Media Contact:
J. Cory Curtis, Lifelong AIDS Alliance
(206) 957-1630

For Immediate Release
October 4, 2006

Ryan White Modernization Act stalled during Senate recess
Lifelong AIDS Alliance urges Congress to increase funding levels for HIV/AIDS across the United States

Seattle, WA—October 4, 2006—Last week, the Senate failed to pass the Ryan White Modernization Act, stalling the bill until Congress resumes in November. The bill, which provides funding for HIV/AIDS treatment and services, passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 325-98.

While the bill is far from perfect, Lifelong AIDS Alliance believes that it is an improvement over President Bush’s original proposal for reauthorization of the Ryan White CARE Act. The bill passed in the House represents almost one year of work and many compromises on the part of a bicameral, bi-partisan committee. Lifelong particularly thanks Rep. Jay Inslee and Sen. Patty Murray for their efforts in drafting the best bill possible in the Energy & Commerce and HELP Committees.

Earlier this year, Washington State was pushed by the CDC to move from a code-based HIV reporting system to a name-based system. Under the proposed bill, there will be a transitional period during which the CDC will accept code-based reporting with a small penalty. Since the proposed bill has not passed, however, Washington State may be at risk of losing 10-15% of CARE Act funding for the coming fiscal year as current law does not provide as much flexibility in counting code-based data.

However, Lifelong is disappointed that there is not enough funding in the bill to fully support people living with HIV/AIDS. Many larger cities that have traditionally had higher rates of people living with HIV/AIDS, including Seattle, will suffer under this bill. Lifelong urges Congress to increase funding levels for all areas of the country in order to avoid having cities or states pitted against each other for funds.

In addition, regulations that determine distribution of care are loosely defined. If regulations are interpreted restrictively, people may not have access to case management, housing, nutrition services and food programs that are necessary for their well-being. Lifelong urges our representatives to work with advocates to make sure the Ryan White Modernization Act works to help people living with HIV/AIDS in Washington State.

It is Lifelong’s hope that Congress passes a comprehensive reauthorization of the Ryan White CARE Act when the session resumes in November.

About Lifelong AIDS Alliance
Lifelong AIDS Alliance provides food, housing and health insurance to people living with HIV/AIDS in King County. Lifelong also provides prevention education and is a leader in local, regional and national advocacy for people living with HIV/AIDS.  Over 85% of Lifelong AIDS Alliance's clients live on less than $15,000 per year.  Lifelong AIDS Alliance is the leading AIDS service organization in the Pacific Northwest and is recognized nationally for its innovative work.

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