D.C. city council plans to cut $1 million from HIV programs

The 13-member Washington, D.C., city council plans to cut $1 million from the health department's HIV/AIDS prevention and service programs, a move that Mayor Anthony Williams says would neglect the city's "neediest residents," The Washington Times reports. The council's proposed budget also would cut $2.5 million from the Child and Family Services Agency and $2 million from mental health programs. "We worked hard to build a strong safety net for our most vulnerable residents, and I feel these cuts are irresponsible," Williams said. The council is expected to approve a final fiscal 2003 budget at its May 6 meeting, which includes the funding cuts. Williams has hinted that he may veto any budget that includes reductions in funding for key health programs.