SACRAMENTO: HIV/AIDS Advocates Head To Capitol for ‘Lobby Day’
HIV/AIDS advocates from across the state will converge in Sacramento this Monday to participate in the California HIV Advocacy Coalition's HIV/AIDS Lobby Day. During the event, which carries the theme "Together We Can," activists will meet with state lawmakers to discuss: the "state of emergency of HIV" in California's minority communities; state support for reauthorization of Ryan White CARE Act funds; work entry issues for people with HIV/AIDS; state funding toward programs for the disease; and HIV testing for pregnant women. Kenneth Vail, co-coordinator of CHAC's Working Group, said, "With a renewed sense of direction and an understanding of current HIV/AIDS legislation, people are coming to Sacramento from all over California to show that grassroots advocacy can make a difference." CHAC Co-Coordinator Bonita Barnes added that "the funding and legislative issues which CHAC advocates for on its annual Lobby Day are used to determine which Senate and Assembly members are committed to 'respectful aid' to those infected and affected by the disease and curbing the spread of HIV/AIDS throughout the state" (CHAC release, 3/21).
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