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National Legislative Agenda 2008-09 62.09 KB (63582 bytes)

Recommendations by the Voice of the Poor Committee, Council of the United States

To view the document click on the title above.

Note: The National Legislative Agenda 2008-9 was approved by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul National Council (Resolution 7-12-2007/8 51) at the annual meeting in Louisville (KY), September  2008.  A position statement on hunger  (Resolution 7-12-2007/8 50) was approved by the National Council Trustees at the same meeting.

SCORECARD:  Let us do a little good as a Voice of the Poor -- 110th Congress Action Summary

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Tips for Scheduling Congressional Delegation Appointments

This overview document was prepared by VOP in Phoenix and is shared by Lucy Howell.  It provides an outline of how the VOP Phoenix schedules meetings with their elected representatives during the annual Catholic Social Gathering.   Note:  The group works five to six weeks in advance of the Capitol Hill meetings.  Other useful sample documents include: visitation schedule, meeting request letter, DC prep, talking points, thank you letter.

How to Contact Your Senator via Phone

An example of how to make a call to the Hill is found on YouTube.  It is by Matt Newell Ching, western regional organizer, Bread for the World (http://www.bread.org).  It can be found at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lgmKEAsfgok

National Legislative Agenda 2006 45.65 KB (46,742 bytes)

Recommendations by the Voice of the Poor Committee, Council of the United States

To view the document click on the title above.

Note: The National Legislative Agenda 2006 was approved by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul National Council (Resolution 7-7-2005/6 18) at the annual meeting in Indianapolis, September 2, 2006. A position statement on restorative justice (Resolution 7-7-2005/6 19) was approved at the same meeting.

National Legislative Agenda 2005 44.77 KB (45,842 bytes)

Recommendations by the Voice of the Poor Committee, Council of the United States

The National Legislative Agenda 2005 (updated) was approved by the Voice of the Poor National Committee, April 14, 2005, and presented to the Trustees at the Midyear Meeting in St. Louis, MO, April 15, 2005. 

To view the document click on the title above.

National Legislative Agenda 2004 40.27 KB (41,235 bytes)

Recommendations by the Voice of the Poor Committee, Council of the United States

This is the National Legislative Agenda that was approved at the National gathering of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Phoenix

(September 2004) for use as a framework for social advocacy. 

April 2007

Belleville Council Vincentians Speak Out Along with Parishes

When utility fees spiked 40% in Illinois Vincentians moved into action.  A sample letter was drafted and sent to parishes to encourage others to speak out about the situation.   The result:  70% of Churches wrote a letter to their legislators.  According to Vincentian Joe Hubbard, this was the biggest cause legislators heard from in 10 years.  The cry was heard for the need to help families with electricity.  By furnishing letters for insertion in bulletins and also for distribution in Churches got attention.  Vincentians in Illinois also rallied for budget increases for TANF and reauthorization of the State Childrens Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).   Pat Hogrebe shares sample letters.  Following is a letter addressing the utility situation.

Dear Governor Blagojevich,

As a concerned voter in the State of Illinois, I am writing with great urgency to express my serious concern about Ameren’s recent 40% utility increase. This energy hike is being felt by everyone but is causing extreme hardship for the low-income, disabled, and elderly. It is causing a very negative ripple effect; the poor who are struggling now with utility payments are being pushed into deeper poverty, those who have been barely able to pay their bills are finding themselves in a position of not having enough money to meet all their expenses, and those who have been able to share discretionary income with the poor are having to use it to cover their own utility bills.

The poor and low-income are struggling and suffering in Illinois and across the nation. I feel very strongly that this extreme increase in utility charges is having a dramatic impact for countless families, especially in our own region of St. Clair County. At a time when utility profits and executive salaries are at an all time high, we have a moral obligation to examine the social impact of such action by Ameren and the issue of social justice in our society.

Thank you for considering this urgent request.

March 2007

Phoenix Networking Report

Lucy Howell sends the following news (3/30/07). 

Last Saturday at the SVdP General Membership meeting, the Community Education Specialist for low income healthcare in AZ held a workshop for interested Vincentians on how to help families complete healthcare applications for Medicaid (AHCCCS in AZ) and S-CHIP (KidsCare in AZ).  Our state government has a gag order for contracts with schools and non-profits for outreach to the estimated 120,000 uninsured but eligible AZ children for this coverage.  We think Vincentians can help in the course of home visits.

On Monday, Paul Martodam, CEO of Catholic Charities for No. and Central AZ and Tricia Hoyt, Director of the Office of Peace and Justice for Catholic Charities, came to our Voice of the Poor meeting. Paul summarized the CCUSA booklet "Poverty in America: A Threat to the Common Good" and gave the committee copies.  He knows Joe and is most appreciative of the support SVdP is throwing behind the campaign to cut poverty in half by 2020.  We talked in general about a conference on poverty that CC-AZ is hoping to hold in Phoenix within the next few months.

On Tuesday, I attended a meeting introducing the new western regional director for Bread for the World, Matt Newell-Ching:  the topic was the Farm Bill.  I gave Matt a copy of the CCUSA booklet on poverty.

Am hoping that another group here, Basic Needs Coalition, will have agenda time for CC-AZ to come and talk about the booklet and the campaign.  This is a group that would be an essential collaboration for a conference on poverty. 

All of this comes under the heading of "getting the ball rolling" at the local level!  I am sure you have seen recent coverage indicating that Americans are now realizing that our social service network is tattered and neglected resulting in a significant population being left behind.

Phoenix Council President Encourages Action!

Phoenix Vincentians are encouraged to speak on Housing/Homelessnes, child care, low income health care for children, and charitable tax credit.  Details are found in the March 10, 2007 Phoenix VOP Action Alert

PayDay Legislation in Oregon

"We are currently working on a bill HB 2851 which will put a cap of 36% on all loans, except real estate loans that are insured," reports Don Lamb.  "This is the Fed bill for the military, for all other citizens.  We include the Military in our bill.  Testifying on Wednesday and we hope it will pass both Houses.  We are waiting for the Governor of  Oregon to sign our other four (4) bills." 

February 2007

  Houston Confidentiality Policy Challenges

A letter was sent by Executive Director Wendy Garaghty to Archbishop DiNardo per the Houston Council Board President's approval to keep the Archbishop informed of challenges being faced by the local Society regarding Confidentiality Policies.   "The situation continues to be a challenge for us in obtaining the resources for those we are serving through Katrina," she said in a recent email. 

"We have had the opportunity to meet with the Senior Assistant Attorney with our Houston Mayor's Office to share the barriers we have come across and how this affects the Society and those we serve.  He was very receptive and has vowed to do what he can to alleviate the problems," she notes adding that, "It has been tough being the odd man out but a necessity in bringing justice to those who continue to suffer from the hurricane devastation.  Their privacy is all some of them have right now and protecting it is our priority....Please keep us in prayer as the heat is on."

Speaking for Farmworker Housing

In a VOP report, Peggy Brodeur of the District Council Miami South Epiphany has endeavored to get the lease renewed for a farmworker by writing letters and making phone calls.

Oregon Legislature and PayDay Loans

Vincentian Don Lamb provides an update.

Hello VINCENTIANS AND A happy Valentine's Day to you and those we serve!!!!!

The Oregon House of Representatives just passed yesterday, HB 2202, 2203, 2204 & 2205.  The vote was 40 to 20!!!!  The Bills will now go to the Senate, which is already in favor of them, since it passed them in the 2005 Legislature, but the House refused to hear the proposals.  Our Governor has indicated in Public that he will sign the bills as they help the low income citizens of our state.  Yes, the working poor get a break.  Maybe it will reduce the demand on our services, at least to some of those we serve.  Basically the bills do the following:  HB2203, caps the interest rate on loans at an APR of 36% and 10% origination fee on loans by out of State Lenders, who were not included in the legislation of 2005;  HB2202 requires a license to cash checks in Oregon and caps the fees at $5.00 or 3% of the check, which ever was greater;  HB 2204 deals with Car Title Loans and limits the interest to 36% APR and a one time origination fee at $10.00 per $100.00 borrowed; HB 2205 is a bill that tightens the language of the lending regulations to be sure that the legislation passed in 2005 is adhered to.  Good work to all and be sure to let your Senator know you appreciate a VOTE For these BILLS.   Yours in Christ and Blessed Frederic,  Donald L. Lamb   

PS  In another note (2/6) Don says, "Our stories to them and the lobbyist about the real rates and costs to the disadvantaged and poor, got home."

January 2007

  "Hands On" VOP Activities in Washington

VOP Chair of the Seattle Archdiocesan Council, Jim Bloss, seeks creative ways to get Vincentians involved in advocacy.  He writes, "To bring VOP 'alive' and to try and 'show by doing' just what Vincentian VOP means, we try to find 'hands on' kinds of activities with which our Vincentians can become involved.  The attached letter was my attempt to provide a kind of variety of activities that we (at our District Council level) hoped would "entice" at least some of our Vincentians to get out there and become involved in Vincentian-kinds of Catholic social justice activities.   

"Another 'tack' about which we've been thinking is to try to recommend to our Vincentian Conferences to become more collaborative with their own Parish's Social Justice Committee (or Conference, as the case may be) - and then there is the JustFaith program which some Parishes have which would provide a great opportunity for a social justice collaboration of some sort (where Vincentian issues coincide with mainline Catholic Social Justice concerns - remember, not 'all' Catholic Social Justice issues have been taken on by the Society)," he adds.   

December 2006

Two Phoenix VOP Reports

Inge Casey of VOP Phoenix shares News on the Arizona Legislature  (opening session January 8, 2007) and Phoenix November VOP Meeting Minutes.

November 2006

  Phoenix speaks for Hunger and Homelessness

The following letter was written by Mike Bell, Director of Shelter Services at Ozanam Manor, a shelter for disabled adults run by the Society in Phoenix.  The letter was signed by Steve Jenkins, who as council president in Phoenix is the council's official spokesperson.  The letter was sent to the opinions section of the Arizona Republic.

National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week is November 12-18, 2006. According to ASU’s Stardust Center for Affordable Homes and the Family, “Permanent affordable homes can be directly and indirectly responsible for educational achievement in children, their stability, their development, and their future.”

Homeless families now make up more than 40% of America’s homeless population and more than 1.3 million children in America are homeless at some time during each year. Homelessness increases incidence of chronic stress and trauma for children that can have far-reaching effects, including poorer academic performance and more behavior problems in school, and an increase in the likelihood of homelessness in adulthood.  Lack of affordable housing is a major case of homelessness.

I urge readers to reflect on what it is like for a child or an adult to be homeless.  Then, imagine how much stronger our communities and nation would be if everyone had access to decent, affordable housing.  A new enlightened “Housing First” approach to ending homelessness is being embraced at the federal government level and in almost every state, including Arizona.  It emphasizes placing homeless people directly into housing with support services. This cost efficient approach has been successful in helping homeless families find and stay in permanent housing.  These efforts require more funding at the state and federal levels to get families off the streets and provide stable environments for our children. Together, we can make this happen.

October 2006

Southeast Regional Presentation on Migrant Farmworkers

At the Oct. 15 SVDP Southeast Regional meeting Vincentian Peggy Brodeur gave a presentation titled, “Migrants Today and Tomorrow.” She provided an update on the difficulties of migrants and SVDP work in Homestead, Florida.

September 2006

Phoenix SVDP Diocesan Board Endorses Minimum Wage Initiative on AZ Ballot

Phoenix VOP’s Lucy Howell shares the Phoenix VOP column for their October newsletter which is mailed to 3,000 Vincentians by the Council’s Vincentian Support Services.  The minimum wage initiative (proposition 202) is on the AZ ballot in November.  “Support was unanimously endorsed by the Diocesan Board,” reports Lucy. Another issue supported is proposition 203, “First Things First” for Arizona’s children, which increases funding for early childhood development and health programs.

SVDP Program Praised for “Stemming Recidivism”

The following is from the San Mateo California Catherine’s Center, September 2006 monthly report from Sister Marguerite Buchanan and Mary Jane Govaerts. “Right here in San Mateo County is a program that works to stem recidivism among incarcerated women, SVdP’s Catherine’s Center,” said District Attorney Jim Fox. On September 7 he addressed the San Mateo Rotary Club and spent at least ten minutes talking about Catherine’s Center. He was speaking to a gathering of over 100 people about the challenges and solutions of our present day criminal justice system.

VOP Evansville Diocese Taking Off!

Deacon Michael Morris reports on the VOP meeting (9/20/06): “I just got in from Evansville and our monthly meeting….We are dividing among ourselves and going to conquer the Position papers…Our six members are to go home and read and come to an ownership or offer suggestions of modifications.  Think about Benchmarks, Objectives, and Actions to reach the Local actions…I am to come prepared to discuss one of the Social Justice issues.  Other's to follow.  After we self train we are to each bring someone (Looking right now) to the monthly meeting.  Develop ideas to recruit computer literate members…. issue driven folks. (Evansville VOP Mini Guide has been developed.)

VOP in San Mateo

In a letter to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger San Mateo District Council President Edward Watson urged the governor to sign SB 1453, an act to add and repeal Section 2933.4 of the California Penal Code. In the letter he says:

Members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society in San Mateo County provide emergency assistance.  No need is foreign to the Society and many of our members visit the incarcerated.  A full-time jail chaplain is employed and the Society operates Catherine Center, a place where recently released women can come to heal.  The residential program teaches independence, and prepares individuals to once again enter the community, care for their children, and overcome their addictions.  The supportive environment and one-on-one follow up provides a chance for these women to repair shattered lives. 

Drug treatment programs to care for the hundreds of prisoners who seek to overcome terrible dependencies would go a long way to provide hope in the criminal justice system.  Using funds for healing rather than the construction of containment centers only makes practical sense to circumvent recidivism of drug law violators back into an already over-crowded prison system.

Please make this a priority.  Many people make regrettable choices in life.  With appropriate support, lives can be turned around.  Please give them a chance.

Note: Prisoners not serving sentences for violent felonies, serious felonies, or crimes requiring registration as a sex offender, under this bill, would be entered into residential aftercare drug treatment after successful completion of an in-prison drug treatment program.  If 150 days of residential aftercare is successfully completed the individual could be discharged from parole.  Incorporating mandatory drug treatment aftercare provides a win-win opportunity for the State's criminal justice system, the drug addicted prisoner, families of the addicted, and the community at large.  To validate that the program is working, the bill would require the Department of Corrections to report annually to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee and the State Auditor on the effectiveness of these provisions.  According to Bureau of Justice Statistics, "In 2002 about a quarter of convicted property and drug offenders had committed their crimes to get money for drugs, compared to 5% of violent and public order offenders." (http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/dcf/duc.htm ) 

August 2006

“Tent City” Set to Go!

From Milwaukee SVDP Executive Director, Gerry Felsecker (Aug. 23): “Wish us luck at the “Tent City” which our VOP Committee is staging in a park near one of our meal sites tomorrow.  The issue is getting the city to establish a housing trust fund.  We’ll actually serve the meal in the park and have invited over a hundred agencies which support us in this cause to send reps – we should have over 500 people come to the rally (we are neophytes at this).  The tents will provide a visual, symbolic of homelessness.  We will have several formerly homeless people (who now work for us) give talks during the meal.  We’re hoping the media covers us so we can increase community awareness of homelessness. “

Northeast Regional Newsletter Report on VOP

Patricia Sickinger, NE Secretary/SVDP, shares a page from their latest edition of SVDP’s Northeast Regional Newsletter, which reports on VOP work of the Diocese of Rockville Centre, New York. According to the article, Rockville Centre takes the responsibility of VOP seriously. It’s chair is a member of the Diocesan Council’s Board of Directors.

Phoenix Diocesan Council’s VOP Sends out Legislative Report Card

The Phoenix VOP put together a legislative report card containing information on bills for which there was an actual vote in either the House or the Senate. Included with the report card is the voting record for each Arizona senator and representative on issues which affect the poor. The bills supported or opposed by the SVdP Phoenix Diocesan Board were selected from the more than 1500 bills, resolutions and memorials introduced during the 2006 legislative session.

In a letter to Vincentians in central and northern Arizona, VOP Chair, Lucy Howell said, “Voice of the Poor committee is one of over 70 similar SVdP committees in the United States. Vincentians serving on the Voice of the Poor committee are responding to the Society’s call to provide long-term assistance to the poor by looking at the larger political and economic picture. VOP is non-partisan and the Diocesan Board first approves all positions taken on issues.” The VOP in Phoenix sent with the cover letter a Legislative Report Card to “inform Vincentians about Voice of the Poor activity at the State legislature as approved by the Diocesan Board.”

Good work Phoenix Voice of the Poor. Core Committee Members include: Lucy Howell VOP chair; Inge Casey St. Theresa; Tom Finnerty St. Gregory; Father Bill Fitzgerald OLPH, Scottsdale; Walt Gray St. Augustine, Kathy Jorgensen St. Jerome; Ron Meyer St. Francis Xavier; Stephen J. Jenkins Diocesan Council President, ex-officio; Steve Zabilski Executive Director, ex-officio.

VOP in Milwaukee

Executive Director, Gerry Felsecker shares the following update on Milwaukee VOP action.

(1) Vincentian Education

Prior to the National Council developing a more generic PowerPoint on the purpose of the Voice of the Poor effort, Milwaukee took the Phoenix VOP presentation and adapted it for our Vincentians by using local photos and graphics showing our involvement, and adding a section on the issues we are working on.  This was presented five times during the spring, with a total viewership of about 250.  Many Vincentians commented that they now understand Voice of the Poor better.  Milwaukee also had an opportunity to present the program to about 75 Vincentians attending a VOP workshop at the North Central Regional Meeting where it was well received.

(2) Immigration

This is a difficult issue for many Vincentians because of its complexity.  We sent an action alert to all our Vincentians, reminding them of the position of the Catholic Bishops, and asking them to write to their Congressmen against the punitive aspects of the House Bill.

(3) Energy

The rapid rise in rates this past year has left a record number of people in danger of shut-off.  Local utility companies are aggressively shutting off people throughout our Archdiocese (in Milwaukee County alone, fully 40% of the 1,000+ calls last month coming to Vincentians through our Central Office are for utility assistance).  The VOP is trying to arrange a meeting with top people at the utility companies to urge a more compassionate approach.

(4) Housing issues

SVDP in Milwaukee joined an interfaith coalition to have the City of Milwaukee establish a Housing Trust Fund to stimulate the development of more affordable housing.  Many low income single men and women have been displaced from the downtown area due to redevelopment, and many have become homeless.  In addition to issuing an action alert to our Vincentians, we are planning to stage a ‘Tent City event’ at a local park later this month, offering a free picnic lunch to the poor in the area while speakers on homelessness will be presenting.  We expect to draw about 1,000 people.  The goal is to draw media attention to the Society’s support for the development of more affordable housing.  (We are still waiting for a decision from Milwaukee County whether we receive a permit for the use of the park that day.)

(5) Death Penalty

Wisconsin has been one of the few states that does not have the death penalty.  There is an effort by some to establish one, and they have gotten an advisory referendum question to be put on the September ballot.  Because of the disproportional effect on the poor (nearly all executions in this country are of poor people), the Society is urging its members to vote ‘no’ to this question.  The Wisconsin Catholic bishops have also taken a position against it.  A more detailed action plan is still under development.  (Mary Steppe who was the director of a program to return ex-inmates to the community until her retirement recently is leading this effort.)

VOP in Sacramento, CA

Artivio Guerrero, VOP chair, summarizes activities:

Structure: In process in getting members from each Conference to form a committee, so far we have three committed, working on fifteen more.

Issues: Immigration, homelessness, juvenile crime and delinquency, healthcare and just wage for the working poor.

Collaboration: Diocese of Sacramento, Interfaith Worker Justice, Coalition on Human Needs, and local Network activities

VOP in San Mateo, CA

San Mateo’s VOP Committee put together a written report for the upcoming National meeting in Indianapolis. Highlights include:

· The San Mateo District Council officially approved the addition of restorative justice as a focus of VOP in addition to housing, health care and child care.

· San Mateo’s VOP prepared a group discussion study guide on the topic of restorative justice titled, “Changing Attitudes on Criminal Rehabilitation,” which is scheduled for printing shortly by the Archdiocese of San Francisco’s Office of Public Policy. The workbook is targeted for use by small groups. It complements the US Bishops Statement, “Responsibility, Rehabilitation and Restoration,” December 2000 and “Restorative Justice,” a documentary film produced by the Archdiocese of San Francisco’s Office of Public Policy, November 2004.

· Vincentians Barbara Keefer and Tom Quinn serve as SVdP's representatives on Peninsula Interfaith Action (PIA), which is comprised of 31 Interfaith Congregations involved in local advocacy. They have been active in PIA’s Healthcare Access Alliance. At least five SVdP Conferences were represented at a meeting called Health Care Action on May 16. Four SVdP representatives were involved with planning and 63 SVdP members participated (13% of total participants), which drew 500 people including San Mateo Board of Supervisors President, Jerry Hill, who publicly committed to take action at the conclusion of the program. He was asked to establish a County Health Care Access Blue Ribbon Committee. This “Indigent Health Commission” was agreed to by the Board of Supervisors and $200,000.00 was approved to support the Committee.

· San Mateo County’s ten year plan continues to make progress. Called HOPE, the 10 year program to end homelessness in San Mateo County was presented and approved by the Board of Supervisors on March 28. Lorraine Moriarty, Ann Cole and Deborah Payne served as SVDP representatives in the planning process.

· Lorraine Moriarty has also been working with the City of San Mateo’s Housing Outreach Team (HOT) program to solve the homeless problem on an individual basis and with the City of South San Francisco to address their concerns about homelessness. In a South San Francisco city meeting, Vincentians from four northern Conferences in or adjacent to the city attended to show their support for the services provided to the needy by the Society’s South San Francisco location.

· VOP members investigated the injustice of trailer park space rental agreements. The poor who rent these spaces do not realize that they are agreeing to pay escalating rents and fees that are designated by the landlord.

VOP in Chicago

Jan Deckenbach, VOP chair, Archdiocese of Chicago, reports:

We are concentrating on educating Vincentians about immigration and then urging them to action: contacting their legislator in March, April, May and now before the Senate and House bills are reconciled….I’ve gone around to various district council meetings to present the case for this action.

VOP in Manhattan

Executive Director and VOP National Committee member, Vin Reilly reports:

The Manhattan Council has been advocating on behalf of our neighbors in need as they visit our parish volunteer food pantries. Our State Legislature funded our Holiday meal program at $42,000.00 for last Thanksgivings 200 chickens and 1,600 turkeys along with Easter's 2,351 hams. We also expect changes for the better in our Hunger Prevention, Nutrition Assistance contract which funds the bulk canned goods delivered to a dozen parish pantries the year around. We participate at our State Catholic Conference's public policy day and help distribute the agendas to legislators or staffers.

VOP in Detroit

News from Nancy Panther:

We finally have a VOP Committee in the Archdiocese of Detroit Council. They meet once a month via conference call and are networking with the Archdiocese's Peace and Justice and I understand it is working out very well.

VOP District Council of South Miami on Farm Workers in South Dade Camp, Homestead, Florida

On August 7 a meeting was held with the Mayor, City Manager and Assistant City Manager of Homestead, Florida. According to the report, “…it was brought to the attention of the Homestead City Administration that there are poor housing conditions and a lack of repairs for 300 housing units in the South Dade Farm Workers’ Camp. Pictures were shown in color where there was rat infestation, water damage and rotting of wood along with a myriad other problems including lack of paint on the outside housing units, allegedly since 1993 (some repairs having been made after Hurricane Andrew in August 1992)…. The City Manager said he was concerned with all violations of local building codes within the jurisdiction of the Homestead City Limits and he would send inspectors to look into the South Dade Camp concerning violations. He requested the assistance of members from St. Vincent de Paul to assist his inspectors in completing their inspections of the home sites.” G. Brian Brodeur, chair VOP, shared the meeting report.

Activities in San Diego

News from Linda Palmer:

These actions are being done by a handful of people. I have been struggling to get VOP into the conferences.... Despite this, I have join(ed) forces with many faith-based groups (PICO/San Diego Organizing Project) on the following:

Healthy in Their Homes or Apartments

Adequate housing for everyone and universal health care continue to be among top goals of caring persons this summer and continue toward the election in November.

Many of us hope three main concerns will be covered by: Senate Bill 840, Proposition 86, and Proposition 1C.

OneCareNow

Devoted to educating Californians and building mass support for Senate Bill 840, called the California Health Insurance Reliability Act, is the statewide grass roots campaign of One Care Now. The bill would provide affordable, comprehensive coverage by way of universal health insurance for all Californians. Among the proposed benefits:

Ø All Californians would be covered for life.

Ø There would be freedom of choice of doctors or integrated health systems such as Kaiser.

Ø Coverage would include hospital, medical, surgical, dental and vision care along with prescription drugs, medical equipment, diagnostic testing, and hospice care.

You can sign the OneCareNow petition or receive added information about this bill which it claims will provide high quality, universal, and affordable health care insurance in California at: http://www.onecarenow.org

Proposition 86 Made the Ballot

The San Diego Organizing Project, which is represented by 25 churches in the county, raised nearly 8,000 signatures which helped put Proposition 86 on the November ballot. Volunteers around the state collected 190,000 signatures, roughly 18 per cent of the 1,125,675 which qualified the initiative for the election. The San Diego Organizing Project is connected with PICO California, which gathered a total of 85,681 signatures. The American Cancer Society brought in 97,158. Also in the volunteer part of the campaign were the American Lung Association and the American Heart Association. According to the proponents of Proposition 86, it will drop youth smoking 43 percent in both high school and middle school population--meaning 700,000 youth would not become smokers. Backers of the proposition also claim over half a million adult smokers will quit the habit. The main effort of the San Diego Organizing Project has been on the premise that if Proposition 86 passes, there will be adequate funding to secure health coverage for all children in California. The tobacco industry is expected to be the main opponent of the proposition, with word out that it has $40 million ready to spend against it. There would be a $2.60 tax added to each package of cigarettes. The tobacco revenue tax is projected to bring in $2.1 billion per year.

Bonds for Housing

A statewide bond initiative, Proposition 1C, would provide the Housing Trust Fund $2.85 billion with a variety of programs. Examples:

· Building apartments for seniors, families, and persons with disabilities--$395 million.

· Building and renovation emergency shelters and transitional rental units for homeless families with children, battered women, and other individuals--$50 million.

· Building apartments with support services for persons with chronic disabilities--both physical and mental---$195 million.

· Building for-sale and rental homes for agricultural workers---$135,

· Funding a range of home ownership projects under the Cal-HOME Program--$300 million.

· Providing second loans for down payments and closing costs under the California Homebuyer Down payment Assistance Program---$200 million.

· AND, programs for infrastructure vital to home development---$1.35 billion.

To put the needs in focus, it has been reported that:

· More than 360,000 Californians are homeless every night.

· Last year, 5,108 women and children were turned away from full domestic-violence shelters.

We will embark on an intense voter registration campaign targeting 18-40 yr olds who are part of the huge "undecided" or "don't care" block whose voices we need to hear on all of the important issues involving poverty.

VOP Rockville Centre, New York

Update from Joan Delaney, Chairperson, VOP, Diocese of Rockville Centre:

In conjunction with activities at the state capitol coordinated by the NYS Catholic conference of Bishops, we advocated on behalf of the following issues: enact education tax credits to benefit all parents and all schools; promote ethical stem cell research and ban embryo experimentation, secure insurance equity for behavioral health service; ensure access to health care, and continue reform of New York’s Rockefeller-era drug sentencing laws.

Contacting both state and local legislators and cooperating with the Public Policy Education Network of Catholic Charities, we also lobbied on the issues of immigration and affordable housing, both huge problems on Long Island.

Finally, members of our committee, along with numerous other Vincentians, have joined the NYS Catholic Advocacy Network which facilitates communications with legislators at all levels regarding topical issues, particularly those before state and federal legislators. In that regard, we have responded to their requests to e-mail legislators through this network concerning a wide array of pending budgetary and ethical issues.

July 2006

VOP in Orlando

Affordable Housing is Hot Topic

From Patricia Hall, Diocese of Orlando: “I'm grateful for your e-mails and updates.  I pass them along to our VOP chairs at the conference level so they can download - print - discuss in conference meetings. I'll be attending a county commissioners meeting this week regarding affordable housing, our hottest local topic. We're finding in our case work that people opt to make the car/car insurance payments rather than the rent, because if they get evicted they can still live in their cars.”

VOP in Phoenix

SVDP Legislative Report Card in Works

The Phoenix VOP plans to mail a legislative report card that describes the bills supported or opposed by the SVdP Phoenix Diocesan Board during the Arizona legislature’s 47^th session. This will be mailed in August to ALL Vincentians in central and northern AZ along with a copy of their brochure.  Bills supported or opposed by the SVdP Diocesan Board during the 2006 legislative session were culled from the more than 1500 bills, resolutions and memorials introduced. The Arizona state budget, children and family (eg. utility assistance, foster care, TANF) payday loans, immigration, and ballot measures are included in the report card.

June 2006

News from VOP in Diocese of Rockville Centre, NY

Joan Delaney, VOP chair, provides the following update on activities of the Diocese of Rockville Centre.

Our Voice of the Poor Committee was begun in 2003 and its chairperson is a member of the Diocesan Council’s Board of Directors, an indication of the importance given to this initiative. Our mission has been two-fold. The first is to educate our members concerning the importance of addressing the root causes of social injustice and to make it possible for them to participate easily in contacting those who have the power to correct those injustices. The second is for the VOP committee to act as a pro-active liaison with elected officials and other local organizations, particularly Catholic Charities, and engage in activities which address justice issues. Some projects have included letter-writing as well as personal visits to legislators.

To accomplish these goals, VOP representatives have spoken personally at numerous meetings of all four of our District Councils. We have provided each Conference with pamphlets containing contact information concerning all of our area’s elected officials. Additionally, materials are sent periodically to conference presidents on issues of importance. We have also begun a VOP newsletter that is sent quarterly to all conferences updating them on important issues as well as providing them with background information concerning the role of social justice in the Society and in the Church. All members have been urged to join the New York State Catholic Advocacy Network which provides an easy method to become informed and to contact legislators. Committee members have also attended numerous conferences and programs among which are: the Catholic Social Ministries Gatherings in Washington, D.C., annual lobbying days in the state capital with other Catholic groups interested in social justice, and programs sponsored by the Vincentian Center for Church and Society at St. John’s University. Most especially, we have forged a closer relationship with Catholic Charities and their Public Policy Education Network and have frequently used their research on many local issues, particularly affordable housing, immigration, and racism. We co-sponsored a program on racism with Catholic Charities.

Our Committee also presented a program on the Voice of the Poor initiative at the Northeast Regional Meeting held on Long Island in 2005, and we will offer a workshop on Voice of the Poor at our own Ozanam Day this Fall. While successes come slowly, we are especially pleased that the issue of affordable housing has gained momentum as we join our voice with that of many other local groups in publicizing its importance.

Update from Joan Delaney (July 11, 2006): We just received an e-mail update from the NYS Catholic Advocacy Network which noted that the main issues for which we lobbied were settled in the way for which we advocated. (Of course we must begin again in the Fall.) I don't know if you are aware of that website, but it is set up in a way that makes it really easy for people to respond. It is run by the NYS Catholic Conference which is the official public policy voice of the church in NYS. The website is www.nyscatholic.org While they mainly focus on NYS issues, they also inform us and make it possible for us to respond to national legislators as well on some of the larger issues.

Houston Vincentians Speak for Extension of CSFP Senior Food Program

Continue as Active Voice for Displaced Hurricane Katrina and Rita Sufferers

“We are passionate about this and will continue to speak on behalf of those who have no one to speak for them,” said Wendy Garaghty, Executive Director, Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Council of Galveston-Houston, in a recent email. The following is from the email message.

SVdP Houston is working to fulfill our National and Regional Strategic Goals to implement and be active participants in Voice of the Poor.   Here is what we are currently working on for the poor and marginalized in our area, particularly the elderly, with many in Houston only receiving $10 per month in food stamps.  

A formal call was made to Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison today by SVdP Houston on behalf of the extension and need for the CSFP Senior Food Program to continue past this December. (Thursday, June 22, the Senate’s bill on this program will go to the full appropriations committee, of which Senator Hutchison is a member.) SVdP Houston has asked Senator Hutchison to offer an amendment to the Agriculture Appropriations bill to continue the supplemental caseload for CSFP in the Gulf States.  

We have also tried to bring awareness to this great need and suffering by placing ads in Houston newspapers, and educating the public with this message on TV/news stations, radio, parish bulletins and major outreach to all other faith communities.

PS:  We continue to be active voices for those who have been displaced by hurricanes Katrina and Rita.  We attend regular meetings with City Government Officials, FEMA and State Officials speaking on behalf of those we serve.  We currently hold seat on the Long Term Recovery Committees for the cities of Houston and Beaumont.

Vincentian Shares Pay Day Loan News From Oregon

“ONE VOICE on ONE SUBJECT from all over the State got a Bill passed in the State Legislature.” 

PAY DAY loans and TITLE loans are two plagues on the marginalized and poor.  Those that we serve use these loans to meet current expenses and do not realize how much trouble they are in WHEN THEY SIGN THE LOAN PACKAGES!  Unregulated pay day loans in the State of Oregon could cost between 200 and 300% interest for a year and often never let the debtor pay off the principle. One such loan was given for $496, and 30 days later, $1,876.00 was owed. 

The Voice of the Poor of St Vincent de Paul Society brought this fact to the attention of the Vincentian community.  Because it took resources from those in need, we had to try and help.  We got the different stories from the poor and contacted our local state Representative, who was running again for office.  We said, HOW CAN YOU LET THIS HAPPEN?  The person said, I didn't, but will see if we can get a hearing on the subject.  She did and the members of the press were invited.  Vincentians, parishioners, homeless advocates and others showed up at the hearings.  The stories were told and the press let the public know!  Then, we were lucky, since the Governor said, "This is hurting our efforts with PUBLIC ASSISTANCE.”  This made other members of the Legislature take notice. Through our meetings at the Archdiocese level, we informed District Councils of the problem. 

Vincentians returned to their communities and talked to other Vincentians asking members of the VOP and members of all the District Councils and Conferences around the State to call and speak to their Representatives and Senators about this problem.   All that was said WAS TRUE IN THEIR COMMUNITY.  The politicians were asked to look into this problem.  The common thread was the Voice of the Poor realized that this problem hurt our efforts in our local communities.  It was happening all over our State and most of us knew or could meet a State Senator or Representative in our area. 

ONE VOICE on ONE SUBJECT from all over the State got a Bill passed in the State Legislature. All of our subjects are local in nature and few people can say that it is unjust to seek to change bad industries or laws.  We have the white hats!!! and we are practicing our FAITH and SERVING the POOR!   Peace be with you in the spirit of Blessed Frederic and St. Vincent.   Donald L. Lamb

Western Region VOP Workshop

Report from Society of St. Vincent de Paul Western Region Meeting: May 30-June 3, 2006

Walt Gray, Father Pedro and Lucy Howell offered a Voice of the Poor Workshop twice during the upcoming Western Regional meeting in San Rafael, CA June 1-3.  The agenda covered hot topics including immigration, predatory loans, and homelessness. The VOP CD and handouts were provided.  There was a tour various websites that are useful for VOP.  Father Pedro presented on what the Church and Society are saying about social justice and advocacy. Lucy Howell provides the following report on the Western Region.

Advocacy was high on the agenda with National President Joe Flannigan presenting the national version of the Voice of the Poor CD at the General Session on June 1. This CD is now available to members from the national office in St. Louis when a visual aid about Voice of the Poor is desired. (It requires a laptop with a CD drive and a Power Point projector). On June 2, Sister Kieran Knieves presented Module 4 of the “Serving in Hope” program as a teaching tool for conferences on Catholic social teaching and advocacy. Module 4 is “stand alone” and reinforces the Society’s efforts on advocacy and Voice of the Poor.

Voice of the Poor offered workshops on Thursday and Friday with Father Pedro Villarroya, C.M., Walt Gray and Lucy Howell. The workshops had a total attendance of 60. Workshop agenda is attached. Handouts: Deus Caritas Est (Pope Benedict X-VI’s encyclical, a portion of which speaks to the responsibility of Catholics in politics), Chapter 7 of the Society’s Rule (The Society’s Role in Civil Society), websites useful for Voice of the Poor, news articles on immigration, payday loans, and “A Budget for Poverty” illustrating life on minimum wage).

Comments and suggestions from workshop participants included: More communication among VOP members would be useful to foster collaboration on topics such as prison ministry, restorative justice and payday loans. A VOP “E Committee” has been suggested by Jim Bloss of the Seattle Council. Scott Mather of Orange County asked about input to Society Position Statements. Steve Krank of Oakland asked if VOP had developed a process for surveying those we serve about applicable legislative issues.

The Annual Catholic Social Ministry Gathering in Washington was emphasized as a great way to get VOP off the ground in each state. One suggestion was that SVdP, while in Washington, consider arranging to have a speaker on a topic of legislative importance to the Society speak in one of the committee rooms in the House or Senate buildings and invite elected representatives and staffers to attend. Art Guerrero of Sacramento expressed concern that VOP seems to focus too much on national issues and local councils need to focus on the needs in their communities. Few have the time to do both although it is understood that what happens in Congress does have a great influence on programs available at the state and local level (i.e., Welfare Reform Act of 1996 which was recently re-enacted with more work hours required for mothers with children under 6; cuts in Medicaid block grants to states, increase in funding available for wraparound housing (“housing first”) designed to get the homeless off the street as a first step). Walt Gray of Phoenix noted that Phoenix VOP has assigned areas of interest to various committee members.

Several VOP representatives attended the workshop on Restorative Justice moderated by members of the San Mateo Council who have developed a prison ministry at San Quentin as a special work.

· 25 Vincentians visited San Quentin and met with a group of “term to lifers” (prisoners convicted of murder who are serving indeterminate sentences; most had been imprisoned at least 20 years. It has been the policy of the past four state governors to deny parole for this category.).

· The group presented sections of a White Paper they had written based on restorative justice. Topics included the ripple effect of their crimes on their own families as well as those of the victim, and the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation. (Some of you may have seen the two-night Larry King Special on San Quentin in early June which included Kevin Hagan, one of the “term to lifers” met by Vincentians on June 1).

· Those attending learned that the recidivism rate in California (highest in the nation) is 70% (i.e., return to prison following release), the annual cost of prison per person is $32,000, prisons are horribly overcrowded and there are plans to build more. California, as the nation’s largest state, is representative of the situation in most states. Many states (AZ being one) find that the state budget for the prison system now is equal to or exceeds the cost of public education.

· A huge problem is lack of preparation for parole with a resulting return to prison for “technical violations” of parole. In California a parolee is released with $200 and directed to find a permanent address within two weeks in the community to which he has been paroled. Available housing options are extremely limited both by lack of funds and “Crime Free” policies of rental units. The 1996 Welfare Reform Act included a provision that prohibits receipt of TANF (welfare) or food stamps for life by anyone convicted of a drug felony.

· States have also passed laws with mandatory sentencing, “three strikes and you’re out” laws and institution of no parole policies for prisoners serving indeterminate sentences. All of these are reasons behind the explosion in prison population across the nation and a recidivism rate of 60-70%.

It is recommended that Vincentians obtain copies and read the Bishops’ Letter on Restorative Justice (www.usccb.org )

E-Committee for VOP for Western Region

More communication needed on issues of concern and actions taken by local councils. A first step might be an annual survey in the region of programs offered by each Council (for example, prison ministries, homeless services, payee services for SSD). Special areas of service may often lead to local legislative initiatives by VOP based on needs observed by direct experience. The survey and results could be communicated to VOP representatives by the regional chair.

May 2006

Seattle VOP News

Jim Bloss, VOP Committee Chair for the Seattle Archdiocesan Council provides a report of VOP activities in Seattle. Following is a summary of the report.

1.  Emphasis has been on the basic Seattle Archdiocesan Council/VOP structure, with some add ons; The VOP chair "alerts" the 5 Diocesan members of the Council and they activate what VOP "chain" they may have; some are more actively involved than the others and we haven't really "counted" their people who actively respond to alerts, etc.   In any alert situation they estimate the email/alert of 200+ people.

2. "Big 3" issues: affordable housing/homelessness, health care and just wage - and we've recently picked up on the immigration issue. There usually ins’t time to "synthesize and translate" information that comes in; the WSCC alerts are a lot easier as they now have a CapWiz alert system.  It sure would be "great" if the SVdeP National/VOP would find the funding for such an alert system; it's really "great", I think!

3. We are actively collaborating at the higher advocacy levels with our WA. State Catholic Conference and other Catholic groups involved with what our area calls the Catholic Advocacy Network (WSCC, the International Peace and Justice Center, Catholic Community Services, reps. from the 3 Chancery/Diocesan offices in WA. state, and misc. other groups).  Individually, many of us are also involved with statewide groups that are involved with the homelessness issue; i.e., I'm currently on the Sky Valley Homeless Task Force (based out of/near where I live) and also attend meetings of the Snohomish County Homeless Policy Task Force, among others; and I know at least a couple of other folks at the Archdiocesan Council level are similarly involved in their Diocesan areas in Western WA (we just haven't taken a real "involvement inventory" at this point.

4.   A number of us have been involved in building relationships with local, county, state and congressional officials and their staff members.   Again we haven't taken an "involvement inventory" but, for instance, I know personally 2 people on the Monroe City Council (where I live), 1 person on the County Council and the County Exec., numerous State officials and have at least met my Congressional delegation folks and know U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen, personally.  I know I'm not alone and that many of our SVdeP/VOP folk have similar connections; we're pushing this all the time as we all are aware of the importance of this kind of personal approach to our cause(s).

5. We have been trying to "push" VOP further in WA. state, beyond our own "west side of the mountains" to eastern WA. - Yakima Diocese, Spokane Diocese.  We "did" get "some" SVdeP/VOP involvement in a recent Catholic Advocacy Day (statewide effort).  We "are" working on getting our VOP presentation for Conferences together but have regrouped and are researching what adds we need to make that will put more "spirituality" into our VOP effort, as represented/and presented to our Conferences. 

6.  No advice at this time for the National VOP Committee, except that it "would" be great if the Committee could activate it's own CapWiz - kind of alert system; let's face it - it works great, as we have seen and is something that we "should" have at the National level. How about focusing just on what we've got and improving them - let's face it, if we can really do anything positive re affordable housing/homelessness, health care and just wage, we'll have about 80% of our poor, vulnerable constituent's problems pretty well solved!! Suggestion in the region: Consider pulling together a Western Region VOP Committee.

Detroit to Hold Advocacy Workshop

Bill Brazier of Detroit tells us about an upcoming collaborative workshop on advocacy between the Voice of the Poor committee of the Society of St. Vincent De Paul in the Archdiocese of Detroit and the Department of Social Justice for the Archdiocese of Detroit titled, “Advocating for Justice, Here and Now: A Toolkit for Catholic Legislative Participation,” scheduled for Wednesday, May 24, 2006, 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM at Sacred Heart Major Seminary. Registration is $15.00. This is a skills-building workshop for parish and vicariate leaders in the Archdiocese of Detroit. The workshop will provide an overview of Catholic social teaching, role-play sessions on effective methods of advocacy with legislators, and resources from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Michigan Catholic Conference and other Catholic agencies.

April 2006

Immigration News

From Linda Palmer (San Diego, CA), April 10, 2006: Yesterday in San Diego, my conference(Christ the King) participated (300 plus including our entire clergy staff)--along with one other conference(Our Lady of Mount Carmel) in a mass protest of 100,000 in downtown San Diego. We had a strong citywide interfaith, labor, and activist representation of leaders and grassroot citizens. We've all been inspired by Roger Mahoney's actions and words. Unfortunately, our own Bishop… did allow our wonderful auxiliary bishop (Salvatorre Cordileone) to participate.  There is much hatred towards the immigrants from Mexico in SD. Why? We don't understand since many of these people have the immigrants cleaning their homes, businesses, and streets as well as picking their valuable cash crops in Northern San Diego County. I was extremely pleased with this action. As part of the Society, PICO, and the Interfaith Committee for Worker Justice, I will continue to participate. I'm trying to encourage our Spanish-speaking parishioners to start a letter writing campaign, but many are wary since they are undocumented. I will keep you informed. Who knows, one day we'll officially have a VOP in the SD Council.

Western Region Report at MidYear Meeting

Lucy Howell shares a written report on activities in the Western Region. This was given at the Midyear meeting in St. Louis.

Spreading the Word on VOP

Deacon Michael Morris, Diocese of Evansville is preparing a presentation on the Voice of the Poor for presentation at the Mideastern Region Conference.  It is a mix of National information and local efforts. 

February 2006

Speaking Out at the Catholic Social Gathering in Washington, DC

In preparing for the Catholic Social Gathering in Washington, DC Rita Cannestra of Milwaukee reports that the members of VOP put together stories on the needs of the poor they serve and took these stories along with a letter from their Council’s Board of Directors on their Hill visits.

January 2006

Conference Spreads the Word on SVDP-VOP in Church Bulletin

Getting the word out on the Voice of the Poor is just what Holy Angels Conference (Colma, Calif.) is doing.  A write up on Voice of the Poor is published in the parish's January 29, 2006 bulletin as part of the Conference's fifth Sunday collection.  Thank you Maureen O'Conner for sharing this!

Responding to President Flannigan's Immigration Letter

"Although Immigration issues are not currently at the "top" of our Seattle Archdiocesan Council/SVdeP/Voice of the Poor issues," said Jim Bloss, VOP chair, "I felt that the attached info./alert was important enough to pass on to you and also encourage your action; given the diversity of our parishes and even our Vincentian communities, it seems to me that we "must" become involved with this situation.   I've already sent an e mail to my Congressional Rep., Jay Inslee, thanking him for voting "nae/no" on this legislation and asking him to do as I plan to and to contact our state Senators (Murray and Cantwell) and urge them to also vote 'nae/no' on this apparently shortsided effort."  President Flannigan's letter is found in the News section of this website.

Evening of Reflection and More in Phoenix

The Phoenix Council is holding an Evening of Reflection by Father Bill Fitzgerald  on Tiehard de Chardin Tuesday, January 31, 6 to 9 p.m.

Representative Robert Meza (D, District  14), a graduate of the University of Notre Dame, represents an inner city district in Phoenix was one of two members of the legislature who responded to an invitation from St. Vincent de Paul to tour Ozanam Manor and hear about the value of General Assistance for disabled adults.  To read about Representative Meza in the Jesuit magazine, go to www.Americamagazine.org  for the week of January 16, "Of Many Things".

Three conferences and three districts have seen and heard Voice of the Poor's Power Point 12 minute presentation.  Nine more presentations are already scheduled.  This media presentation, produced at no cost by members of Voice of the Poor, is the result of the technological expertise of Inge and Tim Casey (St. Theresa)  and the recording and writing skills of Kathy Jorgensen (St. Jerome).

Please remember in prayer Monsignor Ryle, who recently was called home to the Lord.  He had been executive director of the Arizona Catholic Conference for over 20 years prior to his retirement three years ago.  He recently served on the board for Catholic Social Services and as the spiritual advisor for the SVdP Diocesan Board. He was also a treasured resource of Phoenix's Voice of the Poor. 

First Things First Initiative

Lucy Howell, VOP AZ, reports, "On Dec. 21 our board (22 to 1) approved a motion to endorse the First Things First Initiative (Very Early Childhood Development and Health Screening for ages 0 to 5) and encourage Vincentians to assist in the signature gathering effort.  

Nadine and Eddie Basha were granted a serial number to circulate the initiative to increase funding for early childhood education and health care. The initiative targets very young children, ages 0 to 5, with the goal of improved school readiness.  The source of the funding would come from placing a $0.80 tax on tobacco products. The initiative would establish regional councils to assess needs, develop programs and distribute funding. A state board will provide oversight. It is modeled on a 12-year-old program in North Carolina.

Arizona Legislators Visit St. Vincent de Paul

Lucy Howell, VOP AZ, reports on exciting activities in their January emailed newsletter:

On Tuesday, December 13, the Joint Legislative Committee on Homelessness, chaired by Senator Victor Soltero and Representative Judy Burges, held its final meeting of the year and made its recommendations to the Legislature.  There will be a separate report on the meeting.  After the Committee made its recommendations, the members recessed to the Human Resources Campus for a tour of the facilities and lunch at the St. Vincent de Paul facility.
On Wednesday, December 14, Representative Jerry Weiers led a small delegation to the St. Vincent de Paul Center on Watkins Road.  Representative Judy Burges and her husband, Bob, and Representative Ray Barnes joined them on the tour.  The group was joined for lunch at the Human Services Campus by Senator Jim Waring and Representatives Warde Nichols, Doug Quelland, John McComish and Laura Knaperek. Legislators assisted in serving lunch to our clients at the new facility.

Member of Voice of the Poor encourage you to invite your legislators to tour St. Vincent de Paul.  We will set up visits for you. 

TELL THE STORIES OF THOSE YOU SERVE TO VOP: Voice of the Poor would like to hear from you about problems encountered by your conference that might be helped by advocacy at the local, county or state level.  Help those you serve by telling us their stories (no names, please).

The 2006 Legislative Agenda for Voice of the Poor and approved by the diocesan board includes he following general areas:  affordable housing and homelessness, healthcare, immigration and income and assistance.  Positions recommended by Voice of the Poor must receive prior approval by the diocesan board.

VOP Powerpoint Presentations

AZ-VOP has five scheduled Power Point presentations (12-15 minutes long) in January.  "Since we have a total of nearly 90 conferences, this is an ambitious program," says Howell.  "Our goal is to reach more Vincentians and actively involve them in VOP." 

December 2005

VOP-LA Happenings

Los Angeles

Hilmar Rosenast has put together an abbreviated VOP Guide for Vincentians in Los Angeles.  Members are asked to participate.  The abbreviated guide addresses the question, "What is my role in VOP?"

November 2005

VOP Happenings

Orlando

Pat Hall was recently named VOP Coordinator for the Orlando Diocese SVDP replacing Bruce Strumbas, newly elected Council President.  Pat sends out weekly newsletters about VOP topics to conference presidents, VOP chairs, priests, and parish members.

"Unfortunately, the topic of affordable housing is a hot one in Florida," reports Pat. "The hurricanes of the last two summers destroyed poorly constructed housing for migrant workers, and low-income elderly. (Hurricanes love trailer parks, and we've got 'em.)  Many apartments in our area are being converted to condominiums, leaving low-income residents with few options."

Seattle

Jim Bloss, VOP Chair, Seattle Archdiocesan Council share's the committee's Nov. 12 agenda which includes a number of activities:  Olympia advocacy day participation, workshops, funding VOP efforts, establishing a local legislative agenda. 

Phoenix

VOP Phoenix news and focus on immigration.  

Also take a look at the work being done in Phoenix to provide hope and dignity for the area's homeless with the creation of a "Human Services Campus" to provide a continuum of care.  The $24 million complex integrates housing, food, shelter, substance abuse counseling, planning and job skills, medical and basic needs by bringing together five agencies (including St. Vincent de Paul) that help the homeless in addition to specialists from state, county, city and private agencies.  The Arizona Republic has published the following stories 'One-stop shop' for city's homeless (Nov 10, 2005), Hope and dignity (Nov 6, 2005), Advocate propelled shelter (Nov 7, 2005). 

October 2005

VOP Policy Statement

At the monthly meeting the San Mateo SVDP board approved of a policy statement entitled, "Establishing a framework for the San Mateo District Council Society of St. Vincent de Paul Voice of the Poor Committee,"  for the voice of the poor committee.  Phoenix Council also has a VOP policy statement.

Members Ask Legislators to Support Medicaid

 Speaking on behalf of the 40,000 individuals served in San Mateo County by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, conference presidents as well as members representing San Mateo County's conferences signed letters asking their Congressional representatives to support Medicaid at the quarterly District Council meeting.   Together they urged legislators to oppose harmful cuts and program changes that would affect the individuals and families they serve locally.  Health care is one of the four areas that San Mateo's VOP has been charged with by the District Council.  Other areas include housing, child care, and restorative justice.

Rising Land Costs Affect Ability to Build Low Cost Housing

From an article in the Register-Guard (Oct. 23, 2005):  "It's getting almost impossible to predict what you'll have to do to develop properties,' said Terry McDonald, executive director of the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Lane County, one of the area's leading developers of housing for tenants who qualify based on household income." The Register-Guard ran a story on how nonprofit agencies that build low income housing in Eugene and Springfield, Oregon are feeling the effects of rising land prices.

September 2005

VOP Happenings

Recent San Mateo VOP activities focus on local housing costs, restorative justice, the homeless. 

Affordable Housing

Vin Reilly  presented on the topic of housing at the recent VOP Workshop (National SVDP Meeting, Chicago).  He provides the following: 

I'm from Manhattan, affordable housing is something that we don't have.  Studio apartments have monthly rents starting about $1,200 or $1,500, pick a number!  The price of homes seems to be out of reach.

The Society has adopted a Housing Position paper which can be found on the Voice of the Poor web site.  http://www.voiceofthepoor.org/position_papers.htm  That position paper has been signed by the SSVP National president.  Housing is part of our legislative agenda.  Affordable Housing is also supported by the US Catholic Bishops and it is on Catholic Charities legislative agenda as well.

It is in the spirit of the closing prayers that Vincentians recite, " For families and those who have no homes, that they may quickly find a decent and happy place to live..."

We don't need outside experts to know the results, families now dependent on our food pantries and soup kitchens; formerly self-sufficient families are now asking our help with rent, utility bills, clothing etc.  We also well know that often folks don't ask help with the first months rent they owe, by the time they ask Society of St. Vincent de Paul's help they owe a couple-three months and now it just can't be found.

Our fellow countrymen from the Gulf states ravaged by Hurricane Katrina will require our federal government to develop an affordable housing program.  After the emergency shelters have done their job it seems likely that the recently closed military bases may be sites for FEMA to position trailers. We have experts in this country who know how to set up refugee camps with a neighborhood feel to them, not all lined up in rows. That's the temporary housing we need now but permanent housing, affordable housing is needed and only our federal tax dollars can handle that need.

August 2005

Pay Day Loans and the Poor

"Oregon Vincentians are grappling with payday loans, often used as a last resort by persons with little resources," reports Lucy Howell for the VOP western region.  "The problem is not the initial loan (usually a max of $500 for two weeks at 16-17%) but the rollover loans with compounding interest which can easily make the amount due beyond the capability of the borrower.  These type of loans in storefront operations have mushroomed from coast to coast.  In AZ, VOP supported efforts to place some limits on the practice but over the past two years, the three bills introduced at the state legislature have been killed in committee by powerful lending interests."

"I know other VOP's have mentioned concern about the payday loan industry in the past," said Howell.  "Would it be possible to ask VOP if payday loans are an issue in their area and if they are involved in any efforts to curb the loans?"

Experiences and thoughts from VOP representatives across the country:

►"No luck dealing with this situation, but it has become worse than the 'storefront operations' here in California.  Wells Fargo (and possibly other banks) will lend a depositor as much as their direct deposit (usually SSI or social security) is expected to be.  For each withdrawal against the expected deposit, there is a transaction fee, then when the deposit is received by the bank there is an interest charge added.  If the person withdraws more than the expected deposit, there is a large fee that is imposed each day.  Last week when I was on the phones at the district office, a man called saying he needed help with rent because the bank had 'taken all his money.'  I asked whether this was Wells Fargo and his response was "how did you know that?"  I don't know how widespread this problem is, but maybe we need to find out whether all banks are now doing this and then work to educate our clients as well as to try to influence the lending policies of the banks." 

►"Our conference recently worked with a woman who thought she was being very conscious of her spending habits, but in fact was not.  She was enjoying using her debit card for very small purchases - sometimes the transaction fee was as much as the purchase.  At the end of the month when her deposit arrived, there was no money left after all the fees and interest, so we helped her with rent.  However, in my judgment, the best help we gave her was to review the bank statement with her and show her how the fees were adding up.  Hopefully she won’t do this again."

►"The number&  the amounts paid out are in double digit increases in the state of Wisconsin.  Our brothers and sisters in need do not heed the call to not use these facilities." 

►Vincentians in Wisconsin worked with "Wisconsin Catholic Conference to explore this issue and are trying to work (with) them on the problems caused by the rent-to-own industry, a group that causes problems just as egregious."

►" An educated consumer is the best consumer.  Valuable SVDP time and money are best utilized in teaching consumers about personal finances, including payday loans…. Perhaps SVDP can print and distribute educational brochures, explaining what payday loans are, how they work, how they can be used responsibly, and what risks are involved….”   

►"Payday and Title loans are both a problem here in Billings, Montana.  We went to a workshop on the problem presented by the County Attorney’s office a few weeks ago.  What we have done with some cases is pay off the loan for the person, and set up a payment system where they pay us back with no interest charged.  Many are faithful about paying us back.  Others are not. "

►We were briefed on pay day loans by our Wisconsin Trustee Tom Fahl.  By now I bet there's a pay day loan site- I googled "pay day loan by state" and got: http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rls=GGLD,GGLD:2004-41,GGLD:en&q=pay+day+loan+by+state Looks like Washington State, their neighbor, has legislated relief along with others.

►There is a story by CBS News (5/18/05) "Paying More for Payday Loans"  found at: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/05/16/6011/printable695461.shtml  The story begins, "What do you think is too much interest to pay on a loan? Twenty percent?  Forty percent? One hundred percent?..."

►More on payday loans and predatory lending is found at the Center for Responsible Lending website: http://www.responsiblelending.org/

Speak Out on Funding for Food and Nutrition Programs

Members of San Mateo(CA) VOP are encouraging members to write their US Senators asking that funding for food and nutrition programs, including the Food Stamp Program not be cut.  A letter has been drafted and approved by DC Council President, Ed Watson, who is also sending letters to Senator Diane Feinstein and Senator Barbara Boxer as the official spokesperson for the San Mateo District Council.   Members of the Society, on the Council's email list, are being sent sample letters and information about the issue.  Conference presidents and board members will also receive the sample letters and information, as part of their mailed packets.  The following is from DC President Ed Watson's letter.

►During our fiscal year ended September 30, 2004, the St. Vincent de Paul Society in San Mateo County assisted nearly 40,500 individuals with in-kind food help valued at $950,000, well as vouchers for additional purchases at grocery stores.  By the middle of each month calls begin coming in from families who have no food and no income remaining after paying rent, utilities and transportation costs.  Many of our more than 1,000 Vincentian volunteers deliver food to families who call for help.  Others prepare and serve lunches to homeless individuals who come to our service centers. How are the children in these families to stay healthy?  How can they be expected to learn in school if they have inadequate diets?  How can the adults be responsible parents for these children when they lack the basic necessities of life? How can the frail elderly person who depends on food stamps avoid being a greater drain on the system if he or she becomes ill due to an inadequate diet? 

It is irresponsible to deprive vulnerable people, who have so little, of the funds they need to live decently in order to improve the lives of those who already have so much. It is a mistake to deny access to a healthy diet for any person in this country, especially in a time when we are told that the economy is healthy. We can find a way to pay for food for every American.

Information on food and nutrition programs from the US Conference of Catholic Bishops is found at:  http://www.usccb.org/sdwp/national/foodnutrition605.htm                                                           More on the subject:  * Network (http://www.networklobby.org/issues/nutrition.htm)  * Food Research Action Center (http://www.frac.org/Legislative/Budget_06/Alerts/08.03.05.html) *Center on Budget and Policy Priorities report, "Food and Nutrition Programs: Reducing Hunger, Bolstering Nutrition" (July 19, 2005) http://www.cbpp.org/7-19-05fa.htm

Phoenix VOP to Attend Catholic Charities National Meeting

Ron Meyer, past president of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Phoenix,  will attend the Catholic Charities Annual National Meeting representing the Phoenix Diocesan Council's Advocacy Committee, Voice of the Poor.  We will be very interested to learn about the policy resolution paper on immigration to be presented at the meeting.  St. Vincent de Paul National Voice of the Poor presented a position paper on immigration which was adopted by the Society's Trustees last September.  It is based on Strangers No Longer and Ecclesia in America and can be found at www.voiceofthepoor.org under Position Statements.

June 2005

VOP ADCC of Milwaukee

The VOP of Archdiocese of Milwaukee weighed in on parts of the Governor's Budget sending a letter to all state representatives and senators voicing their concerns.  The following is from the letter.

¨ One cut that tears at the heart of our volunteers is the reduction in childcare funding. We are convinced that the proposed severe childcare cuts will jeopardize the healthy development of many young children in our state. We believe it is wrong to cut $1.8 million each year for the TEACH and REWARD Programs.    We are concerned with the proposed $725,000 cut annually from the $1.2 million proposed for the Child Care Resource & Referral  Network, the elimination of technical assistance of $400,000 to providers,  the 5 star quality Kids and tiered reimbursement, and the unrealistic increase for WI Shares co-pays by 15%.  These cuts will have a negative impact resulting in poor childcare. We see first-hand through our visits and family support programs the urgency for high quality childcare networking. Children deserve childcare that prepares them for the future.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul does not believe that balancing the budget on the backs of the poor is an acceptable value and action for the citizens of Wisconsin.  Dismantling this childcare network would significantly reduce the delivery of services. Please do what you can to stop these cuts!

VOP Western Region Meeting

Walt Gray (Phoenix Council) represented Voice of the Poor at the Society's Western Region Meeting in Hawaii. He collaborated with Deborah Payne, National VOP Chair and Father Pedro Villarroya CM (Western Region Spiritual Advisor and National VOP Member) on a Voice of the Poor presentation to introduce members to VOP -- national and local -- along with reasons why Vincentians are called to be a voice of the poor.  Father Pedro brought the new international Rule to the attention of Vincentians, which specifies the importance of social justice.  Deborah Payne explained the resources available to VOP groups on www.voiceofthepoor.org and described the work of the national committee.  Walt Gray provided ways that local Councils and Conferences can be a voice of the poor and provided examples of the good work being done by the VOP in Phoenix. 

May 2005

VOP ADCC of Milwaukee

Tom Fahl shares the following on VOP in Milwaukee.  "We've had a working relationship with Catholic Charities by having one of their top people at our VOP meetings and we've built a relationship with Wisconsin Catholic Conference."

VOP in Eugene, OR

 "At our next Archdiocesan meeting of the VOP on the 12th, we are having the Diocese's Justice and Peace Director speak with us about his objectives and how we can jointly work on common themes.  David Carrier is his name.  We have had our Oregon Catholic Conference speak with us on the legislature and have furnished clothes and faces to the "necessary" stories before the Committees on Health, Education and Housing.  And yes, the Agriculture Agency for food.  I will let you know how it progresses and what common objectives we can agree to support.  We will be independent, but collaborative.  On another, National Catholic Reporter had an excellent article on Archbishop Romero from El Salvador in the April 15th issue.  Excellent about his conversion and purity for the rights of the poor," reports Don Lam, VOP Chair, Council of Lane County.

April 2005

JUSTFAITH Adult Formation Program

A 30-week course in the JUSTFAITh adult formation program among St. Theresa parishoners in Phoenix was facilitated by Inge Casey (VOP).  "It has been an enlightening and inspiring seven months for me.  I would be remiss if I did not share with you how this program has deepened my Vincentian vocation and strengthened my commitment to our ministry of justice and charity in Jesus' name," said John Feit, SVDP member in a note to Lucy Howell, VOP Chair, Phoenix Council.  "It has challenged me and enabled me to grow as a member of SVDP at the faith-based level." 

Speaking Out for Children's Health Care

Linda Palmer president of the DCC San Diego (Calif.) forwarded results of the "health care for all children rally in Sacramento," April 13, sponsored by PICO.  "Congratulations to all of you on a successful and powerful action! Your work brought 4,200 leaders together to send a strong message to 19 legislators and some of the most influential leaders in California that our state can and must provide all children with health insurance," says the PICO release.  (Currently 800,000 California children lack health insurance.)  Art Guerrero of Sacramento VOP encouraged members to join in as did VOP members from San Mateo.   

March 2005

Dissertation in Process on Co-Habitation Among Undocumented Hispanics

Walt Gray, VOP member, Phoenix Council shares that a preliminary thesis on poverty and health issues among Hispanics in Maryvale, AZ is in process of development by doctoral student Myriam Hillin, who "interviewed 50 undocumented persons, mostly women, late last summer over a period of a few weeks.  She interviewed persons who came to St. Augustine to obtain a food box.  They all willingly talked to her," said Gray. 

February 2005

VOP in Arizona Follows Legislative Trail

SVDP-VOP is following a number of bills in the Arizona legislature.  Lucy Howell (VOP-Phoenix) shares a summary.  (summary of bills)

January 2005

Funding for Emergency Food and Shelter Program

Vin Reilly (VOP-NY) shares a note received from Senator Hillary Clinton. (letter)

December 2004

Speak Out on Health Care Needs

The San Mateo County (California) Health Commission will meet on Thursday, December 8th., Noon to 1:15 P.M. at 701 Gateway Blvd., Suite 400, South San Francisco. Members of SVDP-VOP in cooperation with PIA will attend to support for keeping the County's Health Plan.

November 2004

Bringing Homelessness to the Forefront

The Fayette County (PA) Partnership for Housing and Homeless held its annual food and clothing drive for the homeless Nov. 18 at the St. Vincent de Paul Store to help commemorate National Homeless and Hunger Awareness Week (Nov. 16 through Nov. 22).  Fayette County Commissioner Angela Zimmerlink read a proclamation.  FCCAA Homeless Partnership Chairwoman Tammy Knouse and representatives from the FCCAA and City Mission spoke about the reality of the homeless situation in Fayette County.  The event was reported in the Daily Courier (11/13/04).

Voice for the Incarcerated

According to St. Louis Review Online (11/12/04), "The Criminal Justice Ministry of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in St. Louis is marking its 25th anniversary by informing Catholics of the need to promote options such as repayment and treatment rather than prison sentences for people convicted of nonviolent crimes. "  The group, which serves prisoners, their families, victims and others in the criminal justice system, will be visiting 25 parishes this fall to provide education about alternatives to imprisoning nonviolent offenders reports the weekly newspaper of the Archdiocese of St. Louis.

Homeless Court Gives Hope

Superior Court Judge Gordon S. Baranco, "in full robes before a California flag and state seal," held court at the San Pablo Avenue outlet of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, reports eastbayexpress.com.  According to the article, "the judge set aside their sundry charges -- throwing cigarettes on the sidewalk, possessing stolen shopping carts -- and waived their fines, some totaling more than $2,000."  The purpose is to give people a chance to clear their records and help them escape the streets.   "It also may save the county money, proponents say, by getting folks back on track."

September  2004
Letter to Senator Jon Kyl

Stephen Jenkins, president of the Phoenix Diocesan Council sent a letter to Senator Jon Kyl requesting his support for funding for supportive services in the permanent supportive housing necessary to end homelessness for chronically homeless, disabled people.  He says, "Arizona is facing substantial budget shortfalls. We cannot make progress serving chronically homeless people without more resources to provide crucial services like mental health and substance abuse treatment.  Congress and the Administration have set a goal of ending chronic homelessness in 10 years. Please help us by supporting this important endeavor.  Ending chronic homelessness will improve the lives of thousands of people in Arizona."

Health Care in Arizona

"A measure in AZ is aimed at the rapidly increasing AHCCCS rolls in the state (Medicaid).  The proposition is aimed at fraud among undocumented persons - but has no documentation, just the growing AHCCCS rolls.  With current economic conditions and rising cost in healthcare, it is no surprise that more qualify for healthcare for working poor," says Lucy Howell.  The Arizona Catholic Conference representing the bishops of Phoenix, Gallup and Tucson has issued a statement of opposition of Proposition 200. SVDP's Phoenix Council board approved opposition to Proposition 200. National VOP Representative Lucy Howell is working with VOP in Phoenix "on a one page statement from our board to go out to our members in Oct. referencing the bishops' statement."

Proposition 200 is Arizona's version of CA's Prop 187 --  'Protect AZ Now!' and is based on the assumption of massive voter and benefit fraud by undocumented (no documentation has been submitted).  "It requires state and local officials to turn each other in (or face a fine and jail time) if they suspect undocumented are being qualified for public benefits (not defined)," according to an email from Lucy.  "They are aiming at AHCCCS (our Medicaid) but initiative is poorly written and this is not clear.  Citizens can also turn in officials they believe are assisting undocumented receive public benefits.  Initiative requires proof of citizenship in order to register to vote and to vote and when applying for public benefits (now required but law imposes penalty as stated above)."

"Unfortunately, as in CA this proposition is 'on a roll' - 190,000 signatures gathered and on Nov. 2 ballot.  Bishops oppose it as does our governor, congressional delegation and Republican leadership but this seems to have no impact,"  says Lucy. 

August  2004

Faithful Citizenship

In a note from Artivio Guerro, VOP Sacramento, all Vincentians of the Sacramento District Council were asked to attend a Catholic Faithful Citizens meeting, August 28, at the Catholic Diocese Pastoral Center.  He also provided the USCCB faithful citizenship web link to members www.usccb.org/faithfulcitizenship.

July  2004

Sharing VOP Responsibilities

In San Mateo District Council, VOP Chair Tom Quinn, reports on the committee's July meeting in which members agreed that in addition to participating in monthly meetings, working on special projects such as bringing in speakers to assist members in learning about advocacy, and getting people out to events, each member will have a designated specialty.  Committee members have chosen the following to date: liaison with approved advocacy partners, health care, jail ministry, and children's issues  Other possible areas include a Catholic Lobby Day publicity coordinator and an education publicity coordinator.  

June  2004

Rights of Non-Profits to do Advocacy

(Lucy Howell of SVDP's Phoenix Council shares excerpts from PAFCO.)  Nonprofits can and should play an active role during elections, particularly by educating and activating voters.  However, with important local, state and federal elections coming up this fall, nonprofits should take the time to remind their staff about appropriate activity during a political campaign or at any other time. 

Some important tips:
» Nonprofits are allowed to engage in voter education, voter registration, and get-out-the-vote activities as long as the activities are nonpartisan.  This means that a nonprofit cannot show or state a preference for or against a particular candidate or candidates, a particular political party, or candidates or parties who have taken particular positions.
»

Official representatives of a 501(c)(3) organization may not:

Individuals and 501(c)(3) organizations may:

This information is presented for general purposes only and is not intended as legal advice.

May  2004

There's a Place at the Table Reserved!

SVDP's Voice of the Poor Committee (San Mateo, Calif.) along with the Office of Public Policy & Social Concerns (Archdiocese of San Francisco), and Peninsula Interfaith Action (PIA) sponsored a reflection time on "giving the poor and the marginalized a place at the table" May 15.  Featured speaker, Dr. Joseph Daoust, SJ, president, Jesuit School of Theology, Berkeley, is described as one of the Church's leading thinkers on social justice.  

April  2004

California Catholic Lobby Day

Members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society from around the state attended the California Catholic Lobby Day, April 27.  Of the 80 Catholic Lobby Day attendees from the San Francisco Archdiocese a guesstimate would be that 20 to 25% were members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society.  There were attendees from across the State who traveled many hours to get to Sacramento to be heard.  National President Gene Smith and his wife, Nina participated in this very special day.  (Special thanks to Father Pedro Villarroya, CM for encouraging members to participate.)  Seeing two Vincentians speaking to the gathering on stage was wonderful.  Each touched on the St. Vincent de Paul Society.  For photos and more on the event go to the News section.

March  2004

Immigration Workshop

The Phoenix Council's Voice of the Poor Committee held a joint workshop with Catholic Social Service on immigration.  Speakers included Father Chris Lockhard, SJ, Public Policy Analyst for Catholic Charities, U.S.A. and two local immigration attorneys.  The workshop was crammed with all sorts of information and statistics.

February  2004

Society Joins Catholic Social Gathering in Washington, DC

The Society joined together with the US Conference of Catholic Bishops and about a dozen other Catholic groups to speak as a voice of the poor during in the annual Catholic Social Gathering held in Washington, DC.  The highlight was joining together to visit the offices of Senators and Representatives on the Hill to speak on issues related to the poor. 

January  2004

Legislative Dialog Meeting in Works

Jim Vokral from New Jersey's Diocese of Metuchen SVDP is involved in the planning of a legislative dialog meeting in April.  We look forward to learning more about this exciting activity!

December 2003

Ending Long Term Homelessness Services Initiative

Lucy Howell (Phoenix, AZ)  shares information from Charlene Moran Flaherty, a Society Diocesan Board member in Phoenix.  "Charlene has been employed as a Homeless Advocate for Maricopa County for the past two years.  She has recently been appointed Homeless Coordinator for the State of Arizona," says Lucy.  Following are four documents related to this initiative:  House Talking Points, Service Initiative FY 2004 HHS, Service Initiative Proposal, Dear Representative Letter.

November 2003

Thom Huellinghorst, Voice of the Poor, SVDP Council of the Archdiocese of St. Louis

The Voice of the Poor of the  St. Louis Archdiocese has put together a video tape on the  voice of the poor.  The SVdP presentation 440.65KB (451222 bytes) provides an invitation for members to be a voice of the poor.  Included is an overview of poverty and the mission of the voice of the poor.  Thank you Thom Huellinghorst, Council of the Archdiocese of St. Louis, for the enclosed version which can be viewed in adobe acrobat.

Letters sent by National President, Gene Smith, to Congressional Representatives in the House and Senate.

Letter regarding the DREAM ACT, Senate Bill 1545 and UNACCOMPANIED ALIEN CHILD PROTECTION ACT, Senate Bill 112

Section 8 Housing Voucher Program - House letter and Senate letter 

Child Tax Credits  - House letter and Senate letter

Lucy Howell, Chair, Voice of the Poor Committee, Arizona Diocesan Council and member of the National Voice of the Poor Committee

The Voice of the Poor Committee in Arizona plans a Legislative Briefing on Saturday, November 1, 2003.  The event begins with Mass in honor of All Saints Day.  The briefing will cover the legislative process, a review of legislation supported by SVdP and future issues (local and national).   

October 2003

Hilmar Rosenast, Los Angeles Voice of the Poor and National Spirit Leader recently sent the following.

1. Remember that low income legal immigrant children (regardless of their date of entry into the US) have regained eligibility for Food Stamps effective October 1st.

2. We had a great workshop on Welfare, Health and other services last Saturday at St. John Eudes. It was most enlightening for all attendees. The information is also available on line at: www.peoplesguide.org. It is excellent information to have with you any time you make a home visit. The booklet is also available from the Los Angeles Coalition to end Hunger and Homelessness.  Mailing address: 520 S. Virgil #300, Los Angeles, CA 90020, Tel. 213 439-1080. You can also order it on line at above web site. 

3. The Holy Father has asked that we all pray for him, especially during this time. He said that only through prayer will be be given the strength. Please pray for him at all your conference meetings.

Mary Ann Carlson Chairperson for the Voice of the Poor Eastern Region and Camden, NJ Diocesan Council President advocates for the people of Appalachia in a letter to  the Governor, Senators and Congressmen.  

For over a year now, our Camden NJ Diocesan Council and the Eastern Region of the St. Vincent de Paul Society have been trying to help the poor of West Virginia (Appalachia).  Our council as well as the Eastern Region have asked our members for financial support for the people of Appalachia.  We have received help from many Vincentians within our Eastern Region.  The Eastern Region is comprised of NJ, PA, VA, WV, DE, DC and MD.  We have gone out to Beckley, WV twice and have delivered two large truck loads of baby and household items.  So far many of the St. Vincent de Paul conferences have responded and for that I am thankful.

Our SVdP Camden Diocesan Council intends to continue to provide short-term support for the material needs of the people in this area.   But the complex social and economic issues that perpetuate the conditions, disenfranchise these people, and isolate them from mainstream America should be addressed immediately. The solution requires the power, influence and resources of our Federal government, and that is where you can help us out.  The purpose of this e-mail is to gain your support and those of fellow senators and congressmen urging them to commit to this cause by commissioning a task force.  This task force could evaluate and plot a course of action to better the living conditions of the residents in this area of WV, TN, KY.  All Americans should have access to running water and sewerage.   The St. Vincent de Paul Society in the Eastern Region of the US is starting a letter writing campaign to all the legislators in our areas in order to foster public awareness of these overwhelming problems, namely:  lack of running water, sewer systems, unemployment, illiteracy and not to mention many more.  The Task Force would be able to create and sponsor the legislation necessary to remediate and resolve at least some of these issues.  Please help us in this very noble cause.  In fact we have asked that National St. Vincent de Paul Society  also join us in the campaign to improve the living conditions of fellow Americans.  Let the Voice of the Poor be heard. 

September 2003

Jeff Turner, Chair, Voice of the Poor Committee, Dallas Diocesan Council

Jeff  shares his column Vox Pauper in the latest issue of SVDP Matters, a publication of the Dallas Council.   News may also be found on Vincentian Joe Lang who recently celebrated his 90th birthday!  

Bat Seymour III, President, Archdiocese of Detroit Council, Society of St. Vincent de Paul

The Catholic Charities USA's Parish Social Ministry Gathering was held at the St. John's Family and Youth Center in Plymouth, Michigan from September 11-13, 2003. During the conference, I hosted a breakfast roundtable discussion on St. Vincent de Paul: Voices of the Poor. I had the pleasure to meet a lot of very nice and motivated people. They were very interested in St. Vincent de Paul generally, how St. Vincent de Paul acts as advocate for the poor, and how St. Vincent de Paul may be able to partner with other catholic charities in their advocacy for the poor. I think that we all found the time to be very rewarding.

Tom Quinn (VOP Committee, San Mateo District Council) shares the following.

San Mateo County, California's Health Plan is scheduled to be terminated on October 31, 2003. The program has operated for 16 years using federal, state & county money to subsidize doctor's fees. This encourages doctors to accept Medi-Cal patients. Without these subsidies, doctors are already indicating that they will not be able to accept Medi-Cal patients. The result is patients will have to go to emergency rooms or clinics for medical care.

San Mateo Council's Voice of the Poor (VOP) Committee is working in cooperation with Penninsula Interfaith Action (PIA), a coalition of congregation-based community organizations that takes a grassroots approach to improve quality of life for local families. The groups seek to put the spotlight on this health care problem so the public will understand and officials will at least try to come up with an alternative health plan. It is anticipated that 45,000 county residents will be negatively impacted and will have at best limited access to health care. The San Mateo VOP Committee is in the process of calling members of the Society to ask their help in speaking out against the termination of this important program for San Mateo's needy.

Lucy Howell, Chair, Voice of the Poor Committee, Arizona Diocesan Council and member of the National Voice of the Poor Committee

Lucy shares notes from the recent Voice of the Poor National Committee Meeting held in Atlanta, September 4, 2003.  

August  2003

National Council President Gene Smith sent a letter on TANF to members of the US Senate Finance Committee.  

Excerpt from the letter:

As an organization created precisely to work with the poor, and after careful consideration of the many complicated issues involved in TANF, we have concluded that the following nine items are crucial for the success of this legislation.

1. Benefit eligibility must be restored to legal immigrants.
2. The 30-hour workweek must not be increased.
3. Mothers of children under 6-years-old should be allowed the 20 hours/week standard.
4. States should be given the flexibility to offer TANF recipients 2 years of education and training, with a goal of better jobs and eventual self-sufficiency.
5. Childcare for low-income families should be increased by (at least) the $5.5 billion the committee proposed last year.
6. The Transitional Medical Assistance should be extended for 5 years for families leaving welfare.
7. Additional funding is needed to support voluntary programs that promote healthy marriage and address domestic violence.
8. States should be required to eliminate policies that make it difficult for 2-parent families to receive TANF.
9. Family cap laws that deny benefits following the birth of a child should be ended.

National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act of 2003 (Introduced in Senate) S.1411.1S
National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act of 2003 (Introduced in House) H.R.1102.1H
For details and status see: http://thomas.loc.gov

Vin Reilly (VOP Committtee Representative) shares the following response from Thomas Shellabarger, US Conference of Catholic Bishops, regarding the Housing Trust Fund bill's status in the 108th Congress.

The Affordable Housing Trust Fund has been gaining co-sponsor at a regular pace only because of the persistence of local advocates.  However, the leadership of the House of Representatives is adamantly opposed to the bill.  Recall that last Congress, the omnibus housing bill that had huge support was pulled from the floor by the Speaker and Majority leader once the Trust Fund was added to it.  While there are maneuvers to get around the House leadership opposition, it is VERY difficult! For our part we must continue to add sponsors, supporters and rally the people behind the need for a federal role in housing production,  perhaps "our" leaders will get out in front once the parade starts moving.....

Thomas Shellabarger
Policy Advisor
Office of Domestic Social Development
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

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Caption: Vincentions attend legislative day in Sacramento, California to meet one on one with state lawmakers and aides.  Full story

Caption: Vincentians are briefed by representative of the California Catholic Conference.  

http://www.nccbuscc.org/

Western Region first VOP Committee meetings held in Seattle, Washington, June 2000.  (Adobe Acrobat pdf 106.79KB)

Western Region Seattle - June 2000 meeting notes: 

Changing Faces of the Poor (6.28KB)

Take Five (74.44KB)

Welfare Reform (4.87KB)

It is our vocation to set people's hearts ablaze, to do what the Son of God did, to set it aflame with His love.  It is not enough for me to love God if my neighbor does not love him.  

-- St. Vincent de Paul

If we do not know how to love God as the saints did, it is because we see God with the eyes of faith alone, and faith is so weak.  But the poor we see with the eyes of flesh.  They are present.  we can put our fingers and our hands into their wounds, the marks of the crown of thorns are plainly visible on their heads.  There is not place for unbelief here...the poor are the visible image of the God whom we do not see, but whom we love in loving you.   -- Frederic Ozanam