JRLC e-Xpress May 16

In the next 48+ hours the Legislature and the Governor will make momentous decisions

Please, if you are able, come to the Capitol at 4 p.m. Sunday May 17 to bear witness to the faith community's values of hope, compassion, community, and social justice that we hope carry the day

 
We began the work for the 2009 session with high hopes for progress on health care and ending poverty. The budget forecast last November was sobering and the forecast in March was even worse. The federal stimulus package made an abysmal situation seem less painful, but we still face the budget realities of a Governor wedded to no new revenues and spending reductions that will leave our health care and social services in a state of rubble. Of course the legislature could override the Governor and take some of the sting out of the most inhumane cuts and legislative leaders are discussing this option at this hour. By midnight Monday, our legislators must decide what direction we take out of these troubles.
 
Will we decide to abandon those most politically vulnerable – or will we stand by our neighbors?  Will Minnesota solve its budget deficit by stripping health care away from more than 30,000 of the poorest adults in the state – and in so doing, threaten the future of our hospitals?  Will we push the deficit into the coming years, by selling bonds on our future revenue?  Will we protect our communities, our schools and the safety net we need more than ever?  Will the solution be a fair and balanced combination of careful cuts and new revenues?
 
How Minnesota and Minnesota policymakers resolve this deficit will determine what we ultimately value and whether we will be a state that continues to invest in its future and its people. A few days ago JRLC delivered to each legislator and to the Governor a small booklet entitiled, "Prayers and Reflections for Those Who Serve in the Public Arena." It is a collection of our favorite interfaith prayers, verses, and quotes. We hope all our lawmakers, now weary, refer to this booklet and keep in mind God's enduring vision of mercy and justice.
 
Action--Two options:
Option 1: Come to the second floor of the Capitol at 4 p.m. on Sunday.  You will have a chance to communicate with your legislators.  You will have the opportunity to stand with others who share your commitment to social justice.  JRLC did critical prophetic work this session, beginning with Day on the Hill – you helped fill the phone lines yesterday with calls of outrage over the Governor’s decision to eliminate General Assistance Medical Care — now it is time to be a faithful presence. There will not be speeches or chanting.  This is not a rally. We will simply be present as a faithful people, yearning for justice. Invite others to come. Bring a sign or placard if you wish.

Option 2: If you can't come to the Capitol, then email your state senator and state representative. Tell them to override the Governor if it ensures health care for the needy. Tell them that if we are considering such inhumane cuts it must be time to raise revenue.  Send them the link and tell them to view the video at Invest in Minnesota -- http://www.investinmn.org.
And write about someone you care about at www.aboutusall.org. Tell them to visit this site as well.

Everyone: Please find time to pray for our legislators and Governor — that they agree to a budget solution that reflects the goodness and compassion of the people of Minnesota.