How the state of Louisiana Budget Crisis impacts vital Catholic ministries

Update on Funding for Vital Ministries

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• • May 21, 2018 by Communications
  • The Louisiana Legislature ended the regular session for 2018 this past Friday, May 18 ^th and is scheduled to begin the second special session of this year tomorrow, May 22.  With the governor having vetoed HB 1 – the Louisiana state budget - there remain several issues of concern for Catholics statewide. During the session, there were calls to action for both funding for nonpublic education and the defunding of Medicaid programs that would have a devastating effect on our Catholic healthcare ministries.
  • Currently, there is no program within our ministries that receives funding from the State of Louisiana that is adequately funded due to the fact that a budget is nonexistent.  This means that we will have to continue to be vigilant to those areas that are impacted by state funding such as: our Catholic healthcare ministries that provide vital services for some of the most vulnerable populations in our state; our nursing homes and longer term care ministries such as PACE; our mental health and substance abuse treatment outreach; as well as our non-public schools to ensure that our students are fed and that schools are reimbursed for the work required of them by the state department of education. 
• It is important to keep in mind, that the goal of the special session is to raise revenue: debate and explore funding streams for the Louisiana State Budget. The legislature will be looking to close a $650 million deficit between the budget expenses and actual revenue. Therefore, we must remain engaged and encourage our legislators to compromise on revenue without compromising our moral responsibilities to care for the poor and vulnerable and provide for those in need. 
• As we can, we will keep the faithful updated on the progress and state of these issues as the legislature moves through the special section. We encourage you to join us in prayer that these important funding issues can be resolved and that our Louisiana Legislature and the Governor will address the needs of the poor and vulnerable and uphold the dignity of human life in their decision-making.