GAU

The recently released budgets from the House and Senate include severe cuts to address the state's almost $9 billion budget deficit.  Safety net programs have not been spared, seeing cuts of nearly 50% or more to GAU (General Assistance Unemployable), the Basic Health Plan, and the Housing Trust Fund.

The proposed reductions to GAU will impact thousands of people across our state who currently receive monthly stipends and health care.  Many GAU recipients are formerly homeless people who use the stipend to pay their rent and to access needed health care treatment that had been deferred while they were on the streets. 

The needs of GAU clients are urgent.  The loss of stipend or medical care will be life-threatening for many.  To learn more about the program and to contact your legislators asking them to retain GAU in their budget, click here.

Safety Net

WSCC will continue to work to preserve programs and vital services for the most vulnerable in our society as formulated in the priorities adopted by the WSCC Board of Directors. 

Building on Scripture and Catholic social teaching, the WSCC identified priorities in the following areas:  Life Issues, Budget, Catholic Schools, Children and Families, Criminal Justice, Economic Justice, Environment, Health Care, Long-Term Care, and Housing.