Michigan Rep. Suggests Cutting HIV Prevention to Fund Airport Expansion (Change)
As state legislators wrestle with significant budget shortfalls, sometimes they have to make truly tough decisions. But other times they just make foolish ones. Take the case of Michigan Representative Dave Agema, who recently submitted a bill that would eliminate funding for HIV prevention and other crucial public health initiatives throughout the state.
Where does Rep. Agema suggest the HIV prevention funding be reallocated? The former airline pilot -- perhaps not surprisingly -- recommends it should go to airport expansion and upkeep projects. As covered on the Gay Rights blog, Agema says that he wants to use the health funds to avoid having to raise the fuel tax on airplanes.
The short-sightedness of the proposal isn't just foolish -- it will ultimately lead to higher rates of disease and costs for the state. Currently, the Michigan Health Fund Initiative -- a special$9 million fund -- is paid for through sales tax. The money is used to fund HIV prevention, testing and care programs throughout Michigan.
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Complete article at Change : http://bit.ly/hLcIui
