Well – how many times have we been through this in the 31 years we have been writing to you? How many demonstrations? Fasts? How many "Call your Congressperson" campaigns? Today, we find ourselves waiting yet again to learn the exact impact the cuts Congress will heap upon those least able to absorb the them.
Many programs that were put in place to alleviate the suffering of poor people, those living with disability or mental illnesses and the elderly have already been severely cut. Any further cuts will be devastating.
The Massachusetts Senate on May 27 approved “a series of measures to tighten immigration enforcement” (New York Times). The same proposal failed in the Massachusetts House of representatives earlier by six votes. The measure, according to a May 25 Boston.com article, “would require that adults applying for public benefits supply proof of legal residence, such as a state driver’s license.
Thanks to all of you who have responded to our three day fast of moral witness at the continuing cruelty visited upon our poorest citizens in Massachusetts. Thanks to all of you, our cup runneth over! This is our third fast in twenty years, always for the same reasons: for atonement, for redemption, for repentance, for resistance, for forgiveness of the poor for what we as taxpayers have allowed state legislators to do in our name.
Fran Froehlich, Co-Director of PPUF and Director of Community Works spoke about how important small organizations are in pursuit of social justice and how important it is to support their work. Community Works raises money for thirty-one small social justice non-profits that serve folks who have always been at the end of line when the goodies are being handed out. Fran spoke of the catastrophic increase in need that these agencies are coping with.
Marie Turley, Director, City of Boston Women's Commission reported on the proposed budget cuts to services for victims of domestic violence.
Jim Green, director, City of Boston Emergency Shelter Commission spoke about the proposed budget cut that would deny families with income between 100% and 130% of the poverty line access to shelter.
Lew Finfer, long time activisit talked about his concerns at the elimination in the state budget of youth violence prevention and job training programs. Massachusetts has a three billion dollar budget deficit due to corporate tax breaks and lack of state income tax increases.
Pat Maher, Nurse for Cambridge Health Care for the Homeless, spoke about the lack of comprehensive services for homeless women.