MAP Advocate
July 10, 2007
Vol. 13. No. 21

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In This Issue:

1. Announcement: “Sex Ed and the State” Viewings Scheduled
2. Minnesota Update: State Cost Share Assistance Program Being Reconsidered
3. Federal Update: House Of Representatives Overturns Washington, DC Syringe Exchange Ban
4. In the News: Democratic Presidential Candidates Discuss Domestic HIV Issues
   
   

Announcement: “Sex Ed and the State” Viewing Scheduled

When a bill is supported by strong research, a Surgeon General's report, and an overwhelming majority of Americans - what happens when it's introduced in the Minnesota State legislature?

"Sex Ed and the State" is a documentary about comprehensive sexuality education in public schools. Minnesota lawmakers give interviews, along with advocates, opponents, educators, and other stakeholders in the debate over the best strategy to fight adolescent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. The event is free and open to the public.

Click here to view a one minute film clip and a City Pages review of the documentary directed by Jim Winkle.

Scheduled Viewings

Tuesday July 10 at 7:00 pm
Oak Street Cinema
Free

Tuesday July 17 at 12:00 pm
Minnesota AIDS Project
Free
Please RSVP to Kate Nelson

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Minnesota Update: State Cost Share Assistance Program Being Reconsidered

On July 1, 2004 the MN Department of Human Services (DHS) implemented a "cost share program" mandating that low income clients accessing Ryan White-funded health insurance and drug assistance programs begin paying a portion of premiums and a co-pay for prescriptions. According to DHS this was implemented to maintain financial stability for this program. At that time the financial forecast projected a shortfall of funding due to the increasing case load. With the new Ryan White award just announced, the State is no longer facing this shortfall and the program is according to DHS, on more stable ground. Management at DHS is re-considering the need for cost share and MAP has weighed in by asking that the program be eliminated at this time. Watch for updates in coming issues of the MAP Advocate.

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Federal Update: House Of Representatives Overturns Washington, DC Syringe Exchange Ban

On Tuesday, June 28 the House of Representatives voted 216 to 208 to overturn a nine year syringe exchange ban in the District of Columbia. The District, along with the rest of the nation, will continue to be forbidden from spending Federal funding on syringe exchange programs. Washington, DC had the highest rate of AIDS cases in the country in 2005. There were approximately 128.4 per 100,000; the national average is 19.7 per 100,000. In DC, injection drug use is responsible for 35% of all AIDS cases.

Read more about this historic vote on the AIDS Action Web site.

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In the News: Democratic Presidential Candidates Discuss Domestic HIV Issues

Election 2008 | Democratic Presidential Candidates Discuss Domestic, International HIV/AIDS Issues During Debate
[Jun 29, 2007]

As the 2008 election approaches, stay tuned to your MAP Advocate to find out about HIV-related questions you might ask candidates for both local and national elections. Candidates who know that HIV is an important issue for their constituents are much more likely to tackle this issue once elected.

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Visit the MAP Advocate archive to see what you missed.

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For more information about what's of interest to you at the Minnesota State Capitol, visit the Web sites of our allies at OutFront Minnesota and Sex Ed for Life.

MAP Advocate is published by the Minnesota AIDS Project every two weeks while the Minnesota Legislature is in session, and monthly during the rest of the year. It isavailable through the MAP web site mnaidsproject.org and through email list service. If you wish to order the MAP Advocate, visit our Join the Public Policy Action Network page, or contact MAP Public Policy by phone or email.

MAP Public Policy
Minnesota AIDS Project
1400 Park Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55404

612-341-2060
800-373-2437

public.policy@mnaidsproject.org

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Last Updated: Friday, September 28, 2007
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Content Notice: This site contains HIV prevention messages that may not be appropriate for all audiences. Since HIV infection is spread primarily though sexual practices or by sharing needles, prevention messages and programs may address these topics. If you are not seeking such information or materials, please exit this Web site.