Economy

The economy continues to be highlighted in the media, with additional job losses and virtually no economic growth. The unemployed ranks grew by 539,000(p) in Apr 2009, and the national rate of employed was 8.9%. The April unemployed number is less than the 600 and 700 thousands seen in the preceeding months. During this difficult time for our country and our world, the JPIC office particularly monitors the effects legislative actions could have on the poor and the vulnerable in the U.S. and around the globe. Catholic Charities and Catholic Relief Services maintain up to date information to guide our advocacy efforts. For more resources please go to http://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=1174

President Obama's budget proposal for Fiscal Year (FY) 2010 (October 1 to September 30, 2010) makes critical investments in our nation's infrastructure and renewable energy resources. These investments target an increase in employment numbers. This budget cuts taxes for 95 percent of all taxpayers, provides billions for schools, and help for college expenses. The budget also invests heavily in health care reform to bring costs down, expand coverage, and boost the quality of care. These priorities are intended to put our country back on the road to economic recovery and lay a foundation for economic growth in the coming years.