Schwarzenegger
boosts California AIDS spending

A new state budget signed by California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger includes big increases in spending for the state's AIDS Drug Assistance Program as well as new money for a program to fight the use of crystal methamphetamine among gay men and other at-risk groups, reports the Bay Area Reporter. The budget also includes $5.6 million for HIV education and prevention services for rural counties in the state. The newly approved state budget includes a $38.5 million funding increase for the ADAP in order to keep it fully funded and avoid having to curtail enrollment, tighten financial eligibility requirements, or reduce the number of drugs provided to participants. The budget also includes $10 million in crystal meth prevention funds. (The Advocate)