Catholic tradition calls us to put first the needs of the poor and vulnerable, and to work, where possible, to foster their economic independence. Because human beings are sacred, we must help to ensure that all persons have a safe place to live, food to eat, and clothes to wear. The economy must be at the service of all people, especially the poor.

People who are particularly vulnerable because of age, addiction, disability or immigration status have unique needs and hold a special place in Catholic social teaching. Those with the greatest needs require the greatest response. Moreover, Catholic tradition defends basic human rights, including the right to live and work without exploitation or substandard conditions.

Christians should be guided both by concern for the welfare of others and by respect for the intrinsic worth and beauty of God's environment: the land, water, air, natural resources and all His creatures.

Provide for Basic Human Needs

Adopt fiscal and regulatory policies that encourage responsible private-sector job growth

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. more

Alleviate poverty for the working poor through enactment of a living wage

The Catholic Conference supports the development of public policies that will alleviate poverty by enhancing job skills of all New Yorkers; requiring that jobs pay a living wage, including health insurance and other benefits; and investing in the development of good jobs, through public and private activities. more

Ensure safe, affordable quality housing for low- and moderate-income families

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. more

Use the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families grant to reduce suffering, meet human needs

The Catholic Conference supports public policies that will invest the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant surplus to: 1) expand supportive services including case management to recipient; 2) increase the public assistance benefits to allow individuals and families to live with dignity; 3) provide assistance to help working families transitioning off welfare; and, 4) evaluate the effectiveness of policies to move individuals and families into the workplace. more

Enact policies that meet the special needs of rural New Yorkers

The Catholic Conference supports public policies that meet the special needs of individuals and families in rural areas when they attempt to access social services, housing, employment, transportation, health care, childcare and education. more

Maintain the public-private partnership in the delivery of health and human services

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. The Catholic Conference advocates for sufficient funding by state and local governments to ensure the development and delivery of essential human services. We oppose the privatization, or the "profitization"of services. more

Provide affordable and accessible transportation options for low- and moderate-income workers

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. more

Provide quality, affordable child day care opportunities for working families

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. more

Increase funding for emergency food programs, pantries and food stamp education and outreach

Over the past several years, a significant rise has occurred in the number of people turning to emergency food programs and pantries. Many are members of working families who use these pantries to supplement their paychecks and feed their families. A need for increased funding exists to ensure that the emergency food pantries can provide needed assistance. more

Provide funding for essential social service case management services

The Conference advocates for state and local governments to ensure that essential "non-categorical case management services" are adequately funded on a par with all contracted services. more

Provide education and training programs leading to gainful employment with adequate benefits

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. more

Expand supports for low-income working families

The Catholic Conference supports increased funding of supportive services (such as child care, housing, education and training, transportation, health care coverage and the Earned Income Tax Credit) to enable families to participate in the work force and live above the poverty level. more

Encourage cooperation, incentives and standards to promote economic growth in upstate urban cities

The Catholic Conference urges cooperation among the political, business and labor leaders in New York to foster an environment that encourages economic growth in all regions of the state. The Conference encourages the provision of incentives to support economic growth in areas of the state that are lagging behind and struggling. more

Support Those in Need of Special Services

Ensure adequate funding for and access to mental health, alcohol and sbustance abuse treatment

The Catholic Conference supports the enactment of legislation which prevents health insurance plans and health maintenance organizations from imposing arbitrary restrictions on visits and requiring co-payments higher than those required for other outpatient health care services. more

Require parity for mental health and substance abuse health insurance benefits

The Catholic Conference supports the enactment of legislation which prevents health insurance plans and health maintenance organizations from imposing arbitrary restrictions on visits and requiring co-payments higher than those required for other outpatient health care services. more

Establish initiatives to recruit, train and retain individuals in the mental health profession

There is a growing demand for well-trained mental health and chemical dependency treatment professionals. The economic and emotional stress many residents of New York State are experiencing requires the availability of competent professionals, appropriately trained to respond to the magnitude of the problem. more

Enact policies that promote economic and social independence among aging New Yorkers

The Catholic Conference supports public policies that promote economic and social independence among aging New Yorkers, including access to affordable, quality health care services and housing. more

Increase assisted living program units to enable the frail elderly to live at home

The Catholic Conference supports a package of reforms in the financing and delivery of services for the frail elderly to maximize scarce health care and housing resources and to minimize institutional care. more

Ensure adequate funding for and access to services for persons with HIV/AIDS and their families

The Catholic Conference supports public policies that will increase access to quality health and mental health services, in addition to community-based supports and testing, for persons living with, or at risk of, AIDS and HIV. more

Increase funding for residences and resources to serve persons with developmental disabili

Many adults with developmental disabilities are awaiting out-of-home placement. The need for community placement for persons with developmental disabilities continues to increase markedly as families are unable to sustain their children at home with ever-diminishing supports. more

Establish permanent state fudning for respite care for family caregivers

Families caring for aging parents with chronic illnesses frequently need respite services to preserve their own health and sustain emotional relationships with their loved ones. Current funding for respite services in New York State is tenuous. A secure funding stream is needed to provide respite for the primary caretakers for aging and chronically ill family members. more

Welcome Immigrants and Migrants

Provide access to essential service for all New Yorkers, regardless of immigration status

The Catholic Conference opposes the enactment of laws that deny essential health, social service and education services to immigrants and place workers in the position of enforcing the laws. more

Protect the rights of migrant farm workers and undocumented laborers and their families

The Catholic Conference advocates for policies based upon the principle of preferential option for the poor. A particularly vulnerable group is migrant farm workers in New York State, primarily comprising people of Hispanic culture from Mexico, Puerto Rico, El Salvador and other Central and South American countries. The Catholic Conference supports the enactment of measures that will enhance the quality of life of migrant farm workers. more

Increase access to adult English literacy programs

The Catholic Conference strongly supports increased funding for adult English literacy programs and improved access to such programs. more