In the news ... 2007

House Subcommittee Votes for Ryan White Increases

June 11, 2007

On Thursday, June 7, 2007, the House Labor-Health and Human Service (HHS) Appropriations Subcommittee voted to increase funding for some parts of the Ryan White Program in the Fiscal Year 2008 appropriations bill:

• $32.3 million increase for Part A/Title I (money to hardest-hit cities for care, treatment, and support services)

• $2.9 million increase for Part B/Title II Base (money to all states for care, treatment, and support services)

• $41.5 million increase for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (money to all states to provide access to HIV drugs)

• $23.2 million increase for Part C/Title III (money to community-based clinics)

These increases are badly needed and appreciated. They would help cities, states, and providers who are struggling to meet the needs of low-income people with HIV/AIDS. They are especially significant for Part A/Title I and Part C/Title III, which have been flat-funded for the past several years.

However, the funding levels fall well short of the Ryan White Program’s true needs. For example, the AIDS Drug Assistance Program needs a $233 million increase to help states provide a minimum level of service. Also, the Subcommittee failed to increase funding for Part D/Title IV, which pays for important services targeting women, children, youth, and families. All parts of the Ryan White Program must have adequate funding for it to function as a real safety net for people who have no other way of getting these services.

Project Inform will continue to advocate for full funding of the Ryan White Program as the appropriations process continues. You can be a part of this effort by joining PI Action. You’ll receive Action Alerts and updates with information on how you can contact your elected officials about the need for full funding for HIV care and treatment. To join PI Action, fill out the simple online form.