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Committee hears pleas to restore HIV/AIDS supportive services funding; author seeks $5–9 million
Summary
Multiple testifiers urged the Committee for Human Services to fund HIV/AIDS supportive services after federal rebate changes left a zero balance in the state fund. Representative Perez Vega asked for an appropriation larger than the governor’s one‑time $6 million; public witnesses and advocates urged $9 million to maintain services statewide.
The House Committee for Human Services on April 1 heard testimony in support of House File 2523, a bill to appropriate state funds for HIV/AIDS supportive services administered through the Department of Human Services (DHS) HIV Support Division.
Lead author Representative Perez Vega said Minnesota continues to average about 300 new HIV diagnoses annually and that rebates historically used to fund the HIV support services grants now leave the state fund at a zero balance because of federal changes. She and witnesses argued that without state appropriation many community organizations that provide case management, medication access, housing assistance and medically tailored meals could close in 2026.
Representatives of advocacy organizations and service providers described the services as critical to viral suppression and stable housing. Kat Rohn, executive director of OutFront Minnesota, told the committee that funding prevention and support “will save Minnesotans dollars, and most importantly, they will save Minnesotans lives in years to come.” Saint Urban, a service recipient, and representatives of Clare Housing and Open Arms of Minnesota described how local supportive services assist clients with medication adherence, stable housing and nutrition. Open Arms’ testimony emphasized that medically tailored meals are a medical necessity for many clients living with HIV.
Witnesses requested amounts larger than the governor’s recommendation. DHS fiscal staff told the committee the governor’s budget recommended a one‑time appropriation of $6,000,000; advocates and some speakers asked for $9,000,000 to sustain service capacity statewide. Representative Perez Vega said she would be open to more than the bill’s initial $5,000,000 ask and stressed rising needs in both metro and Greater Minnesota.
Committee members asked DHS staff about allocation and whether funds are needs‑based. Testimony from Clare Housing’s executive director said DHS distributes funds through a competitive request‑for‑proposal process (RFP) consistent with federal Ryan White priorities; DHS typically prioritizes medically necessary services such as medication access and transportation.
Representative Perez Vega closed by urging support for continued funding. The committee laid over House File 2523 for possible inclusion in omnibus budget work; no committee vote on passage was recorded in the transcript.
