Adopting Policies that Encourage Responsible Private Sector Job Growth
Summary
The Roman Catholic Bishops are concerned about the rising gap between rich and poor, the loss of jobs caused by the increasing globalization of the economy, the growing poverty in rural areas, and the increased economic insecurity for the poor and middle class. The Bishops, therefore, propose that the State’s leaders work together to develop policies to stimulate the creation of jobs and a stronger economy for all New Yorkers.
Conference Position
The Catholic Conference supports efforts to facilitate cooperation among the political, business and labor leaders in New York to foster an environment, which encourages the responsible creation of good jobs in the State.
Rationale
Now is an appropriate time to reflect on the progress and problems of the economy and how it can serve all of God’s children. In their 1986 Pastoral Letter Economic Justice for All, the Bishops of the United States wrote that “Government on the local, state, and national levels must play a significant role, especially through tax structures that encourage investment in hard hit areas and through funding aimed at conservation and basic infrastructure needs. Initiatives like these can contribute to a multilevel response to the needs of the communities.” Poverty exists not only in aging cities, but in rural areas, therefore revitalization of the upstate economy is critical.
While the nation enjoyed economic growth, that economic growth has not distributed benefits equitably. The now sluggish economy, especially in upstate New York, has not responded. Poverty continues to grip our aging cities, and is a growing problem in rural areas. The Bishops believe that the creation of jobs is necessary to address this ongoing problem.
In Catholic social teaching, work is both a right and a duty. Work is the means by which we express our human dignity and provide for our families. Work allows us to use the earth’s resources responsibly to benefit society, as we continue God’s creation.
The Bishops believe the natural and human resources of our State will encourage many companies to locate here and increase employment, if we can show we are capable of the cooperative leadership necessary to create a better environment for responsible economic expansion.
As our political, business, labor and civic leaders act to bring about these policies of economic expansion, the Bishops encourage them to be mindful of the rights of workers and environmental stewardship.
We urge the adoption of policies which balance economic development incentives with the promotion of responsible action by business and the maintenance of critical services including affordable education, health care and housing.
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