Governor Says He Favors Increasing Funds for AIDS

Citing a “moral imperative” to discover a cure for AIDS, Gov. George Deukmejian said Saturday he is willing to increase state spending for research and treatment of the disease.

In his first speech devoted entirely to the subject, Deukmejian labeled acquired immune deficiency syndrome “one of the great human tragedies of our time” and called for “a total societal effort to find a cure.”

The governor, who earlier this year vetoed $11.6 million in AIDS funds from the state budget, did not specify how much money he is now willing to spend to combat the deadly virus. However, an aide indicated he was willing to restore $4.9 million in AIDS spending.

“California accounts for nearly 25% of all the AIDS victims in the nation,” Deukmejian said in his weekly radio address. “Over 3,000 people in our state have caught the disease. Over 1,200 have died.

“There’s no way to adequately express the depth of our sorrow to the victims of AIDS, or to their families and loved ones. The stark tragedy of so many promising young lives cut down in their prime is a harrowing loss for us all.”

The governor’s speech reflects a growing concern among state officials about the spread of AIDS, which destroys the body’s immune system and leaves victims helpless to fight off other diseases.

AIDS has primarily attacked homosexuals and intravenous drug users but has caused increasing concern among some members of the general population.

“AIDS is now a health threat of global proportions,” Deukmejian said. “Only a worldwide effort by the medical, scientific and public health communities can fully and quickly come to grips with this disease.”

Sharp Spending Rise

Deukmejian noted that he has approved spending $15 million this year for AIDS research, education and health services--a 282% increase over last year’s spending, he said.

Deukmejian’s veto drew criticism from gay leaders and some Democrats, but the governor argued it was unclear whether the funds could be wisely spent.

Last month, the Senate approved legislation by Senate President Pro Tem David A. Roberti (D-Los Angeles) that would restore the entire $11.6 million.

In an effort to win the governor’s signature, Assembly members have reduced the amount of money in the bill to $4.9 million. The measure is scheduled for a vote on the Assembly floor this week.

Negotiations Continue

“We are comfortable with the $4.9 million,” deputy press secretary Kevin Brett said after the governor’s radio talk. But he cautioned that negotiations with the Legislature are still continuing.

In his statewide address, Deukmejian said: “I will support additional funding--and my Administration is working with members of the Legislature and the University of California to determine how much additional funding could be used at this time.”

According to state Health Director Kenneth Kizer, money is needed for clinical research, drug testing, finding alternatives to the hospitalization of victims and aiding communities that have large numbers of victims.

Deukmejian called California “a leader among states” in combating AIDS and outlined steps his Administration has already taken to battle the disease.

Testing Results Cited

With the development of a test to detect AIDS antibodies, he said, the state has been able to screen donated blood while establishing separate testing sites for individuals concerned that they may have AIDS.

“As a result of these actions, the California blood supply is safe,” Deukmejian said.

Furthermore, he said, the state has streamlined its Medi-Cal procedures so that victims of AIDS can begin receiving assistance without delay.

“Our legacy to those who have died and those who with bravery and dignity now battle this killer must be a total societal effort to find a cure and prevent the further spread of this disease,” Deukmejian said.