When lawmakers talk about protecting "crucial state services," funding for HIV/AIDS prevention programs like the Illinois AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) should be at the top of the list. "Withdrawing any of the provisions of the program right now," Rep. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) said at a Springfield press conference yesterday, "would literally be a death sentence to its clients."

Feigenholtz joined an array of lawmakers and HIV/AIDS awareness advocates to push for SB 3821, an appropriations bill that would send $18 million in new funding towards prevention and medical programs for low-income patients in Illinois. Just over $10 million would flow into ADAP, which has seen a huge uptick in enrollment since the recession hit. Another $7.4 million would restore funding for prevention and housing services that was redirected this year to cover medical costs for new ADAP enrollees. It's obiously a tough time to request additional funding for any program.  But the AIDS Foundation of Chicago estimates that Gov. Pat Quinn's FY 2011 budget proposal underfunds HIV services by $22 million.

Below are some highlights from yesterday's press conference, in which participants stressed the importance of the state's HIV services: