Protect Programs, End Sequestration

A message from LCWR and USCCB:

 

Protect Programs, End Sequestration

Over two years ago, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops joined with over 65 other Christian denominations and organizations to form the Circle of Protection, an unprecedented ecumenical coalition dedicated to protecting federal budget programs that help people and families at home and abroad to escape poverty and live in a manner worthy of their human dignity.

 

Sequestration threatens many of the programs that Catholic organizations rely on to provide vital services to communities in need. In response, close to 100 Christian leaders, including three Catholic bishops and heads of over a dozen other Catholic organizations, signed an open letter to the President and Congressional leaders regarding the federal budget and asking that a "circle of protection" be put around programs that assist poor and hungry people.

 

The President and Congress now need to hear from other clergy and religious from throughout the country. Go here to read the letter and voice your support for poor and vulnerable people by signing on. After signing, you will be prompted to send a letter to your senators and representative using the USCCB legislative action center. To date, over 5,000 religious leaders have sent this letter to their Senators and Representatives. Please join them.

 

The Circle's advocacy has been instrumental in limiting cuts to some effective programs that serve poor people. Mandatory programs like SNAP (food stamps) and child nutrition programs, low-income working tax credits, Medicaid and children's health insurance, and Social Security have been spared every time a bill is passed to reduce the deficit. With 46 million people living in poverty in this country, our advocacy must continue.