MAP Advocate Vol. 7 No. 4

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MAP Advocate

AIDS Advocacy Update
Volume 7, No. 4
March 6, 2001

Minnesota Has Information Gap on HIV Basics
HIV/STI Bills Introduced, Next Stop Hearings
Story-A-Day Campaign Launched at the Capitol
Minnesota Expects More!
Take Action - Make a Contribution to Minnesota's Future

Minnesota Has Information Gap On HIV Basics

There's a knowledge gap in Minnesota when it comes to understanding the basics of HIV transmission. Asked if they thought HIV could be transmitted through coughing or sneezing, 52% of Minnesotans could not say for sure that this wasn't a way to transmit the virus. 44% were unsure about the risk of sharing a drinking glass. Toilet seats were questionable for 43%. The findings are based on a statewide Mason-Dixon poll conducted in February and commissioned by MAP. The poll has a 4% margin of error.

HIV/STI Bills introduced, Next Stop Hearings

Closing the knowledge gap is the focus for MAP's 2001 legislative action. HF854/SF708 seeks $500,000 over the next two years for general education and awareness targeting Greater MN. It's awaiting action by health financing committees in the House and Senate. HF846/SF827 is MAP's workplace initiative proposing $300,000 over the next two years for workplace and employer education to reduce the incidence of stigma, discrimination and the misuse of health care data. This bill has four committees to visit, the job and economic development policy and finance committees in the House and the Senate. HF847/SF708 seeks continued funding of the five existing school-based HIV training sites and funding for two more sites, one in greater MN and one in the metro area. This bill is in House and Senate K-12 education funding committees.

MAP is also seeking $2 million to address health disparities for STI's through increased screening, general education and targeted prevention grants in HF943 and SF828. House and Senate health finance committees will consider these bills. STI rates among young people in the Twin Cities are among the highest in the nation. Stay tuned to the MAP Advocate for more information on these bills and what you can do to play a role in the process.

Story-A-Day Campaign Launched at the Capitol

The need for comprehensive sex education and increased funding for HIV, STI and pregnancy prevention is being told to the legislators and Governor through the Sex Ed For Life Coalition's Story-A-Day campaign. For the next six weeks, lawmakers and the Governor will get a daily letter from a young person or parent illustrating the need for reality-based education that offers alternatives (including abstinence) and builds life skills. MAP is participating in the campaign as a co-convener of the Sex Ed For Life Coalition. Contact us if you have a story to tell.

Minnesota Expects More!

As budget priorities are debated at the Capitol, MAP has joined a coalition of over 100 non-profits, faith communities and labor organizations to push for investments in Minnesota's people, public services and infrastructure. We say that it is not a surplus while we still have unmet needs. Most Minnesotans agree. Polls show that 3 out of 4 Minnesotans want to see investments made in our communities over rebates. What can you do? Call the Governor and your legislators to say, "This year, keep the check." It's time to get on with addressing the State's many unmet needs, including increased HIV and STI education.

Take Action! Make a Contribution to Minnesota's Future

With each budget revision, that rebate check keeps getting smaller and smaller. It's money that's gone in an instant but could be used to make a lifetime's difference. Let's use that rebate money this year to get on with addressing the State's unmet needs.

It's the easiest contribution you'll make this year. You can support HIV and STI prevention, access to health care, low-income housing, child care and more, and not even have to write out a check. Just contact the Governor and your legislators to say, "This year, keep the check."

Governor Ventura
651-296-3391
800-657-3717
800-234-1216 (TDD)
mailto:governor@state.mn.us

Contact your legislators:
House Information
651-296-2146
800-657-3550
Senate Information
651-296-0505
1-888-234-1112
or visit
http://www.mnaidsproject.org/

Last Updated: Friday, March 30, 2007
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