Housing Works fights relentlessly for cost-effective and robust state funding for the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS, as well as supportive services, such as housing, that are the key to ending the epidemic.

Housing Works lobbied hard—and successfully—to minimize cuts to the AIDS Institute, the agency that oversees New York’s AIDS efforts, in the 2011-2012 budget. But we were disappointed that Gov. Cuomo succeeded in delaying an increase in public assistance that we had fought hard for under Gov. David Paterson. Cuomo also halted state funding for a New York City welfare program and reduced the amount the state spends on city shelters.

It will not be clear, however, how the current budget will impact people living with HIV/AIDS until Cuomo reveals a specific plan for revamping the state’s Medicaid system. While the governor has said he plans to cut about $3 billion in Medicaid spending, his Medicaid Redesign Team is still hashing out the details.

• The State Budget

• Transgender Rights

• The 30 Percent Rent Cap

• Changing the Definition of HIV