Alert | Jesuit Social Research Institute

Further Action Needed to Protect People from Coronavirus Fallout

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Stimulus package insufficient, contains big bailouts with inadequate accountability

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<img alt="" src="/jsri/sites/loyno.edu.jsri/files/images/unnamed-3.png" />
 
 
 
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 26, 2020
CONTACT: 
Carter Dougherty 
<a href="mailto:carter@ourfinancialsecurity.org">carter@ourfinancialsecurity.org</a> 
(202) 251-6700
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Further Action Needed to Protect People from Coronavirus Fallout 
Stimulus package insufficient, contains big bailouts with inadequate accountability</h5>
Statement from Lisa Donner, executive director, Americans for Financial Reform:
Corporate and Wall Street titans have used the coronavirus crisis to grab windfalls as a price for putting desperately needed resources into health care and helping people facing acute distress after losing jobs and income. The Trump administration and too many members of Congress actively promoted this terribly unbalanced approach to a public health emergency. The federal government – Congress and the executive branch – must move swiftly beyond what is in this legislation to help struggling people, families and communities in a just and inclusive manner. More needs to be done to respond to this crisis.
The money it includes for health care and to replace lost income is urgently needed. But this legislation fails to protect vulnerable communities most hurt by this crisis in many ways. A moratorium on foreclosures and evictions, and broadly available forbearance for mortgage payments, are necessary measures to protect people’s ability to stay in their homes. But the provisions in the bill largely repeat steps already taken by regulators and will be unwieldy because they require borrowers to contact their mortgage company to receive a forbearance at a time when call centers are being overwhelmed. They do not cover all loans, nor do they address borrower needs for flexible and affordable payment options after the health crisis abates and the forbearance period comes to an end.
The legislation provides no protection from garnishments, car repossessions, or debt collectors. There are also no protections from predatory lenders seeking to take advantage of the crisis. The bill only allows relief from negative credit reporting when a consumer reaches a separate agreement with their lender, a significant and unnecessary hurdle that will have repercussions for years if not removed.
The provisions on student loans are weak. (See separate statement <a href="https://ourfinancialsecurity.org/2020/03/news-release-cares-act-fails-provide-sufficient-relief-federal-student-loan-borrowers/">here</a>.) The suspension of payments will leave borrowers in the same hole once it lifts, and it excludes borrowers who do not have federally held loans, which will lead to confusion and frustration at a time when student loan servicers are <a href="https://protectborrowers.org/plans-to-pause-student-loan-payments-solve-a-political-problem-but-leave-student-loan-borrowers-worse-for-the-wear/">shutting call centers</a> that could provide clarification.
The bill lacks any requirement for direct lending to front line states and localities for emerging crisis-related needs. Given the massive credit assistance to business, and the importance of state and local leadership in crisis response, the absence of a forceful mandate for support of municipal borrowing is disturbing.
At the same time, the Trump administration will now control a fund worth $500 billion that the Federal Reserve can leverage into $5 trillion in lending, a figure equal to a quarter of normal U.S. economic output. The legislation includes few real restrictions on most of this fund, leaving the door open for this massive amount of money to inflate corporate bottom lines without benefiting ordinary people hurt by the pandemic.
Excepting airlines, big businesses benefiting from this funding do not even have to commit to retaining their workers. Prohibitions on lobbying, stock buybacks, executive bonuses and “golden parachutes,” and requirements for worker representation on boards of bailed-out companies range from weak to nonexistent. The measure requires an inspector general, appointed by Trump, and a congressional oversight body whose tools for the job are not sufficient.
The Fed and the Treasury will use, or are already using, Wall Street behemoths as their agents in administering assistance programs, which will give the industry strong influence over how money is distributed and create serious conflicts of interest. Policymakers need to remember the lessons of the failed response to the 2008 financial crisis. Without further action that puts people, families, and communities first, ordinary people will continue to pay the price.

Date

Wed, 03/25/2020 - 20:00

Read more about Further Action Needed to Protect People from Coronavirus Fallout

Churches Respond to Mississippi Immigration Raids

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The August 7th Mississippi immigration raids have prompted a strong response from the Catholic, Episcopal, and Methodist Bishops of Mississippi. Persons wishing to help should contact Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Jackson.

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The August 7th Mississippi immigration raids have prompted <a href="http://catholiccharitiesjackson.org/manage/wp-content/uploads/Joint-Bishops-Statement-Immigration-Raids0808.19.pdf">a strong response</a> from the Catholic, Episcopal, and Methodist Bishops of Mississippi condemning the raids. Persons wishing to help families in distress should contact<a href="https://catholiccharitiesjackson.org/ice-raids-in-morton/"> Catholic Charities</a> of the Diocese of Jackson.  Opportunities to help include donations and volunteering.

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Sun, 08/11/2019 - 20:00

Read more about Churches Respond to Mississippi Immigration Raids

Stop family separation!

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[June 20, 2018]

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The separation of children from their parents at the border is an unconscionable violation of the most basic of human rights—the right of children and parents to be a family. It is a cruel and inhumane policy that brings great shame to our nation while doing untold damage to the emotional, spiritual, and physical development of vulnerable children. Separating children from their parents is mean-spirited, un-American, and un-Christian and a betrayal of American values. The fact that cruelty to children and their parents is the goal and purpose of the policy—in order to prevent persecuted families from applying for asylum—reveals a stunning lack of respect for the humanity of our immigrant sisters and brothers, who like all of us are Children of God. JSRI calls on all Catholics and People of Good Will to call their Congresspersons (at 202-224-3121) to demand that the Trump Administration end this cruel and destructive policy.

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Tue, 06/19/2018 - 20:00

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Contact Your House Representative to Support Unanimous Juries!

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[May 9, 2018]

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As you may know, Louisiana is one of only two states in the country where someone can be convicted of a felony “beyond a reasonable doubt,” even if up to two jurors vote to acquit. (See the <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://www.theadvocate.com/new_orleans/news/courts/article_85b28154-3492-11e8-bfd2-07fee9f093d2.html&source=gmail&ust=1525978756638000&usg=AFQjCNFIa9oFDCHTl9H3gW0ZJwJZUpKWFA" href="http://www.theadvocate.com/new_orleans/news/courts/article_85b28154-3492-11e8-bfd2-07fee9f093d2.html" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" target="_blank">excellent reporting on non-unanimous juries by The Advocate</a>.) Examination of historical evidence shows that Louisiana’s non-unanimous jury law was intended by white supremacists to weaken the influence of black voters in jury trials. Louisiana’s split-verdict law is one reason why Louisiana incarcerates more of its citizens per capita than any other state. 
 
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://www.legis.la.gov/legis/BillInfo.aspx?s%3D18RS%26b%3DSB243%26sbi%3Dy&source=gmail&ust=1525978756638000&usg=AFQjCNEwRUMK4WpXdzE-1Vkh7CV2M2D3fQ" href="http://www.legis.la.gov/legis/BillInfo.aspx?s=18RS&b=SB243&sbi=y" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" target="_blank">SB 243</a>, by Senator Try Carter, seeks to change this historic wrong by proposing a constitutional amendment to require unanimous juries for felony convictions in Louisiana. SB 243 is scheduled for a debate and vote on the House floor this <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1536536874" style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(204, 204, 204); position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" tabindex="0">Friday, May 11. Because it is a constitutional amendment, it will need a two-thirds majority to pass. 
 
Please call or email your state representative with this simple message: 
 
Hello. My name is _______ and I am your constituent residing at ________________. Please support SB 243, which proposes a constitutional amendment to end non-unanimous jury verdicts in Louisiana, when it comes up for vote on the House floor this Friday, May 11. Thank you for voting “yes” on SB 243. 
 
Click<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://www.legis.la.gov/legis/FindMyLegislators.aspx&source=gmail&ust=1525978756638000&usg=AFQjCNEcRPnGTESVG0izKTG762B2ZvI3xQ" href="http://www.legis.la.gov/legis/FindMyLegislators.aspx" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" target="_blank"> here</a> for the name, phone number, and email of your state representative: 
Please share this message widely and help make historic change happen! 
  
UPDATE: SB 269, which would have expanded parole eligibility, failed on the Senate floor by a vote of 11-24. 
 
UPDATE: HB 265, which would restore voting rights to persons on probation and parole after five years, was not passed even though it had more yes than no votes - it had 51 yes votes but needed 53 yes votes to achieve a majority of House votes. It will be heard again on the House floor this <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1536536876" style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(204, 204, 204); position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" tabindex="0">Thursday, May 10. Please also call/email your state representative to support HB 265. 
  
Thank you!

Date

Tue, 05/08/2018 - 20:00

Read more about Contact Your House Representative to Support Unanimous Juries!

Letters: Support increase in minimum wage

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[March 16, 2018]

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by Alí Bustamante, Ph.D.
Soon, Louisiana's Senate Labor and Industrial Committee will hear multiple bills from state Sens. Troy Carter and J.P. Morrell that promote human dignity in Louisiana by allowing workers to support themselves, their families and the common good through livable wages and equal pay.
Catholic social thought highlights two fundamental principles with regards to wages: First, a just wage must provide a dignified livelihood for the worker and his or her family; and second, government is responsible for protecting the rights of workers.
Despite this moral imperative for employers and obligation on governments, wages in Louisiana are among the lowest in the country. Low wages contribute to deep and pervasive poverty. In 2016, one in five residents and one in seven families was in poverty in Louisiana. Without sufficient incomes, a dignified livelihood is not within the reach of many working Louisianians and their families.
The response from state legislators to the injustice of working people earning poverty wages has been woefully lacking. State legislators ought to support minimum wage laws and equal pay while also strengthening labor protections. In actuality, many state legislators have made the lives of workers more difficult by passing laws that pre-empt cities and counties from legislating their own local minimum wage laws.
 
<a href="http://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/opinion/letters/article_4a8b1cbe-27de-11e8-9aad-9f2ecd7e29f5.html">READ MORE >></a>

Date

Thu, 03/15/2018 - 20:00

Read more about Letters: Support increase in minimum wage

Call Congress Before Friday to Include DACA in Continuing Resolution

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[December 6, 2017]

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Today is a National Day of Action on DACA. Please see Call to Action below from our Metairie Indivisible friends and call your senators and representative TODAY! 
  
  
DEMAND THAT DACA BE INCLUDED IN CONTINUING RESOLUTION SCHEDULED FOR VOTE ON FRIDAY! 
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To speak with the Washington, D.C. offices of both your Senators and your Representative, just call the following number <a href="tel:(202)%20224-3121" target="_blank" value="+12022243121">202-224-3121</a> and enter your zip code. 
  
  
Reminders: Identify where you're calling from (town and zip code is fine) so they know you're an actual constituent. Be concise - the office will get through more calls that way. Be polite and don't argue with the staffer - they don't set policy.  If you get a voicemail, then leave a message. And if you get a busy signal -- call back later! 
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SAMPLE SCRIPT: 
I’m calling to ask that DACA be restored by including the program in the Continuing Resolution that will be considered this week.  Dreamers, brought to this country as children, should be able to go on with their lives without fear of deportation. 
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Why you should make this call: 
  
Today undocumented youth all over the country are leading a campaign to demand that Congress stand for Dreamers.  Trump terminated the DACA program in September, calling it an amnesty and giving Congress six months to enact a new plan. The President wants stronger crackdowns on so-called sanctuary cities, funding to build his wall and an overhaul of the country’s green card system. These conditions are non-starters for Democrats. With the continuing resolution (CR) the Democrats have real leverage. Sixty votes are needed to pass the CR.  Without the CR, the government will shut down December 8. Let’s support the dreamers and get those phones ringing. 
 
Thank you!

Date

Tue, 12/05/2017 - 19:00

Read more about Call Congress Before Friday to Include DACA in Continuing Resolution

Press Conference Nov. 15 and Prayer Vigil Nov. 17 for Immigrant Justice

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[November 13, 2017]

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Please see announcement, below, from the Congress of Day Laborers and the Greater New Orleans Interfaith Sanctuary Coalition about important events addressing the terror confronting the New Orleans immigrant community. Both actitivities are at First Grace Methodist Church in New Orleans, 3401 Canal Street. We especially need faith leaders and people of faith to make every effort to attend! Thank you!
Immigrant Rights Leaders Under Attack: A Community Briefing, Strategy Session and Press Conference  
Jose Torres is a Jefferson Parish dad and undocumented human rights leader who is taking a stand against the senseless destruction of his family and others.
We urge you to join the Congress of Day Laborers and Interfaith Sanctuary Coalition of New Orleans for a <a href="https://mail-attachment.googleusercontent.com/attachment/u/0/?ui=2&ik=d472feec9c&view=att&th=15fa750a1b256817&attid=0.1.0&disp=inline&safe=1&zw&saddbat=ANGjdJ_dh65aJRzHLrzRSVv4izbQWuC9O_d6WfQeTl5irpzU1mYBPJ8ItL-9f6Osb_VtIlxboftFP80FGYLwe3hXkrN178wIof2O1Aeb2LdcJHb0433Rk5Vt-hyTptiEcw6_H1Dp1Y1IlA6FrUqJeFhJyOJWik-zrejCHA8rJa3sF-sHORR1JOBh2AfL4SFdkHVYgGW5oubEnGcx1lTOpE_bEAF8RLxfzO3jhOeIrarKHPSF2pho34V3f1DaeKu2qzlPPAmmi_JLnbE_mYrSBK1mhMYpCdu9K02Esq13ZJibpEEXmg2bdbMq5HN2pkiegkYqL54XRTuikunv9kudvP1VpLcQpMi1z1mo_EGXhq7R9ierXVzx2fLsEtcltQMEvHdPCxxzxDEHHm9DOQmrjRL4HnKDjFDGiuNk2O7-55O2gJy4tQ28bemdt6ZifAQR0fSRA9FYvxtXsmMJPSpVFVL2V8B2d6_fwxUjhMrlkRLjHYSTAFtl9MonIy7AiULpirnx5VlN60U4oQKya9eQteUNbaRihd8ueEeAJ0RqjBDRoYduTlELukbUQV5XJzcviGYpky9EydnRX_ywBHp4XAR0OP5HLAU1jmoFjYMhbQ">Briefing and Strategy Session on the local state of immigrant rights</a> one year into Donald Trump’s election, and to hear directly from Jose Torres, an undocumented leader facing immediate deportation. 
Jose survived human trafficking upon arrival to the US, and escaped to join the New Orleans community to help us rebuild after the storm. Jose continued on to build his dream in our community, raising his family here. Jose is a longtime civil rights leader who helped establish designated spaces for Day Laborers to safely seek work in Gretna, has actively fought for New Orleans’ Anti-Bias policies, and supports families with loved ones in detention. 
Jose’s U.S. citizen daughters Kimberly, 2, and Julissa, 8, are both chronically ill and rely on him to survive. Due to this, Jose was granted prosecutorial discretion by ICE just last year. But now, ICE now has given Jose just days to leave the country. His next ICE check-in is November 15th. 
Even in the face of this injustice, Jose continues to resist and speak out against ICE’s immorality, which impacts thousands of other New Orleans-area families. 
We urge you to join us on November 15th at 10 AM at 3401 Canal Street to hear how you can stand with Jose and all of the immigrant community in New Orleans!
Please also mark your calendar for a follow-up action on Friday the 17th at 4:30 pm at 3401 Canal Street New Orleans, LA.

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Sun, 11/12/2017 - 19:00

Read more about Press Conference Nov. 15 and Prayer Vigil Nov. 17 for Immigrant Justice

MAINTAIN DEFERRED ACTION FOR CHILDHOOD ARRIVALS (DACA) Sign-On Letter for Educators in the Ignatian Network

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[August 16, 2017]

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From Christopher Kerr, Executive Director, Ignatian Solidarity Network</div>
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I am writing with an invitation specifically for educators at Jesuit institutions to stand with young people as the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) faces threats from petitions for its termination. As you may know the Department of Justice has received petitions from a number of state governors and attorneys general calling for the immediate termination of the DACA program. As you know, the DACA program has provided access to hundreds of thousands of young people, including many at Jesuit institutions.</div>
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In partnership with the Jesuit Conference's Office of Justice and Ecology, ISN has initiated a letter addressed to John F. Kelly, former DHS Secretary and current White House chief of staff, who is a Catholic, which calls upon the Administration to "maintain DACA as an essential program for the well being of young people and our communities." The letter lifts up Catholic Bishop Joe S. Vásquez's recent statement in support of young immigrants who are part of the DACA program. </div>
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Currently, more than 140 educators at Jesuit institutions have signed the letter including the presidents of sixteen Jesuit universities and a number of secondary and middle school institutions. </div>
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Please note that the letter is open to any educator at a Jesuit institution — faculty and administrators. The letter will be sent to the White House toward the end of this month.</div>
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<a href="https://ignatiansolidarity.net/maintain-daca/?utm_source=Immigration%3A%20Supporting%20Undocumented%20Persons&utm_campaign=78f0e40ab4-14.10.15%20ISN%20Updates&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_ddecad9f5a-78f0e40ab4-255754721">SIGN THE LETTER >></a></div>
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Date

Tue, 08/15/2017 - 20:00

Read more about MAINTAIN DEFERRED ACTION FOR CHILDHOOD ARRIVALS (DACA) Sign-On Letter for Educators in the Ignatian Network

Urge Your Senator to Vote NO on the Better Care Reconciliation Act (BCRA)

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Contact your U.S. Senators today and remind them that health care is a right based in the sanctity and dignity of every human person. Tell them you will not stand for 23 million people losing insurance and cuts to health care for the most vulnerable of our society.

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Last Thursday Senate Republicans revealed their version of the American Health Care Act, the unpopular House bill. The Senate bill retains much of the problematic provisions of the House bill, including massive reductions to Medicaid, higher insurance costs, and less coverage in order to cut taxes for the wealthy. According to the Congressional Budget Office report, by 2026, 15 million fewer Americans would have Medicaid, not to mention the 22 million more uninsured.
Republicans in the Senate have followed their House colleagues in rushing a secret plan to repeal the Affordable Care Act onto the Senate floor.  No committee hearings, no public debate and no expert testimony will take place before this extremely unpopular bill is likely to get a vote in the U.S. Senate.
The bill threatens the health care of millions and would gut Medicaid, through a per capita cap funding mechanism.  Medicaid insures one in five Americans. The proposed structural change would harm these older people, kids and their families, people with disabilities, and those suffering from substance abuse and mental health conditions.
Contact your U.S. Senators today and tell them that you oppose the GOP repeal bill. Remind them that health care is a right based in the sanctity and dignity of the human person. Tell them you will not stand for 23 million people losing insurance and cuts to health care for the most vulnerable of our society.
We recommend you take one of two actions detailed below.  If you need assistance, please contact: Alí Bustamante, Ph.D., our economic policy specialist, at arbustam@loyno.edu or 504-864-7748. Thanks for your strong advocacy on behalf of millions of people.  Remember that just one or two votes can swing this issue.
 
<a href="https://jsri.loyno.edu/take-action?vvsrc=%2FCampaigns%2F53433%2FRespond">TAKE ACTION>>></a>

Date

Tue, 06/27/2017 - 20:00

Read more about Urge Your Senator to Vote NO on the Better Care Reconciliation Act (BCRA)

TAKE ACTION!

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Stop the Deportation of Juan Rodriguez

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On Tuesday we posted a story about the Rodriguez family. Juan Rodriguez is the father of three daughters, two of whom, Rebecca and Karen, are students at Cristo Rey Jesuit College Preparatory of Houston. Since 2007, Juan has been going to periodic check-ins at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement headquarters in Houston because he is in the United States illegally. Because he has a family and no criminal record, Mr. Rodriguez became the beneficiary of prosecutorial discretion under the Obama administration, and the number of check-ins was reduced to one per year. But when he showed up for his annual check-in this February he was told that he would be deported back to El Salvador. He was given a reprieve to attend Rebecca’s graduation from Cristo Rey Jesuit, but now he is expected to be deported by the end of June.
FIEL Headquarters is doing everything they can to STOP the deportation of Mr. Rodriguez but they NEED YOUR HELP!
Please take a moment to sign the attached petition to STOP the deportation of Mr. Rodriguez and advocate for his family to stay together.
<a href="https://fielhouston.org/rodriguez/"><img alt="" src="https://jsri.loyno.edu/sites/loyno.edu.jsri/files/Rodriquez.jpg" /></a>

Date

Wed, 06/07/2017 - 20:00

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