Activists call on Schwarzenegger to maintain ADAP funding

Health officials in Los Angeles on Monday called on California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to maintain AIDS Drug Assistance Program funding proportionate to the program's need. Schwarzenegger's budget proposal includes capping ADAP spending and creating a waiting list if client demand exceeds available funding. California's ADAP helps cover the cost of HIV antiretroviral medications for those earning less than $50,000 a year. Treatment officials said the plan could be devastating, since the number of AIDS cases in California is increasing. "The governor has the money, and we're urging him to spend it," said John King, executive director of the Weingart Center, a nonprofit medical and housing organization.