Agenda for the Sacramento Fight Against HIV/AIDS

By Mark Leno

Lower Prices on Prescription Drugs Drugs for the treatment of HIV/AIDS are spiraling out of control, punishing those left most vulnerable, and Mark Leno believes this can be changed. Ongoing efforts by the State have suggested steep discounts from drug companies for both AIDS and cancer fighting treatments for Medi-Cal recipients. Leno will work to ensure that these treatments become more affordable and accessible to all those in need, not just those who can afford them.

Fight Healthcare Cuts Governor Davis has asked all Departments to prepare cuts for the coming year as high as 15% due to projected budget deficits up to $14 billion. Mark Leno # along with advocates throughout the state # wants the administration to hold HIV/AIDS programs harmless from any cuts in light of disturbing evidence of rising HIV infection rates throughout California.

State Prevention Dollars Despite infection rates throughout the state continuing to rise, HIV/AIDS prevention and detection programs have fallen victim to senseless budget cuts # more than $4 million last year alone. With pending federal deadlines for new testing programs and more reported cases everyday, Mark Leno believes testing and prevention programs are a powerful first step towards grasping the breadth of the crisis and must be pursued vigorously.

More Education in our Schools Mark Leno Supports Assembly Bill 916, which broadens the existing requirement for school based HIV/AIDS prevention education, making it mandatory for all pupils in 7th through 12th grades to learn about sexually transmitted infections, unless a parent requests otherwise.

Funding for Immigrants, Homeless and Low Income Communities Mark Leno supports Senate Bill 59, which authorizes pilot projects to allow health care coverage for immigrants, homeless individuals, people living with HIV/AIDS and other populations facing health disparities. It provides funding for community-based health care providers and clinics for outreach to target populations, and reaffirms the State's commitment to the ground war against HIV/AIDS.

Treatment and Education for Substance Abuse Mark Leno wants the state to provide $2.5 million for substance abuse treatment services targeting gay and bisexual men who use methamphetamine ("speed"). Widespread speed is having a profoundly negative impact both on HIV prevention and on the health of men who are HIV-positive. Few programs currently exist to address the unique treatment issues presented by speed use.

Reinforce Existing Programs and Outreach Programs proven to reduce transmission rates # such as needle exchanges # are not being fully utilized, and need to be reinforced. Mark Leno supports current AB1292, which allows pharmacies to provide public health information and on-site syringe disposal programs, as well as for the purchase of clean hypodermic needles at pharmacies. This bill would supplement existing efforts to curb transmission among intravenous drug users, and would help to reach those not fully touched by existing programs.

"This crisis has affected us all on a very deep and personal level. Please join my campaign for Assembly and help fight for the health care resources we need in San Francisco." # Mark Leno

With AIDS/HIV infections on the rise and our state budget facing massive cuts we need an effective leader to continue the fight for education and resources in Sacramento. We need Mark Leno in the State Assembly !