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A new high is expected for the number of Catholics from across New York State attending the annual Public Policy Day at the State Capitol March 13.

The New York State Catholic Conference credits this year's predicted attendance boost to its partnership with Knights of Columbus councils. About 1,400 people, up from the usual 1,000, will gather at the Capitol to lobby state lawmakers on issues of concern to Catholics.

The K of C will lead a Rosary prayer rally and procession to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany as part of the public policy forum, titled "Catholics at the Capitol." The Catholic Conference advocates on behalf of the state's bishops on public policy matters.

In a still-sour economy, New York's Catholics remain committed to fighting for a slate of agenda issues including state aid for the poor, the future of Catholic schools and the human dignity of immigrants and prisoners. During the lobby day, they will also oppose an abortion bill that would threaten religious liberty.

The Catholic Conference's overall message to people in the pews, said Dennis Poust, director of communications, is to "not lose sight of our collective responsibility to each other."

That's "been a tougher sell in bad times," he added. But "Catholics are called to be active in the public square. That's where the decisions are made about the issues. It's also about being a public witness and to work for change. It's really a moral responsibility to be active."

EDUCATION AID
Several issues on the forum's agenda this year are hardly new ones, but previous efforts have brought progress. For instance, Gov. Andrew Cuomo's proposed state budget would fully fund $90.4 million of the costs that religious and independent schools incur by complying with state mandates.

Cuts in recent years have raised the state's debt to these schools to more than $300 million. When it comes to protecting schools, approval of Gov. Cuomo's 2012 budget would be "a big step in the right direction," Mr. Poust said.

However, funding for complying with another state program is still too low. Because of these debts, Catholic schools have been forced to raise tuition at a time when many families are struggling.

The Catholic Conference and forum attendees will also push for education tax credits to help parents of Catholic students. Mr. Poust noted that private schools save taxpayers $8.5 billion a year: "It makes sense for everybody to give tax credits."

POOREST NEW YORKERS
More money should be allocated to the poor of the state, too, the spokesman said, calling to mind the need for safe and affordable housing, child care, expansion of emergency food programs, sufficient transportation and job training programs. State funds for many programs are decreasing despite increased demand.

Last summer, Gov. Cuomo pledged to increase the public assistance grant by 10 percent; his current proposal would phase the increase in over two years, Mr. Poust said. Grant families receive $753 a month; the full 10-percent increase would have raised it to $770.

"A few dollars for the poor is real money," Mr. Poust said. "They just can't afford to wait another year.

"We're never going to fully solve the problem of poverty," he added. "There's always going to be people who need help."

LIFE ISSUES
On the issue of abortion, participants at the lobby day will continue urging lawmakers to support the Maternity and Early Childhood Foundation, which has lost funding every year since 2009.

MECF helps low-income, pregnant women and girls by supporting organizations that provide pre- and post-natal care services across the state.

Catholics should also oppose the Reproductive Health Act, which would prevent state regulations on abortion, Mr. Poust said: "We have to be very clear with the Legislature that this is a radical bill. It is so far-reaching and could potentially have such a catastrophic impact in the state. It's unnecessary and simply a power grab by the abortion industry."

The bill would make abortion legal through all nine months of pregnancy if deemed necessary to protect the life or health of the mother and allow non-physicians to perform abortions, Mr. Poust said.

It could also threaten religious liberty by requiring institutions licensed or funded by the state to provide coverage or allow abortions to be performed.

IMMIGRATION, PRISON REFORM
Also on the forum's lobbying agenda are immigration assistance and community reintegration. The Catholic Conference asserts that immigration reform should include a path to citizenship and immigrants and their children should have access to English literacy programs and preventative medical services.

On both federal and state levels, the Catholic Conference also supports the DREAM Act, which would allow children of illegal immigrants to attend universities at in-state tuition.

"It does no one any good to have an uneducated [workforce]," Mr. Poust said.

Lastly, lobbyists at the forum will push for state chaplaincy services; therapeutic, educational and vocational programs in prisons; and help with housing and health care after re-entry to the community.

"Prison is not just supposed to be punitive; it's also supposed to be rehabilitative," Mr. Poust said, adding that reform of the prison system saves money and makes communities safer: "It's really for everyone's benefit."

Learn more and register for "Catholics at the Capitol" at www.nyscatholic.org/public-policy-day-information/">www.nyscatholic.org/public-policy-day-information. All the bishops of New York State's eight dioceses usually attend the forum; newly-elected Cardinal Timothy Dolan of the New York Archdiocese will be unable to do so, but will meet with state lawmakers March 12 instead.[[In-content Ad]]

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