Bill seeks to assist poor and vulnerable among us

Catholic social tradition has consistently asserted that government and the people share the responsibility to build the common good and protect everyone - especially the poor and vulnerable. In fact, we are specifically called to put the needs of the poor and vulnerable first. Our faith also tells us that political institutions are obligated to craft just and fair policies that provide access to basic necessities.

One way Minnesota has addressed the basic needs of the poor is through the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP), administered through the state Department of Human Services. This program is intended to assist poor and needy families as they move toward self-sufficiency.

Generally, a family’s cash grant under this program would increase slightly upon the birth of additional children. However, last year this practice ended in Minnesota with the enactment of legislation that imposed a family cap on benefits. This limit on already modest benefits has had a direct negative impact on needy families across the state. In addition, preliminary data indicates that there may be a correlation between similar benefit limitations outside of Minnesota, and an increase in abortions.

Ultimately, the issue at hand is how we assist the poor among us. The U.S. Catholic Bishops have said, " The Church calls on all of us to embrace this preferential option for the poor and vulnerable, to embody it in our lives, and to work to have it shape public policies and priorities. A fundamental measure of our society is how we care for and stand with the poor and vulnerable."

Legislation is moving through the legislature that would address this issue. House File 3019/Senate File 2615 would repeal the MFIP family cap.

Now is the time to contact your legislators and encourage them to help provide compassionate assist-ance to the poor by supporting this measure.