THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK
OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS
CITY HALL
NEW YORK, NY 10007
Release # 107-2009

Statement by Speaker Christine C. Quinn
Re: President Obama’s Renewal of the Ryan White CARE Act and Repeal of HIV Travel and Immigration Ban

“With the signing of the Ryan White CARE Act today, President Obama has provided renewed hope for more than 100,000 New Yorkers who will continue to have access to vital medications and health programs.  The Ryan White program is critical to ensuring that all New Yorkers and all Americans living with HIV and AIDS have proper access to the care they so desperately need.

“In addition, the President today repealed the HIV Travel and Immigration Ban, a discriminatory restriction born out of ignorance. For over 25 years, countless immigrant families have been kept a part because of this ban. Today’s announcement confirms what many have said; government policies should not be based on fear and hatred, but should be based on evidence. 

“I applaud the President and his administration for their continued support of those living with HIV/AIDS, and their ongoing commitment to national health care reform.”