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December 6, 2024


 

News

Overview: This week, the CCUSA Government Relations team accompanied directors of state Catholic conferences on congressional meetings. Members of Congress and their staff were asked to support four key issues: increased visas for foreign born religious workers, educational choice for families, international humanitarian assistance, and the extension of the Child Tax Credit.

Economy: In the week ending November 30, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial unemployment claims ([link removed]) was 224,000, an increase of 9,000 from the previous week's revised level. The previous week's level was revised up by 2,000 from 213,000 to 215,000. The 4-week moving average was 218,250, an increase of 750 from the previous week's revised average. The previous week's average was revised up by 500 from 217,000 to 217,500.

The number of job openings was little changed at 7.7 million on the last business day of October, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported ([link removed]). Over the month, hires changed little at 5.3 million. The number of total separations was little changed at 5.3 million. Within separations, quits (3.3 million) increased, but layoffs and discharges (1.6 million) changed little.

Mental health services: Catholic Charities USA submitted comments ([link removed]) in response to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's request for information on the following questions: crisis response systems, mobile crisis and outreach services, crisis stabilization services.

Reauthorization of Second Chance Act: The Senate passed the Second Chance Reauthorization Act this week. The original act passed 15 years ago with the intent of helping states, local governments, tribal governments, and nonprofit organizations in their efforts to reduce recidivism. Since 2009, over 50 Catholic Charities agencies have received grants which helped in the work of aiding people leaving incarceration. The reauthorization bill authorizes grant programs for community-based reentry services through 2029, expands allowable uses for supportive and transitional housing services for returning citizens, and improves addiction and overdose prevention services.

 

Trivia

Q. Today we celebrate the feast of St. Nicholas. Some identify him with Santa Claus because of his generous gift giving. He was called the boy bishop. Why?

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