 | Providing HIV and AIDS care and
prevention education since 1987!
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David,
This spring season holds the promise of great things to come, mixed with a few legislative challenges.
Thank You
First, we have two huge reasons to give thanks: The Octopus Club just announced the proceeds from ArtErotica: a record-breaking $73,000 for the Paul Kirby Emergency Fund at ASA! Our appreciation goes to the all-volunteer Octopus Club members, with a special shout out to ArtErotica co-chairs Tim Young and Scott Ballew!
We also thank the Serve Our City organizers. Congregants raised a substantial $31,000 for ASA on Good Friday. We especially thank Lead Pastor Randy Phillips of PromiseLand West for organizing the services and to Pastor Gaylon Clark of Greater Mt. Zion Baptist Church for being an outspoken and compassionate advocate for the local faces of AIDS.
Legislative Update
The full funding of the Texas HIV Medication Program is still uncertain. The Senate budget bill has been voted out of the Senate Finance Committee, and is expected to head to the floor for debate as early as tomorrow or the middle of next week. As of now, the $19.2 million needed to serve the approximately 2,000 individuals living with HIV and AIDS that would otherwise have to go without medication is included in the Senate budget. It is not guaranteed that it will remain in the budget!
Please click on this link and enter your information for a fax to be sent to your State Senator asking them to support the $19.2 million needed to fully fund the Texas HIV Medication Program.
While the Senate Finance Committee approved the $19.2M needed to keep this program - which should be a moral imperative for our state - the House decided that the life-saving program is not a priority. We are waiting on the full Senate to vote on the budget. If the Senate passes the budget with the $19.2M intact, then we will be asking you to lobby the as-yet unannounced members of the conference committee.
In the meantime, there is some encouraging news out of the House: HB 2229, which passed today in a vote of 88-57, would permanently establish the Texas HIV Medication Program Advisory Committee, and not allow it to sunset or be disbanded, whether by oversight or otherwise. Our appreciation goes to each representative who voted in favor of the bill, including sponsoring Representatives Coleman, Naishtat and Marquez. The bill now goes up for a vote in the Senate.
Hill Country Ride for AIDS on Saturday
With so much uncertainty in the state budget, there is even more reason (if you needed it) to ride in this Saturday's Hill Country Ride for AIDS! Volunteers and donations are still needed (We are just 19% away from the $500,000 goal!).
 A worker in action at ASA's future home for our expanded HIV Prevention program. |
You may register to ride or to volunteer online. You can also make a general donation or donate to Team ASA. Riders and volunteers provide life saving support for thousands of Central Texans living with HIV and AIDS by raising money for 10 local nonprofit organizations. It's a Ride, not a race, and all levels are welcomed and celebrated.
Thank you, David Smith, and all the Ride organizers and volunteers for the amazing impact you make on people's lives!
Expansion Update The expansion of our HIV Prevention, Education and Counseling program is on track for completion early this summer as we are ramping up the Fresh Start program and expanded HIV testing. This expansion is made possible by the generous support of the St. David's Foundation, with additional support for the program from individual gifts made by people like you. Thank you so much.
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