Overview: Kerry Alys Robinson, president and CEO of CCUSA, accompanied by Luz Tavarez, vice president of CCUSA government relations, met with Catholic members of Congress this week.
Economy: In the week ending March 22, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial unemployment claims was 224,000, a decrease of 1,000 from the previous week's revised level. The previous week's level was revised up by 2,000 from 223,000 to 225,000. The 4-week moving average was 224,000, a decrease of 4,750 from the previous week's revised average. The previous week's average was revised up by 1,750 from 227,000 to 228,750.
Call to action: Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is a "sister" agency to CCUSA focused on international humanitarian relief (whereas CCUSA focuses on the domestic scene), and both CCUSA and CRS are Caritas Internationalis members from the USA. CRS asks: Do you live in AK, AR, ID, KS, KY, ME, MS, ND, NE, SC, SD, UT, or WY? Are you passionate about taking a leadership role in mobilizing others to advocate to protect life-saving programs around the world? Reach out to [email protected] to learn how your community's coordinated actions and advocacy could make a significant difference in the future of how CRS can serve our global family. Please continue to call and email Congress as the lives of our sisters and brothers hang in the balance!
Safety net: Members of the Circle of Protection's Coordinating Committee - including CCUSA - sent a letter this morning to all members of Congress and their chiefs of staff. The letter asks the president and members of Congress to keep Medicaid, SNAP, and other poverty-focused, pro-family programs intact. The letter also recommends expanding the Child Tax Credit to include millions of children in low-income, working families who do not benefit from the maximum child credit.
Behavioral health webinar: Please join us for this CCUSA webinar! Dr. Nina Corona and Catholic Charities of South Jersey will explore how to respond to the growing behavioral health needs in our communities through education, evangelization, and healing initiatives that are both evidence-based and faith-based. In addition, Catholic Charities of Oklahoma City will show how creating a connection with our communities can build trust and familiarity with mental health services. Register HERE.
Town halls: We have attached to this message a list of upcoming town hall meetings hosted by members of Congress. This is a great way to have your voice heard. Please reach out to your member for more details. You can use CCUSA's "Find Your Elected Officials" tool.