For Immediate Release
Press Release

The Hillsborough Board of County Commissioners intends to cut funding to the AIDS program of THAP and the Hillsborough County Public Healthcare System. We at Voice of Freedom oppose these cuts. These proposals create fear and terror into those who have no other recourse to receive life-sustaining medications and medical assistance. Our research shows that the County Administrator, Dan Kleman, is making cuts to hide the errors of his failed economic policy and poor management skills. We also find that the proposed cuts may violate the ADA and civil rights laws.

The county healthcare program was initiated in 1991. The goal was, "The more people we serve, the more money we save." That is still a stated position on the County's website. However, the current administration is reversing itself on its commitment to the community.

The Republican administration has promoted giving local governments more authority. Yet, this board, controlled by Republicans, is now saying it cannot meet the needs of the community. In a recent press release, Mr. Kleman cried foul to the idea of the state shifting funding for healthcare programs to county government's. His position is contrary to the Republican dogma of returning authority to local governments. Furthermore, these programs can be fully funded based on the County's press release. Simply, establish a seven dollar and forty-three cent ($7.43) property tax on homes assessed at $125,000 or more. That's less than .63 cents per month per home. This will generate an excess of 3 million dollars and meet many of the healthcare needs.

The County and City's move to withhold funding to the AIDS sector of THAP is convoluted, misdirected, arbitrary and capricious. Over the past two years Voice of Freedom has worked with the New Orleans Baptist Church to move the existing County Senior Center into a better facility. During that time we have repeatedly asked for a deadline and the response from Ms. Myra Price, Director of Aging Services for Hillsborough County, is that it is next to impossible to give a time certain. So, if the Department of Aging Services does not have to meet deadlines, why then is THAP held to a different standard? The problems facing THAP has to do with poor management and poor oversight by both the County and City Administrators. Both administrations need to take heed of two recent lawsuits.

In a recent lawsuit in Broward County, where an AIDS patient, Mr. Steinsmith, was denied psychiatric health because Broward General Hospital did not believe he was sufficiently mentally ill. And Broward House, a private nonprofit AIDS support program would not take him because he was too mentally ill and they did not have enough money to assist him, Judge Ginger Lerner-Wren ordered both programs to treat Mr. Steinsmith calling their actions "absolutely unacceptable" and "inexcusable."

In a related case, US District Judge William Haynes agreed to extend a restraining order issued last month (October) prohibiting TennCare from closing its enrollment to people who cannot get medical insurance.

The Tennessee and Florida court's based their ruling on the ADA and civil rights laws.

Neither the county nor the city is prepared to handle the overflow of clients handled by THAP. As well, the other AIDS service organizations in the area are not financially prepared to handle these additional clients. So, if either government or AIDS service organization denies services to these patients they will certainly face legal challenges.

For Immediate Release
Press Release

Contact:
Mauricio Rosas
2605 West Kennedy Blvd.
Tampa, FL 33609
Tel: 813-231-3326
Fax: 813-231-3306 or 813-348-3954
Cell: 813-469-1904
Email: mauriciorosas@aol.com
"Freedom from Fear"