Dallas City Council denies HIV/AIDS funding, opens door to higher infection rate

by Matt Burckhalter

DALLAS — On Wednesday, Sept. 23, the Dallas City Council will seal the fate of countless HIV/AIDS victims by approving a $325,000 cut in funding for programs dedicated to HIV/AIDS education, prevention, and outreach. As calls for action against the cuts continue to be dismissed by a majority of Dallas City Council members, Dallas Stonewall Young Democrats is determined to find a way to save the support for these essential programs.

In a 6-9 vote against an amendment to keep the funds, the opposing council members have essentially ignored their responsibility to serve the dire needs of their constituencies.

Dallas Stonewall Young Democrats is grateful for support from council members Delia Jasso, Angela Hunt, Pauline Medrano, Carolyn Davis, Linda Koop, and Steve Salazar. Their efforts for this amendment reflect their commitment to the community. Unfortunately, the disappointing opposition of the rest of the city council leaves a stain on the reputation of Dallas’ elected officials.

Among those most heavily impacted by the cuts are AIDS Interfaith Network, Resource Center of Dallas, Urban League of Greater Dallas, and UT Southwestern Medical Center. AIDS Interfaith Network alone serves more than 8,000 individuals.

As elected officials, members of the Dallas city council have a duty to keep these programs alive. They serve a vital need in the community, and their elimination would likely cause an even higher rate of infection, thus costing the city millions of additional dollars in treating new cases.

Dallas Stonewall Young Democrats strive to effectively advance the rights of the LGBT community and democratic values through political action, community service, and social involvement.

Matt is vice president of the Dallas Stonewall Young Democrats.