2009 Budget Debate:
Bishops Call for Protection of the Poor, Real Reform

The president of the California Catholic Conference, Bishop Stephen Blaire, Diocese of Stockton, called on lawmakers to give top priority during budget deliberations to those who cannot help themselves.  The statement of the California Bishops was introduced at a press conference on Thursday at the Sacramento Food Bank, in the heart of one of the Capitol’s most impoverished neighborhoods.

“The pain our people feel is real,” said Bishop Blaire. “We see it in the faces of families we meet at parishes throughout our dioceses. We know it intimately from the dedicated work the staff and volunteers at Catholic Charities perform every day, as they offer help and hear the stories of tired, depressed and anxious individuals who have lost their jobs, lost their homes and cannot provide for their children, their families or themselves.”

The Bishops’ statement stressed that lawmakers must set clear priorities that address the “basic survival needs” of individuals and families first.  They also called for real budget and tax reforms:  “Real people and real families are paying a great price for California’s budget problems.  A permanent fix needs to be enacted,” said Bishop Blaire.

“We are in an economic crisis,” said Bishop Jaime Soto, Diocese of Sacramento, “but we, as Californians, should continue to support those in need, those who are suffering the most because they are without basic resources.  Let’s continue our acts of charity especially to marginalized individuals and families. Together let’s fulfill this commitment.” 

Bishops Blaire and Soto were joined at the press event by retired Sacramento Bishop, William Weigand; Ned Dolejsi, executive director of the Conference; Fr. Michael Kiernan, Diocese of Sacramento Catholic Charities Director; Shannon Lahey, executive director of Catholic Charities of California; and Blake Young, President of the Sacramento Food Bank.

Click here to read the complete statement.   English Spanish