Bill Nelson: “musicians Bono and Alicia Keys are in Washington, DC, today to meet with Presidents Obama, Clinton, and Bush about what…”

“musicians Bono and Alicia Keys are in Washington, DC, today to meet with Presidents Obama, Clinton, and Bush about what is next in the global battle against AIDS. They note that we are reaching a tipping point on combating HIV/AIDS worldwide, which is why they and many others, including myself, believe continued U.S. leadership is critical. It is fitting that this gathering is taking place today--World AIDS Day. We all should remember that HIV/AIDS has claimed the lives of more than 550,000 Americans so far, while 1.1 million others are living with the disease. Florida has been hit particularly hard: about 100,000 people are living with HIV/AIDS. Florida has the longest waiting list of low- income residents waiting for assistance with the high cost of lifesaving medications. More than 3,000 Floridians are on that list; and, alarmingly, the number could grow as the State considers cutting more than 1,600 who already are in the government-backed program. Federal, State, and local governments must understandably tighten their belts. But focusing on such short-term savings is horribly shortsighted. For several reasons, these cuts will only lead to higher costs to taxpayers in the long run--cases will become more difficult to manage, transmission rates are likely to increase, and patients will more frequently need expensive care in emergency rooms and hospitals. We must also remain committed to the goals of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief globally.…”