Legislation will create a lottery scratch-and-win game for HIV/AIDS funding 

CHICAGO - To provide assistance for HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment for communities affected by this disease, State Rep. Karen Yarbrough (D-Maywood) announced at a press conference at the James R. Thompson Center on Wednesday that she will be the chief sponsor of House Bill 315, a legislative initiative that will establish the Quality of Life scratch-off lottery game.

State Senator Jacqueline Collins will be the chief sponsor of the legislation in the Senate.  Chief co-sponsors in the House include Representatives Constance Howard, Cynthia Soto, Sara Feigenholtz and Eddie Washington.

“Research has shown that incidences of HIV/AIDS are growing throughout our state,” said Yarbrough.  “While lots of individuals and organizations are working hard to raise funds for prevention and treatment, it is apparent that incidences of HIV/AIDS continue to increase, in some instances dramatically.  We must meet this critical need with increased resources,” she insisted.

All the revenue from the “Quality of Life” scratch-off-game will be deposited into a Quality of Life Endowment Fund to be used by the Department of Public Health for HIV/AIDS prevention education, and for grants to public and private organizations in Illinois that serve disproportionately affected communities.  The bill also creates a 13-member board to review grant proposals and make recommendations to the Illinois Department of Public Health.

“I am proud to join with many other HIV/AIDS advocacy groups, direct service providers and consumers throughout Illinois in support of this legislation,” stated Michael O’Connor, local HIV/AIDS advocate.  The “quality for life” legislation stems from Congressman Danny K. Davis’ annual “State of the District” workshop last September.

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, more than 30,000 Illinois residents have been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS since 1981.  Illinois ranks sixth in the United States.

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