Political Quotes

“Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Price-Aderholt amendment, which seeks to modernize the Housing for Persons with AIDS Program to better reflect the current case concentration and understanding of HIV/AIDS. This will help ensure that funds are directed in a more equitable and effective manner. The AIDS population in Chicago certainly stands to benefit from such an update. The HOPWA program is a national safety net for people battling HIV/ AIDS, providing competitive formula grants since 1992. HOPWA prevents homelessness and permits thousands of households coping with the debilitating and impoverishing impact of HIV/AIDS to access and remain in care. It is also a proven prevention mechanism by helping people achieve lower viral loads, thus becoming less infectious. This is the foundation for better individual and community health outcomes. It is time for us to change the HOPWA distribution formula from one based on cumulative HIV/AIDS cases to a more updated formula based on current HIV/AIDS cases that reflect today's needs. I urge a ``yes'' vote on this amendment.”