April 30, 2021

Inside this issue

• CCUSA Presents the Washington Weekly

  CCUSA Presents the Washington Weekly  
 
This week marked the end of the first 100 days of President Biden's administration and his first address to a joint, though socially-distanced, Congress.  During his address, the president called for immigration reform including a path to citizenship for Dreamers and farmworkers.  Republicans were quick to indicate that any legislation concerning immigration must address the crisis at the border.

As Biden introduced the American Families Plan, he discussed plans to invest in children and families. Click here for a summary from the White House.  Read below for some highlights:

Education

Two years free, high-quality preschool for 3 and 4-year-olds.

Child care

Lowest-income families will have child care costs covered; families with incomes 1.5x state median income will pay no more than 7 percent of their income for all children under age 5 (can choose child care center, family day care, or Early Head Start).

Nutrition assistance

Expand summer food benefits to all eligible children nationwide; expand healthy school meals: reimburse higher percentage of meals at free reimbursement rate; lower threshold for Community Eligibility Participation to 25 percent of students participating in SNAP; also reimburse even higher percentage of meals at free reimbursement rate. 

Child Tax Credit:

Expansion of CTC from $2,000 to $3,000 for kids over age 6; to $3,600 for kids under age 6; 17-year-olds eligible.  Makes permanent the full refundability of CTC.  Extends the increased amount for CTC through 2025.  For families with parents earning up to $100,000 a year with two children under 6, increase of $3,200.  For families earning $24,000 a year with two children under 6, they will receive an increase of more than $4,400 because the full tax credit is now available to them.

Catholic Charities USA, rooted in our Catholic identity, continues to advocate for policies to address the disparities across the country as we detailed here.   

Catholic Charities USA COVID-19 update

On April 29, 2021, the CDC reported that there were 53,051 new COVID-19 cases and 876 deaths. Across the country, 143 million people have received at least one dose of the vaccine, including 99 million people who have been fully vaccinated.  Although signs are promising, people should remain vigilant in their use of masks and social distancing. To learn more about how you can get the vaccine please contact your state health department for its plan for COVID-19 vaccination.

Please visit the CCUSA Social Policy/Advocacy page for updates and policy papers.  See here.  

Faith and the Common Good 

May is the month we honor Mary, the patron saint of humanity.  We continue to pray for the world as many countries are dealing with the devastating effects of COVID-19, especially our sisters and brothers in India.  We pray for the intercession of Mary to provide care and comfort to the sick, the grieving and all the healthcare workers

The Magnificat (Canticle of Mary)

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit finds joy in God my savior; for he has looked upon His servant in her lowliness; all ages to come shall call me blessed. God who is mighty has done great things for me, holy is His name; His mercy is from age to age on those who fear Him. He has shown might with His arm; He has confused the proud in their inmost thoughts. He has deposed the mighty from their thrones and raised the lowly to high places. The hungry He has given every good thing, while the rich He has sent empty away. He has upheld Israel his servant, ever mindful of His mercy; Even as He promised our fathers, promised Abraham and His descendants forever.

Amen.
 
Trivia 

When was legislation signed to designate May as Asian American Pacific Islander month?

Please send your answers to [email protected]

On April 23rd, the trivia question was, "Where was the inauguration held for George Washington in 1789?"

bermanm753 was the first to answer that the inauguration for George Washington was held in Federal Hall in New York City.  On April 30, 1789, George Washington took the oath of office as the first President of the United States and delivered his first inaugural address to a joint session of Congress.

His first inaugural address did not contain specific policy recommendations. Washington urged Congress to add a bill of rights to the Constitution that would express "a reverence for the characteristic rights of freemen and a regard for the public harmony..." Although not required by the Constitution, every president since Washington has followed his example and delivered an inaugural address.

Thomas Jefferson was the first to be sworn in as president in Washington, D.C.

Please share the weekly with your friends, family and networks so that we can build a movement of solidarity for those most in need!

You can also access advocacy opportunities through our advocacy and policy page.

Stay connected with our work to end poverty, follow us on Twitter at @CCharitiesUSA.

If you would like to help further Catholic Charities' commitment to alleviating, reducing, and preventing poverty you can contribute here.
 
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