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Vermont's Senator James Jeffords is being honored as a leader in the fight against AIDS by an organization representing Americans affected by HIV/AIDS and 3200 community-based organizations that serve them.
AIDS Action is presenting the legislator with one of five National Leadership Awards at a ceremony in Washington, DC this month. The group calls Jeffords "the leading voice of moderation on health care issues in the Republican Party."
Senator Jeffords sponsored the renewal of the Ryan White Bill, which doubled the small state block grants for HIV and AIDS care.
Along with Senators Kennedy, Roth, and Moynihan, he also recently introduced a "Back-to-Work" plan designed to allow the disabled to return to work without losing health coverage. The bill easily passed out of the Senate Finance Committee and currently has 68 co-sponsors.
Tim Palmer, executive director of Vermont CARES, the state's largest AIDS service organization, said, "Senator Jeffords has made a real difference in making sure that Vermonters living with HIV have access to quality care."
Jeffords says he is proud to be recognized for his work in helping people living with HIV and AIDS. "It's a glowing feeling; it's nice to be known for something positive."
The senator adamantly maintains that his Vermont upbringing is the reason for his more-moderate-than-many-Republicans attitude. "It's the storehouse of independence, with a history of not allowing others to tell it what to do," Jeffords says, adding that he is "emotionally involved in preserving people's freedom."
Other individuals being honored at the April 5 ceremony are actress Rosie Perez and Jeanne White, President of the Ryan White Foundation. AIDS Action is also recognizing the efforts of Starbucks and the congressional Black Caucus.
Founded in 1984, AIDS Action is the only organization singularly dedicated to responsible federal policy for improved care and service and robust medical research and effective prevention.
This is the group's ninth National Leadership Awards ceremony. Past award winners include Vice President and Tipper Gore, Randy Shilts, HBO, and USA Today.
