Basic Human Needs
Summary
Catholic Charities USA has initiated a “Campaign to Reduce Poverty in America” with a goal of cutting poverty in half by 2020. More than a dozen states have created bi-partisan commissions to narrow the widening gap between the rich and the poor by eliminating barriers — such as lack of education, poor transportation and inadequate child care — that prevent many from finding better jobs and escaping chronic poverty. The time is right for New York State to create a similar Commission that has concrete goals for reducing poverty within a specific timeframe.
Conference Position
More 
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
More
Summary
Funds for education and training programs have increasingly been diverted to reduce budget deficits over the past several years. The resulting reductions in these programs threaten New York’s historic commitment to an educated workforce. For the New York families struggling to make ends meet, education and training for skilled jobs may be their best path out of poverty. This is especially true for people leaving welfare for work who, on average, earn salaries at or below the federal poverty level.
Conference Position
More
Summary
Low- and moderate-income working families are increasingly under severe financial strain that undermines family stability. The cost of childcare, housing, transportation, health care and diminished purchasing power all place an undo burden on working families.
Conference Position
More
Summary
The Roman Catholic Bishops are concerned about the uneven economic picture in various parts of New York State. The problem is especially evident in upstate urban areas: Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and Utica. Our upstate cities and counties have experienced a significant loss of jobs and people, especially youth. Crime continues to be a significant problem and housing stock has deteriorated and often been abandoned. Urban schools are losing students and are having difficulty meeting performance standards while the percentage of people living in poverty in upstate cities and first-ring suburbs continues to increase. While the responses needed to address these issues are varied and often complex, we believe that rebuilding the fabric of upstate communities will not start to occur and be sustained until 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
More
Summary
The majority of New York State’s residents live and work in large cities, but most of the land in the Empire State is considered rural. Although the social problems that exist in urban and suburban areas of the state of New York also exist in rural areas, rural New Yorkers have needs that are unique.
Conference Position
More
Summary
For decades, not-for-profit providers have worked with State and local government to deliver services in a cost-effective manner. However, contracts and payments have failed to keep pace with inflation, placing the partnership at risk.
Conference Position
More
Summary
The continuum of safe, affordable housing opportunities with appropriate support services for low- and moderate-income families and individuals needs to be preserved and expanded, especially in rural areas.
Conference Position
More
Summary
Working individuals and families face significant barriers in accessing affordable and reliable transportation in many parts of the state. This problem is particularly acute in rural areas and at non-peak hours. There is a need to invest in innovative solutions to overcome this significant barrier.
Conference Position
More
Summary
There is a significant need for increased access to safe, affordable, quality child care programs, as families move into an era of welfare reform which relies heavily on work. Without an increased investment in expanding child care programs, many working low income families will find themselves without safe, affordable, quality child care.
Conference Position
More
