Michigan bishops criticize proposed budget cuts
April 15, 2011
The bishops of Michigan have told the governor and state legislative leaders that they “have reasonable cause for serious concern” about three budget proposals that “would adversely impact the state’s destitute and working poor population.”
The bishops expressed concern about the proposed elimination of the Michigan Earned Income Tax Credit, a proposed four-year limit on public assistance, and “eliminating from basic assistance programs those with past drug-related offenses.”
The state is facing a $2 billion budget deficit.
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Posted by: -
Apr. 16, 2011 11:55 AM ET USA
Have the Michigan bishops forgotten their primary duty to the poor? It is not to get public moneys for the poor. It is to charm and coax and browbeat their flocks to take on the problem. There is where the virtue lies. If there be not enough money, get the Catholics to give it. There is always some surplus in daily personal budgets. And for the love of money, give up the rhetoric about pregnancy. Pregnancy is not a disease; it is a choice. It is also the great dignity of women.
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Posted by: Bellarminite1 -
Apr. 16, 2011 11:49 AM ET USA
We've used the government too long as our surrogate for charity. It's far too inefficient and impersonal.
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Posted by: impossible -
Apr. 15, 2011 10:52 PM ET USA
The bishops should instead use CCHD funds to help the poor instead of allowing them to fund community organizers. They need to check the beams in their own eyes before addressing the splinters in the eyes of others and trying to micromanage governmental budgets.
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Posted by: -
Apr. 15, 2011 10:51 PM ET USA
I must respectfully disagree with the Michigan bishops. They sound like our own Cardinal George talking about :the root causes of poverty" -- liberal translation of "people have no responsibility for the consequences of their actions." Remember when the outcry was "hunger?" Well, after several generations of nothing but food stamps and choosing not to work, we see the result: massive obesity. Yes, I'm being politically incorrect -- but accurate, nonetheless. The bishops lead too sheltered a life
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Posted by: opraem -
Apr. 15, 2011 7:55 PM ET USA
to paraphrase some of the recent new hampshire discussions, where were the bishops when the children in the church's care were molested? who gives them any moral authority when they covered up for abusive clergy?
