Catholic Bishop's Conference Supports The Unemployed

US Bishops (USCCB) encourage Congress to extend unemployment benefits.  Quoting from a letter to the Senate, Bishop Murphy indicates, “Without quick Congressional action to extend these unemployment benefits and additional support though 2010, millions of workers will be left without the financial wherewithal to provide for their families. Not only would this be a horrible blow to the fragile economic recovery, it would be a tragedy for these families and the communities in which they live.”

The Senate may be voting on the issue on Tuesday, July 20.  On an ACTION ALERT sent by the USCCB encourages individuals to contact their senators and express request for the extension.

In addition to supporting this extension, the USCCB has provided moral guidelines for job formations and economic recovery.

  Respect for life and dignity: Do policy initiatives respect and enhance the life and dignity of all? Do programs for education and job creation recognize and affirm the diversity of gifts and talents each person has to contribute to the common good?

Subsidiarity and solidarity: Are policy initiatives and investments focused on local communities? Are they adaptable and flexible enough to respond to the needs of differing communities? Will policies lead to a shared recovery for all?

Respect for marriage and family life:  Do federal programs provide a genuine safety net, create jobs and offer opportunities that are supportive of and strengthen quality family life? Does the policy respect and encourage family ties that are so important on matters of poverty and the economy?

Priority for the poor and vulnerable: Are resources and programs targeted to those most in need?

Recognition of cultural diversity: Do programs and initiatives recognize the particular challenges of minority communities? Do programs and initiatives reduce the systemic economic disparities experienced by minority communities?

 Right to economic initiative and productive work: Do the policies promote just wages and benefits necessary to support both the worker and their family?