January 10, 2020

Inside this issue

• CCUSA Presents the Washington Weekly

  CCUSA Presents the Washington Weekly  
 
This week in Washington, much of the discussion focused on foreign policy, multiple earthquakes striking Puerto Rico, and mapping out budget plans for 2021.

Puerto Rico Earthquakes

Two major earthquakes rocked Puerto Rico, with Monday bringing a 5.8 magnitude earthquake followed by a 6.4 one on Tuesday. This catastrophe has thus far killed one person and injured nine others. It sent most of the island into blackout, with nearly one million people without power and hundreds of thousands without water. Many homes were reduced to rubble, sending 2,000 people into shelters. President Trump declared an emergency in Puerto Rico which triggers funds from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to be available for things such as medical care, mobile generators, and transportation. Recovery efforts have been further complicated by an additional 40 earthquakes, having an average of 3.0 magnitude or higher, occurring since Tuesday's earthquake.  

Please pray for those impacted by this devastating disaster. If you would like to contribute to the recovery effort, you can donate here.

Fiscal Year 2021 Discussions

The federal budget season will begin once President Trump submits his budget to Congress. Typically the president gives the State of the Union address and lays out diverse priorities for the coming year. The State of the Union is then followed by the president's budget. This year the State of the Union is scheduled for Tuesday, February 4, 2020, and the president's budget is expected to be released on February 10. The president's budget is not law, but it represents a starting point for Congress to begin their budget process. Once Congress receives the president's budget, the Budget committees usually draft budget resolutions.

Budget resolutions could be skipped this year because last year's spending agreement set discretionary spending levels for this fiscal year. Congressional leadership has indicated their intention to complete the budget process before the September 30 deadline, which would avoid a continuing resolution or a government shutdown.
 
Faith and the Common Good
Kelly M. Bolton, the program director for Catholic Charities Adoption Services in the Diocese of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, identified the poverty rate for children in the United States at 16.2%, which translates to approximately 11.9 million children in the United States.   

January is Poverty Awareness Month.  At Catholic Charities, we are working to raise awareness about the impact of poverty across our network as well as how agencies work to reduce poverty in America every day.  Click here to learn more about how agencies are addressing poverty and what you can do.

Saint Benedict Joseph Labre 

Saint Benedict Joseph Labre is the patron saint of the homeless.  His witness reminds us to reflect on the needs of our brothers and sisters living without stable housing.

O dearest St. Benedict Joseph Labre, you who truly understand what it is like to be homeless,

I ask your prayers on behalf of all those who are homeless, especially (name person).

You were totally reliant upon the generosity and kindness of others.  Pray that those who are homeless experience kindness, understanding, and love from others.

You know what it felt like to be turned away and scoffed at. 

Pray that the wounds of their hearts will be healed and that they can openly embrace the charity of others.

Through your gracious intercession may they find safe places to lay their heads, friendly and accepting places to eat meals, and supportive places to bathe and receive medical care.

Thank you dear saint for your prayers.  Amen.

Trivia

When did Martin Luther King, Jr. plan for the Poor People's Campaign to take place?

Please send your answers to [email protected]

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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