TRENTON – Senator Nia H. Gill today issued the following statement on President Trump’s firing of the members of the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS. Six members had already resigned earlier this year:
“President Trump’s decision to fire the members of the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS was irrational and irresponsible. This is counterproductive and will have negative effects in the effort to formulate policy to address this pressing issue, to reduce deaths and find a cure. Most concerning is that President Trump’s decision threatens to halt the advances made over the years in our fight against the ongoing epidemic of HIV and AIDS, and it was executed without explanation.
“Once again, in the face of dangerous decision-making in Washington, it will be up to states to lead the way on this issue. Here in New Jersey we’ve taken action to address HIV and AIDS by making the needle exchange program permanent in order to decrease the risk of spreading infectious diseases like HIV and AIDS, which are a threat to public health. We have made progress in combatting the HIV/AIDS epidemic, and New Jersey will not retreat from our responsibility.”