SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons was joined by State Representative Norma Hernandez, Alderman Lamont Robinson and advocates from AIDS Foundation Chicago, BLACHE, TaskForce Prevention and Community Services, School of Opulence, and the Springfield Urban League at a press conference Tuesday to advocate for over $6 million for HIV funding infrastructure in Illinois through Senate Bill 2814, which would restore funding for Illinois’ PrEP Medication Assistance Program and allocate funding for STI screening.
“For the fourth year in a row, I am proud to carry legislation that provides full funding for HIV prevention and treatment, and helps us get to zero new HIV/AIDS diagnoses by 2030.” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “Through the work of providers, advocates, policymakers and people living with and vulnerable to HIV, Illinois has made real progress toward ending the HIV epidemic in our state. We must continue to make sure Illinoisans living with HIV do not lose access to the care they need.”
Through the Illinois AIDS Drug Assistance Program, known as Illinois ADAP, residents living with HIV/AIDS have access to life-saving medications which in turn prevent further HIV transmissions via viral suppression. Now, amid a storm of proposed federal budget cuts, the impact of slashing Medicaid and the expiration of enhanced ACA premium tax credits have increased risks for residents who depend on Illinois ADAP and could leave them without access to medications that keep them healthy.
Simmons is advocating for increased ADAP funding to head off a looming future crisis where demand far outpaces the program’s capacity through Senate Bill 2814. The measure would increase funding in the state’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget by $6.5 million for AIDS/HIV education, medications, services, counseling, testing and outreach to minority populations. This investment would be bolstered by additional support for the restoration of $500,000 for the PrEP Medication Assistance Program, $450,000 for STI screening and treatment services, and continued funding for the Getting to Zero Illinois initiative.
“These investments can help stabilize our HIV care system and protect access to life-saving services,” said Simmons. “Ending the HIV epidemic is not just a public health goal – it’s about whether every person has access to the care they need to live a healthy and dignified life.”
Senate Bill 2814 awaits further action in the Senate Appropriations-Health and Human Services Committee.
