Care for Poor in Federal Budget, Catholic Bishops Urge Congress

WASHINGTON (March 19, 2007)—Congress must remember the needs of the poor when it considers the federal budget, Bishop William S. Skylstad of Spokane, Washington, and President of the U.S. Bishops, told members of Congress in a letter sent to Capitol Hill March 16.

The text of the entire letter can be found at the United States Bishop’s Conference website.

“I write to you with a simple and heartfelt request: Do not forget or neglect the needs of poor and vulnerable people at home and abroad,” Bishop Skylstad said.

“Congress should shape and adopt a budget that ensures adequate funding for programs that help families in our country escape hunger and homelessness, find decent housing and employment, and have access to quality education and medical care,” Bishop Skylstad wrote. “A major priority should be a continued and strengthened commitment to effective programs of relief, development, and health care in Africa and other parts of the world where people live with crushing poverty and diseases. These wise and necessary investments will also increase our ability to assist and protect refugees fleeing violence and persecution.”

“Your budget choices have clear moral and human dimensions; they reflect our values as a people,’ Bishop Skylstad added. “Please do not forget the “least of these” in your budget deliberations and decisions.”