Proceeds from sales would fund community-based HIV/AIDS prevention programs 

BROADVIEW – Legislation sponsored by state Rep. Karen Yarbrough (D-Maywood) to create a “Quality of Life” lottery ticket to fund HIV/AIDS prevention in Illinois passed the House of Representatives last Wednesday. 

“Many more HIV and AIDS cases could be prevented if community-based prevention groups receive more resources,” Yarbrough said.  “By creating this new lottery game, we are involving the public in raising funds that will allow these groups to continue their good work.”

Yarbrough’s House Bill 315 creates the Quality of Life Board within the Illinois Department of Revenue.  The board will work with the department to create and market an instant scratch-off game in the state lottery that sets aside all net revenues (ticket sales after payouts) for organizations involved in HIV/AIDS prevention.  Organizations will compete for grants based on their size, and the funds received may not be used for institutional, organizational or community-based overhead costs, indirect costs, or levies.

“HIV and AIDS have exploded in minority communities, and as a result, we have a greater need to target prevention funding to these communities,” Yarbrough said.  “Groups like CeaseFire have shown proven results in stopping violence by working within the fabric of the community, and it is that kind of involvement and interaction that we hope to encourage with the Quality of Life ticket and board.”

House Bill 315, which is co-sponsored by more than 30 House members, now moves to the Senate for further consideration.  For more information, contact Yarbrough’s constituent service office at 708-615-1747.

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