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Overview: CCUSA’s policy team prepared and sent two letters urging funding in the appropriations process that demonstrate special concern for vulnerable populations. See the “Recent letters” paragraph below for details. The CCUSA social policy team is contributing to the Virtual O’Grady Leadership Institute this week and next by hosting webinars on public policy and CCUSA’s issue brief on racism. There are 139 participants from 45 Catholic Charities agencies and CLINIC participating in the O’Grady Institute. Farm Bill: On June 22, 2023, Frankie Chevere, senior manager of social policy and government affairs at CCUSA, participated in a Farm Bill Roundtable Discussion on Capitol Hill convened by the leadership of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. The discussion presented an opportunity for representatives of organizations from different parts of the country to meet directly with more than a dozen Hispanic Members of Congress and brief them on issues impacting the Farm Bill and Hispanic communities. Economy: In the week ending June 17, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial unemployment claims was 264,000, unchanged from the previous week’s revised level. The previous week’s level was revised up by 2,000 from 262,000 to 264,000. The 4-week moving average was 255,750, an increase of 8,500 from the previous week’s revised average. This is the highest level for this average since Nov. 13, 2021, when it was 260,000. The previous week’s average was revised up by 500 from 246,750 to 247,250. Recent letters: On June 21, 2023, CCUSA joined other church bodies and ministries in a Circle of Protection letter to President Biden and members of Congress urging Appropriations decisions that give priority to poverty-focused programs such as WIC, housing and international aid; tax legislation that contributes to a more just society; and a Farm Bill that will reduce hunger and poverty. CCUSA, in a letter to the Senate Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies, urged Congress to increase funding in fiscal year 2024 for Department of Justice grant programs that serve youth, families and communities impacted by crime and the criminal justice system. |
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