Today, as I started searching for something to write about, I learned about the states lawmakers plans to cut a big chunk of funding out of an the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP). This program makes outrageously expensive drugs used for HIV and AIDS available to low income Texas civilians.
Just hearing the title of this news report made me cringe. Out of all programs and businesses to cut, it sickens me to see they could even think about possibly cutting something like this. The report stated that nearly 15,000 people in Texas use this program to afford their NECESSARY medication. Not medication that just makes them feel better, but medication that keeps them alive. The proposed $20 Million dollar cut would in turn take away these services from 3,000 needy people. This, in turn, would directly kill them.
Now, further into the article, it is reported that the Senate Finance Committee has voted for ADAP to be saved from the budget cuts. However, the battle to save the program is far from over. The House of Representatives now have to vote on what to do with the situation. So far, it seems that the battle will favor in ADAP's direction. But even just the possibility of a program like this getting cut is horrible. Apparently, ADAP has had battles like this before in the year 2005. They were eventually rescued and had their funding replaced. So, hopefully, this time around they can be saved once more.
I swear this state needs to get it's priorities straight.
- Blake
Critiquing the Chopping Block
ReplyDeleteAs I was reading threw my fellow classmates blogs I came across this one: “The Chopping Block” by Blake Benson that held my attention for a while… I can’t help but to agree with Mr. Benson on this matter. I think it is ridiculous for the state lawmakers to even think about cutting the funds for AIDS Drug Assistance Program! I use to be a certified pharmacy technician and I for one know how expensive the medication for AIDS and HIV can be. The pharmacy wouldn’t even order it unless we had a patient on it and when we did they knew they had to call it in at least 5 days before they needed it so that we could insure that we had the quantity they needed. What could possibly make them think that killing these people faster than they already are dying is okay?? It’s sad enough that there is no cure for them. GURR! It makes me so angry to know that the lawmakers are coming up with the most retarded things to use for their budget cuts like education and health! I’m glad that in the end of this it’s not going to be cut but, I really hope that this program never gets cut and it’s so wrong for them to have to worry about the program ever being in that predicament now and in the future. I must say I love Mr. Benson last line of his blog “I swear this state needs to get its priorities straight” Now that’s hella true!