|
2005 NYS Legislative Agenda
Public Policy Priority Issues
Gay Men's Health Crisis's Priority issues are a reflection of our
mission and the needs of the people we serve.
In difficult and uncertain times, it becomes more important than ever
to preserve our vital service delivery structure. GMHC urges full restorations
and baselining of funding in last year's budget, including the additional
restorations from the Assembly. $8.4 million in total appropriated by the
legislature last year was excluded from the Governor's Executive Budget
proposal and must be restored.
GMHC remains committed to addressing rising needs, and is advocating
for new funding for community based service providers. Funding for HIV/AIDS
services has not kept pace with the growing epidemic. With the exception of
his first year in office, the Governor has proposed cutting enhanced funding
for HIV/AIDS programs every single year. The HIV/AIDS epidemic has not been
static in New York since the Governor has taken office. The number of people
living with HIV/AIDS is the highest it has been throughout the epidemic, a
fact reflected in the growing caseloads of service providers throughout the
state. While we understand budget difficulties in trying economic times, AIDS
funding has suffered for far too long. The full needs of the HIV/AIDS community
must be met this year in order to stand any chance of catching up with the
rising need.
Providers of HIV/AIDS services are still reeling from recent economic
downturns, a decline in philanthropic giving, and cutbacks in federal and
local funding. These factors only compound our current state funding deficiencies,
which are sure to have a long-term negative impact on the delivery of HIV/AIDS
services if new dollars are not appropriated immediately.
Community Service Providers (CSPs) and Multiple Service Agencies (MSAs)
have been providing high quality valuable services to communities most at
risk since their inception. Over the past four years, funding to providers
has been declining even as they have been facing increasing needs and providing
more services. As services have had to expand to meet rising needs, so should
the resources that support these vital programs, GMHC urges the allocation
of new funding, $2 million for CSPs and $2 million for MSA/CDIs.
New York must focus on the service delivery foundation. Community
Service Providers have proven effectiveness in service delivery and
provide a wide range of support services. Community Service Providers
(CSPs) like GMHC have been on the frontlines since the beginning of
the epidemic, providing a continuum of HIV/AIDS services. At GMHC, we
continue to see a significant monthly increase in demand for
services — as much as 50% more than in the year 2000. The number of
GMHC clients is up nearly 10% in just the past three years.
GMHC will continue to press for an investment in the prevention
of HIV transmission and urges the state to step up to the plate and
allocate $3.5 million in new funding for Primary Prevention Programming.
Next > >
< < Contents
© 2005 Gay Men's Health Crisis
|
home 
