Labor Day statement promotes welfare of working families

As Americans prepare to mark Labor Day on Monday, Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City, chairman of the USCCB Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, issued an annual reflection on the world of work and the importance of upholding the dignity of all laborers.

“This Labor Day, let us reflect on how we can build a more just economy by promoting the welfare of working families through both charitable works and through advocacy for improved policies such as expanding the Child Tax Credit and passing the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. Advancing these two policies would have a profound impact on family stability, especially for families who are financially vulnerable,” said Archbishop Coakley.

In considering the impact of the Supreme Court’s decision to reverse Roe v. Wade, he continued, “This unique moment necessitates a society and an economy that supports marriages, families, and women; it demands that all of us reach across political aisles and work diligently to reframe social policies in ways that are pro-woman, pro-family, pro-worker and, thus, authentically pro-life.”

SUPPORT THE AFGHAN ADJUSTMENT ACT

We encourage you to send a message to our members of Congress in support of the Afghan Adjustment Act. A sample message and additional information is available here.

The national resettlement agencies of the United States, including the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), together with its Catholic Charities partners and other community-based organizations, have been hard at work during the past year, helping Afghans settle into their new homes.

The bipartisan Afghan Adjustment Act (S. 4787/H.R. 8685), patterned after similar laws, including legislation enacted after the U.S. withdrawal from Vietnam, provides an important correction by allowing recently resettled Afghans to apply to become lawful permanent residents, the same status they would have received had they been admitted through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program.

REQUESTING AN ABSENTEE BALLOT

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 8. You can now request an absentee ballot through your county auditor. Voting begins on Oct. 19.