Pataki's lack of details leaves Catholic officials waiting for budget

In his address, Gov. George Pataki spoke of "defeating hatred with tolerance" in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, but asked that more anti-terrorism measures be passed, including life in prison for those who possess chemical or biological weapons.

He boasted of having made $100 billion in tax cuts and having put $1.8 billion in a Fiscal Responsibility Reserve fund during his tenure, promising more tax cuts in the future. He also promised to create a task force to make city and county governments more efficient.

Proposals

Gov. Pataki touted laws passed during his tenure as helping the crime rate drop by more than half. To continue that, he proposed:

* abolishing parole for felons,

* reforming the Rockefeller-era drug laws,

* lowering the blood-alcohol level for intoxicated drivers to .08,

* passing the Sexual Orientation Non-Discrimination Act (an expansion of the hate crimes law), and

* getting rid of the statute of limitations for rape and sexual assault.

The Governor asked both parties to cooperate in strengthening the healthcare system and reiterated his plans for cancer screening programs. On the issue of education, he hoped to give teachers performance incentives and expand after-school programs. Regarding the environment, he hoped to preserve more than a million acres of open space, reduce pollution and clean up already-polluted areas.

Details?

Both Mr. Poust and Sister Maureen Joyce, RSM, executive director of diocesan Catholic Charities, were disappointed that the Governor's speech didn't touch on helping the needy.

"I don't think there was even a mention of human services," Sister Maureen stated. "That is of great concern. From our standpoint, the budget is the document we will be looking at much more closely. The budget document puts more `meat' on the State of the State."

Approvals

The Catholic Conference hoped that the Governor's plans to help all students meet state academic standards would include Catholic school students. Last year, said Mr. Poust, schools asked for $10 million in aid and ended up with only $1 million.

In addition, he hoped programs to recruit and train teachers would be open to teachers in Catholic and non-Catholic schools.

Needy?

He applauded Gov. Pataki's economic development initiatives, but said they must be balanced with meeting the needs of the poor and vulnerable.

Sister Maureen agreed, noting: "This is our fifth year of welfare reform. Families are coming off welfare, and there was no mention of what supports are going to be in place."

Crime

"Parole has a legitimate place in criminal justice," Mr. Poust argued. "It encourages good behavior in prisons, encourages prisoners to rehabilitate themselves."

In addition, he said, parole allows for the possibility of redemption -- something that all Catholics should consider.

"To lock someone up and throw away the key, we think, is not good public policy," he stated.

Gov. Pataki's call to expand the hate crimes law drew criticism from the Catholic Conference, as well. "Everyone, including homosexuals, is made in the image and likeness of God," Mr. Poust explained. "Our concern with the bill is that making them a special class gives homosexual behavior the stamp of approval of the state and possibly opens the door to legal challenges to the state's marriage laws. We believe marriage is a sacrament reserved to men and women."

Taxes

"What will be the impact of 9-11 as well as the downturn in the economy?" she questioned.

Mr. Poust was concerned that the Governor's soon-expected budget might cut Medicaid at a time when it's crucially needed. "We would hate to see any cuts made to that," he remarked.

As for the gist of the address -- comments on the Sept. 11 tragedy -- Mr. Poust called the Governor "eloquent. We were inspired by his words regarding the heroes of Sept. 11 and echo his call for an end to partisan politics. The Governor has been a strong leader for the state in the aftermath of the attacks, and the bishops commend him for that."

Both Mr. Poust and Sister Maureen said their offices are gearing up to analyze the state budget as soon as it is released.

(Editor's note: You can read the text of the State of the State address at www.state.ny.us.)

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