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September 22, 2023


News


Overview: This week, members of CCUSA's Social Policy team attended the Hispanic Caucus Congressional Legislative Annual Conference and the Black Caucus Congressional Legislative Annual Legislative Conference at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in DC.

The possibility of a government shutdown seems likely as the House this week was unable to pass any appropriations bill or stopgap measure. Earlier this month, CCUSA wrote a letter to lawmakers ([link removed]) urging them to fund domestic programs that serve vulnerable and low-income populations in any stopgap measure.

Social Security: CCUSA endorsed a bipartisan Senate and House bill ([link removed]) to expand Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for low-income individuals and older adults. The legislation addresses the outdated asset limits of $2,000 for individuals/$3,000 for couples by raising them to $10,000 and $20,000, respectively. The last update to the asset limit was in 1989.

Safety net:In response to the recent publication of 2022 U.S. poverty data, CCUSA released a joint statement ([link removed]) recently with the Catholic Health Association highlighting the need to support those living in poverty. "Living the mandate of the Gospel, the Catholic Charities ministries work each day to stand in radical solidarity with those in need. This report is a reminder that we can't do it alone and that just and humane public policies that support children, families and vulnerable communities are critically important," said Kerry Alys Robinson, president and CEO of CCUSA. Read the full statement ([link removed]).

Economy: In the week ending Sept. 16, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial unemployment claims ([link removed]) was 201,000, a decrease of 20,000 from the previous week's revised level. The previous week's level was revised up by 1,000 from 220,000 to 221,000. The 4-week moving average was 217,000, a decrease of 7,750 from the previous week's revised average. The previous week's average was revised up by 250 from 224,500 to 224,750.

TPS for Venezuela: This week the Biden administration expanded Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months for Venezuela, which means Venezuelans in the U.S. on or before July 31, 2023 (about 472,000 people) are eligible to apply for TPS and work permits. CCUSA requested TPS for Venezuela in November 2022 ([link removed]).

World Day of Migrants and Refugees (WDMR): WDMR is Sept. 24 and Pope Francis' message calls us to walk alongside our sisters and brothers experiencing displacement due to poverty, hunger, conflict and the effects of climate change. The day is an opportunity to pray for vulnerable persons on the move from their homelands and to contact one's representatives in Congress ([link removed]) to urge them to provide aid as well as comprehensive immigration reform policies and legislation. Catholic Relief Services, one of CCUSA's sister organizations in the Church, is also providing resources to take action ([link removed]).

 

Trivia

Q. Padre Pio died on Sept. 23, 1968. What town in Italy has become synonymous with the saint?

Please send your answers to the Birth has been assigned to September 8 ([link removed]) both in the East and in the West, but in ancient times it was celebrated on different dates from place to place. However, when the Feast of the Immaculate Conception (which has a later origin than that of the Birth) was extended to the whole Church, the Birth little by little became assigned everywhere to September 8: nine months after the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception.

 

Connections

Please share CCUSA's Washington Weekly ([link removed]) with your friends, family and networks so that we can build a movement of solidarity for those most in need!

Text "CCUSA" to 855-564-3197 to receive our action alerts! You can also access advocacy opportunities through our Action Center ([link removed]).

Stay connected with our work: Follow us on Twitter @EndPoverty ([link removed]).

If you would like to help further Catholic Charities' commitment to alleviating, reducing, and preventing poverty, you can contribute here ([link removed]).

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