KMPH Fox 26 Central San Joaquin Valley News Source in Fresno, California Entertainment, News, Sports and Weather | HIV and AIDS Patients Protest Budget Cuts

HIV and AIDS Patients Protest Budget Cuts

Fresno - As Governor Schwarzenegger continues to propose sweeping cuts to the state's budget, those whose lives will be changed by the cuts, continue to protest.

Monday, HIV and AIDS patients, and their supporters, rallied in downtown Fresno.

"We're very blessed, without these services I just don't know where we're going to be at in the next 25 years," said Theresa Camarillo who has lived with HIV for 23 years, her daughter for 13 years... thanks in part to programs that help her pay for her medications.

"The meds that we take are very costly...with budget cuts, how are we going to pay for those meds that sustain our lives?" asked Camarillo.

The Governor is proposing $80 million in cuts to statewide HIV/AIDS services, which could cut to financial assistance to patients and eliminate free HIV testing.

Protestors say that could lead to the further spread of the virus, and even death.

"If people aren't going to be able to get tested, they're not going to know their status, they'll be coming into the emergency room with an AIDS diagnosis, rather than getting treatment early on," said James Nicacio, one of the protest organizers.

The governor has also proposed eliminating the state's health and welfare program and cutting wages of home care workers.

Monday, the governor signed an executive order, directing state agencies under his control to stop paying contracts signed since March 1st.

Goods and services already delivered will be paid for and contracts considered necessary for public safety will continue.

California faces a $24.3 billion deficit.

Fresno protestors will take their message to the state capitol, where they will join a larger rally on Wednesday.