Catholic Charities USA Statement on the State of the Union

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 29, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Rev. Larry Snyder, President of Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA), issued the following statement today after President Barack Obama delivered his State of the Union Address calling for more "ladders of opportunity" for low-income Americans to move into the middle-class.

"Catholic Charities USA was encouraged by President Obama's State of the Union address, particularly his focus on creating ladders of opportunity that have the potential to raise up the most vulnerable in our nation, strengthening communities across the country and restoring the dignity of every American. As we mark the 50th Anniversary of President Johnson's historic War on Poverty, we must decide as a nation that we can't wait any longer to act on behalf of those least among us.

"We were also very heartened by the President's discussion on immigration, the recognition of the need to provide food for the poor, the need for increased access to quality early education and job training as important pathways to opportunity. We are also hopeful to see that the White House understands the importance of identifying proven results and evidence-based practice, as this is something CCUSA has advocated for since 2006.

"However, we also feel an urgency to place a priority on addressing more effective methods for reducing poverty for the more than 46 million Americans living in poverty today. At Catholic Charities USA we understand that poverty does not occur in a vacuum. That's why we've joined with the nation's leading charitable organizations to designate this year working together to educate, innovate and act to reduce poverty in communities across the country.

"It's time our nation realizes that our economy, education and workforce will not be as strong as it can be as long as the poor and most vulnerable populations continue to be overlooked. Reducing poverty means more Americans living healthy and productive lives.  Working together now is the only way we can achieve a healthy society and thriving communities for all."

About Catholic Charities USA
Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) is leading a national movement to end poverty in America. In communities across the country, Catholic Charities member agencies are helping individuals and families in poverty achieve their full potential. Together we are dedicated to creating a life of opportunity and self-sufficiency for each of the 46 million of our brothers and sisters struggling to make ends meet. CCUSA was founded in 1910 on the campus of Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. as the National Conference of Catholic Charities. For more than 100 years, CCUSA has guided and supported the vast network of Catholic Charities agencies nationwide in a common mission to serve, advocate, and convene. For additional information, please visit www.catholiccharitiesusa.org.

SOURCE Catholic Charities USA