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June 21, 2024


 

News


Overview: As the House has been considering and approving appropriations bills this week, the Senate indicates it will begindoing the samein July.

CCUSA's convenings on homelessness: Register today for our upcoming forums ([link removed]) in Minneapolis (August 8-9) and Phoenix (October 24-25)! Throughout 2024, CCUSA is collaborating with local Catholic Charities agencies to host several regional convenings that will better equip attendees to raise awareness around the crisis of homelessness in America. This series, Advocacy Forums: A Convening on Practical Solutions to Address Homelessness ([link removed]), provides a platform to discuss the state of homelessness in local communities, states and regions; share challenges, ideas, solutions and models of best practice for addressing homelessness; and federal-level advocacy training. The collective wisdom, best practices and innovative solutions developed at these convenings will help guide the creation of a new white paper and inform preparations for a national summit on homelessness prevention. Leaders and staff from Catholic Charities agencies, Catholic organizations, Catholic parishes, other faith communities and local collaborators are encouraged to attend. Presenters include CCUSA staff, Catholic Charities leaders, community leaders and local, state and federal agencies. Registration for the events is free, and a limited number of stipends for travel costs are available for Catholic Charities agency staff members. Attendees also can receive up to 5.5 social work continuing education credits through their participation.

Mental health resources in rural areas: In this webinar hosted by CCUSA, Catholic Social Services of Western Ohio, Cass, and the Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers ([link removed]) will shine a light on examples of mental health resources and services in rural communities (Date: Oct. 1, 2024. Time: 1 p.m. ET). Presenters will discuss the creative ways their organizations are bringing mental health support to rural areas. Examples of these practical interventions include the piloting of a mental health chatbot, collaborating with an office for Persons with Disabilities to create support groups, and supporting parishes and dioceses in establishing mental health ministries.

Appropriations: CCUSA sent two letters to appropriations committees urging leadership to fund programs that come to the assistance of people who are vulnerable or lacking in resources. Regarding the Fiscal Year 2025 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies appropriations bill, the letter asked for the highest level of funding possible for housing and community development programs serving families and individuals who are poor and vulnerable (House ([link removed]), Senate ([link removed])). Concerning the Fiscal Year 2025 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education appropriations bill, CCUSA urged investment in programs that protect and support poor and vulnerable children, families, and persons facing behavioral and mental health crises, and elderly persons (House ([link removed]), Senate ([link removed])).

Discounted medications: CCUSA signed a letter urging that hospitals and pharmacies could continue to offer through the 340B program discounted prices on medications to America's most vulnerable. Under the 340B program, drug manufacturers agree to provide outpatient drugs at a discount to safety-net providers that serve the most vulnerable Americans, including low-income Medicare, Medicaid, and Supplemental Security Insurance patients.

Economy: In the week ending June 15, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial unemployment claims ([link removed]) was 238,000, a decrease of 5,000 from the previous week's revised level. The previous week's level was revised up by 1,000 from 242,000 to 243,000. The 4-week moving average was 232,750, an increase of 5,500 from the previous week's revised average. The previous week's average was revised up by 250 from 227,000 to 227,250.

Catholic Social Teaching: Faithful Citizenship is bringing together a panel of veteran policy experts, including Luz Tavarez, CCUSA's vice president for government relations, to discuss how they incorporate Catholic Social Teaching through their work in Washington, DC. The event will take place June 25, 2024, from 5 to 7 p.m. ([link removed]), in Room 2255 of the Rayburn House Office Building. A reception sponsored by Georgetown University will follow the panel discussion.

 

Trivia

Q, What does the clothing of John the Baptist signal about him?

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