stay out of emergency rooms, which saves everyone money. I'm thrilled we can increase funding for a vital program that makes economic sense and protects the public's health.
AFC is stunned that Rep. Tom Latham (R-Iowa), chair of the THUD committee, initially proposed a $32 million, 10 percent cut to HOPWA.
"Despite all the research on the successes of AIDS housing, it's shocking to see proposed cuts at this level, said Arturo V. Bendixen (pictured), vice president for housing partnerships at AFC. "In the context of sequestration, House Republicans have made it difficult to provide funding for life-giving programs like HOPWA. Thankfully, Reps. Quigley, Lee, and Schiff were able to make AIDS housing a priority and restore $3 million of the $32 million that were originally cut.
In a separate action, the U.S. Senate advanced a companion appropriations bill that proposes level funding for HOPWA at $332 million. Stay tuned to AFC for opportunities to advocate for this higher amount, as lawmakers move the federal budget forward.
