San Francisco archbishop urges lawmakers not to cut programs for the poor
August 10, 2010
As California grapples with a $19-billion deficit, Archbishop George Niederauer is warning legislators that a decrease in funding for some social programs “hurts children and destroys families.”
“Cuts should not be made blindly,” said the San Francisco archbishop. “They need to be made intelligently, with compassion, keeping in mind the long-term needs of Californians and our moral responsibility to the most vulnerable among us.”
“These programs aren't cut because Californians don't need them. They're cut because it's expedient,” he added. “There are no powerful interest groups representing poor families, the elderly, the blind and disabled … Lawmakers and the governor have the tools and the ability to solve these problems, but it requires leadership. They need to stop giving in to special interests and start looking after the future of California. They need to stop the partisanship and the bickering.”
For all current news, visit our News home page.
Further information:
All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a current donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!
