BUDGET CUTS WILL LEAD TO INCREASE IN AIDS-RELATED DEATHS
Lawmakers' recent cuts to health programs for Minnesota residents in order to balance the budget will leave deep holes in care for those living with HIV/AIDS and will lead to increased HIV rates and AIDS-related deaths.
This would be on top of the steady increase in infections we've seen in this state for the past three years. The shocking rate of new HIV cases needs to be addressed, and cutting funding for vital programs that lead to prevention is a risk we should not be willing to take.
Funds set aside by the state need to be assured for the future programs for HIV prevention. Take part in the National Call-In Day to Support Funding for Domestic HIV programs by calling your state representatives on April 5.
JOHN BURGGRAFF, BROOKLYN CENTER
