| The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) is asking Catholics to contact members of Congress to ensure that lifesaving social safety net programs, like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), are funded and to end the government shutdown as quickly as possible.
More than 42 million Americans rely on SNAP to put food on the table. Here in Wisconsin, the FoodShare program (Wisconsin’s name for SNAP) puts food on the table for 700,000 Wisconsinites from all 72 counties. As the government shutdown continues, these families in need are at risk of losing access to this lifeline.
Last night, Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, president of the USCCB, issued a plea to lawmakers and the Administration to work in a bipartisan way to ensure funding for lifesaving programs and an end to the government shutdown. He wrote:
As this government shutdown continues, the U.S. bishops are deeply alarmed that essential programs that support the common good, such as SNAP, may be interrupted. This would be catastrophic for families and individuals who rely on SNAP to put food on the table and places the burdens of this shutdown most heavily on the poor and vulnerable of our nation, who are the least able to move forward. This consequence is unjust and unacceptable.
As people of faith, let us stand shoulder to shoulder with our brothers and sisters in need. If you or someone you know is in need, please reach out to your local St. Vincent de Paul, Catholic Charities, or Catholic parish to be connected with local resources that may be able to provide assistance. Christ implores us in the Gospels to feed the hungry and care for the poor. While the Catholic Church and non-governmental organizations can and do provide assistance, the government cannot abdicate its responsibility to help those most in need.
Please ask your members of Congress to work in a bipartisan way to ensure continued funding of lifesaving programs and to put an end to the government shutdown. By advocating today, your voice can help families with children, soon-to-be mothers, senior citizens, people with disabilities, and veterans.
To contact your Members of Congress, click below: |
