Sister Simone Campbell Responds to 2017 Poverty Statistics Release

For Immediate Release: September 12, 2018
Contact: Lee Morrow, lmorrow@networklobby.org, 202-601-7871
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Sister Simone Campbell Responds to 2017 Poverty Statistics Release
Sister Simone: “Any reduction in poverty seen in this data has already been lost due to cruel and irresponsible policies.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In response to the release of the 2017 Income, Poverty and Health Insurance Coverage statistics by the U.S. Census Bureau, Sister Simone Campbell, SSS, Executive Director of NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice issued the following statement:

“It is encouraging to see more proof that policies for the common good are working to lift people out of poverty. We also know that the Trump administration is working every day to dismantle these vital human needs programs. The data show these programs work and should be expanded, not curtailed.

“Unfortunately, any reduction in poverty seen in this data has already been lost due to cruel and irresponsible policies. The 2017 numbers do not include the impacts of the Republican Tax Law, which has had catastrophic effects on our communities and threatens the financial security of millions of households.

“That’s not all – President Trump wants to cut even more. The President’s budget proposes cuts to the ACA, Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, SNAP, and many more policies that this new data proves are effectively securing low income families. The Trump administration’s damaging policy agenda would be catastrophic, pushing millions more Americans into poverty.

“Nuns on the Bus are going on the road this fall to tell the truth about tax justice. We must undo the damage of the 2017 Tax Law to make sure our nation continues to reduce poverty. Right now, the GOP continues to insist on making it worse. Their plan must be stopped.”

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NETWORK Lobby – advocates for justice inspired by Catholic Sisters – educates, organizes, and lobbies for economic and social transformation. They have a 46-year track record of lobbying for critical federal programs that support those at the margins and prioritize the common good. www.networklobby.org