Action Alerts
Quick access links 
Stand with the Sudanese people Link 1
Urge Congress to hear the cry of the poor Link 2
Improve state's battered safety net Link 3
Keep housing affordable Link 4
Expand commitment to immigrants Link 5
Support the Local Farms, Food, and Jobs Act Link 6
USCCB & CRS - Catholics Confront Global Poverty
1. Stand with the Sudanese people - write to Secretary of State Hilary Clinton
Situation: Last July, when South Sudan was established as the world's newest nation, the world was full of hope for the future of the Sudanese people. But now, less than a year later, the long-term peace and stability of Sudan and South Sudan are at a critical juncture. As Pope Benedict XVI said earlier this year,"Sadly, tensions and clashes have ensued in recent months, and I express my hope that all may unite their efforts to enable the people of Sudan and South Sudan to experience at last a period of peace, freedom and development."
In the Southern Kordofanand Blue Nile states of Sudan, aerial bombardment, reported attacks on civilians, and a refusal by the Sudanese government to allow international humanitarian aid may lead to large-scale displacement of people and famine. Relations between Sudan and South Sudan are tenuous because negotiations over oil revenue have failed and oil production has ceased in South Sudan, threatening both countries' economies. The status and security of "people of southern origin" residing in Sudanis in flux, as is the border between Sudan and South Sudan and the town of Abyei that straddles it. Inter-communal violence in South Sudan-primarily in the Jonglei and Unity states-has taken thousands of lives, causing widespread hunger and displacement. While some transitional aid has been possible, the suffering and insecurity of the people in Darfur largely continues unabated.
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2. Urge Congress to hear the cry of the poor
Situation: raise your voice as Congress debates the budget.
Contact your members of Congress today and urge them to strengthen international poverty-focused humanitarian and development assistance as they consider the upcoming federal budget for fiscal year 2013. While our nation's fiscal challenges are significant, the current economic crisis disproportionately impacts the world's poorest people.
President Obama's FY 2013 budget proposes cuts to poverty-focused international assistance, which makes up less than 0.5% of the U.S. federal budget but saves millions of lives around the world. Poverty-focused international assistance provides food to the hungry, shelter to refugees, it vaccinates children against deadly diseases and educates them for a more prosperous and stable future. Cutting this assistance will not balance the federal budget but cuts will cost lives. For further background, read the recent letter by Bishop Richard Pates, Chair of the Committee on International Justice and Peace of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, and Dr. Carolyn Woo, President of Catholic Relief Services.
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California Catholic Conference - Catholic Legislative Network
1. Measures seek to improve state's battered safety net
Situation: In recent years, California policymakers have slashed safety net programs even while the Great Recession has forced record foreclosures, massive unemployment and ongoing fiscal challenges for families. CalWORKs, the California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids program, has seen some of the deepest cuts, even though it protects children and provides job readiness skills. (Background information is here.)
Insights continues our examination of legislative trends in the 2012 session with two bills aimed at improving the effectiveness of CalWORKs:
- Assembly Member Holly Mitchell (D-Los Angeles) has introduced AB 1640, which would allow a pregnant woman-with no other children in the household-to become eligible for CalWORKs and Medi-Cal benefits upon verification of pregnancy. Currently, California requires a wait until the third trimester. The bill could significantly improve prenatal care for the baby. (We view this as a pro-life bill.)
- California still counts the value of a vehicle in determining eligibility even though reliable transportation is often critical to working life in California. AB 2352, by Assembly Member Roger Hernandez (D-Baldwin Park), would allow the exemption of a motor vehicle from consideration as property when determining eligibility.
For a list of all bills that the California Catholic Conference is tracking, please go to our Legislative Reports page.
For more information, contact Linda Wanner, lwanner@cacatholic.org
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NETWORK, a Catholic Social Justice Lobby
1. Keep Housing Affordable
Situation: Oppose the House Affordable Housing and Self-Sufficiency Act
The House of Representatives is considering the Affordable Housing and Self-Sufficiency Act of 2012 (no bill number assigned yet), which will increase the minimum rent of a household in Public Housing, receiving a housing voucher or in project-based Section 8 assisted households.
It would also expand and make permanent the "Moving to Work" (MTW) demonstration project that exempts owners from abiding by several key tenets of affordable housing law.
Please tell your Representative that you oppose this legislation.
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2. Our Commitment to Immigrants Must Expand
Situation: Tell the Obama Administration to address our concerns
On January 19, 2012, the results from two prosecutorial discretion pilot programs in Baltimore and Denver were released. Of the 11,682 pending removal cases in these two cities, 16%, (or 1,667 cases) were administratively closed.
As this policy expands nationwide, the Obama Administration commitment to immigrants must expand as well.
- Immigrants with their cases closed should be eligible for work authorization. It is unfair to let them reside here legally without the ability to do so.
- Delays at Immigration Courts must be addressed. The emotional and financial strain put on an immigrant family waiting for a verdict on their case is unjust.
- In order to ensure that those in deportation proceedings are informed of the prosecutorial discretion policy, the Department of Homeland Security must engage in a public information campaign.
Tell President Obama and Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano to address these concerns that will uphold the dignity and well-being of immigrants across the country.
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Union of Concerned Scientists
1. Tell Congress: Support the Local Farms, Food, and Jobs Act!
Situation: Currently, billions of taxpayer dollars subsidize unhealthy, processed foods, while farmers who grow healthy foods work without support-but we can change that!
Leaders in Congress have introduced the Local Farms, Food, and Jobs Act to support local farmers and food markets. A recent UCS report found that expanding local food systems will boost local economies, create jobs, and encourage consumption of fruits and vegetables. As a bonus, these farmers are also more likely to embrace practices that protect our air, water, and soil.
With enough support, this bill could become part of the larger Food and Farm Bill, currently moving through Congress at a lightning pace. Write to your members of Congress and ask them to cosponsor the Local Farms, Food, and Jobs Act today!
Please make your letter personal by adding in your own thoughts and concerns. Every letter makes a difference, but customized letters have the greatest effect!
Click here for more information on the 2012 Farm Bill and the UCS Report on the Economic Benefits of Local Food Systems
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