I thought speeches like this only happened in movies. On Friday morning, a little after 3am (yes, they were still in session), New York State Senator Tom Duane, Chairperson of the Senate Health Committee, gave a passionate speech (to say the least) imploring his fellow Senators to vote on S2664, legislation that would "[p]rovide that certain persons living with HIV or AIDS shall not be required to pay more than 30% of the household income towards shelter costs [if they receive public assistance]".

Allied DPA organizations, New York City AIDS Housing Network (NYCAHN) and Vocal -- NY Users Union, had been working on passing this bill this legislative session. The legislation seemed like it stood little chance of passing, as it would cost the state money (although a longer-term cost benefit analysis determined that it would actually save the state money), and as a state in a deeply precarious fiscal position, NYS legislators didn't want to spend the money -- zeven though people living with HIV/AIDS are the only group that has to pay more than 30% of their monthly income on rent if receiving public assistance.

And with the cards stacked against him, Senator Duane made his moving 22 minute speech in the early hours of the morning (see video below). While working with NYCAHN and Vocal, I have met people living with HIV/AIDS that have gone through absolute hell to pay for normal household items because so much of their income goes to rent. This is a compassionate and practical piece of legislation that should be a no-brainer, but we still live in a society that is deeply entrenched in HIV/AIDS prejudices (among a great many other things).

For context: Tom Duane was the first openly gay member and person living with HIV when he was elected to the NY Senate in 1998.


Oh, and what about the vote? you ask. The Senate voted 52-1 in favor.* The power of poignant and honest words has not been lost on the legislative body despite their severe dysfunction.


*I don't want to be a party pooper, but the NYS Assembly did not vote on the bill before their recess. But this vote does send a strong message to the Assembly and Governor when they reconvene.