JPIC Office Blog
December 20, 2007 Dear Friends, Thanks for all that you have done to make this world a better place through your prayers and advocacy may this Advent/Christmas season be filled with many gifts and blessings for you and those dear to you. We pray that 2008 will be a year in which you deepen the sense of who you are and what you are to do to as you reach out to your neighbors near and far. This blog is a reflection on the past year’s work of our Wheaton Franciscans and friends. We are grateful to you for the many positive changes that have happened as a result of your efforts. There are still areas in for 2008 which we need to address thoughtfully and courageously. Sr. Sheila Kinsey, OSF The final JPIC blog installment for the year 2007 features a summary of local, state, national and international issues discussed from a justice and peace perspective. On the JPIC Web site, 11 categories, ranging from the farm bill to the war in Iraq, had been addressed over the year. The essence of each category was never politics; it was to encourage moral and ethical action by supporting measures that serve to advance the dignity of all creation. The JPIC Office agreed to press for bipartisan legislative proposals that consider the welfare of individuals and specific groups in terms of economics, sustainable communities, conservation, human rights, poverty, war and the environment. Ann Piasecki, Franciscan efforts to promote respect and dignity Beginning with the Region 3 Franciscan Federation, its vowed religious and covenant members have publicly declared their commitment to the application of Catholic social teachings, applying them issues that confront society today. As a congregation, they remain on the forefront of matters that generally impact the vulnerable first and then spread to the bulk of the population. Certainly, standing firm to protect the environment is among the top priorities that demand Franciscan attention. During the Federation’s July meeting to recognize the necessity to conserve water so that this vital resource remains available around the world. At the same time, the Franciscans made a commitment to support moves that keep the world’s supply of fresh water clean and to encourage projects that assist in water sanitation efforts where the need is greatest. A direct response to the statement resulted in a move over the summer by Sr. Sheila Kinsey, OSF, who led the charge by Wheaton Franciscans as they pressed federal legislators to block a proposed BP Oil Corp. plan to expand their refinery in Whiting, Ind., because it called for the dumping of pollutants—ammonia and sludge—into Lake Michigan. Congressional leaders from Illinois and Michigan joined forces with the DuPage County Board, Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley and Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich along with thousands of citizens across the Great Lakes region to halt the existing plan; the corporation agreed to explore methods to eliminate the additional release of pollutants or to cancel the project altogether. During that same time period, Sr. Sheila joined with mayors and city managers across the nation in supporting a move to reduce plastic bottle waste. As such, the JPIC Office stated its support of a proposed plan in numerous municipalities, including San Francisco and Minneapolis to prohibit the sale of bottled water within municipal offices. The JPIC Office also supported a Chicago proposal to establish a 5 cent tax on bottled water to encourage the reuse of plastic containers and reduce waste. In another matter that is consistent with Franciscan values, the Region 3 Federation posted a prayer on their Web site that opposes the War in Iraq. In the prayer, the long-term impact on innocent Iraqi citizens is recognized. The Franciscans encourage measures that support a responsible transition as it pertains to occupying forces and civilians. At the same time, the Franciscans press for the rebuilding of public works facilities, hospitals, schools, housing and more in the aftermath of the war. The JPIC Office of the Wheaton Franciscans joined other religious leaders in the campaign against torture. In support of a past Colombia resolution in regard to humanitarian assistance, the JPIC Office attained support from Congressman Peter Roskam of Wheaton for legislation that prioritizes humanitarian assistance over military spending. Most recently, Franciscans from throughout
the United States established an organization referred to as the
Franciscan Action Network. Sr. Sheila is among the core group of
members organized for the purpose of promoting authentic and
thoughtful programs that usher in the kinds of relief that reflect a
social justice perspective. The plan, while yet in its infancy, is
to network with Franciscan organizations and their contacts to help
implement and advocate on behalf of programs that demonstrate a
consistent life ethic.
HIV/AIDS programs gaining support DuPage Glocal AIDS Action Network (DGAAN) celebrated its fifth anniversary on World AIDS Day, Dec. 1, 2007. In a prayer service at Our Lady of the Angels Chapel in Wheaton, activists, supporters, victims and families gathered to remember those around the world who have lost their lives to the deadly disease. DGAAN also became an official member of the ONE Campaign, which advocates on behalf of programs meant to ease the spread of HIV/AIDS Immigration While Congress failed to pass comprehensive immigration legislation this year, the issue is far from over. U.S. Sen. Richard Durbin of Illinois, minority whip, continues to demonstrate his support for an issue impacting more than 12 million people who are undocumented and living in the Untied States. Regardless of their immigrations status, discrimination against this group of people has worked to intensify the presidential election and stirred response—both pro and con—from communities and states. The debate encompassing terms—native born and foreign born—and raises a plethora of issues that go beyond one’s legal status. Catholic social teachings call for an ethical and moral consideration as it impacts families, the separation of children and parents, living wage, education and healthcare. The Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act failed to go to the floor for a vote, but Durbin stated that he would continue to find opportunities to broach the subject again. The DREAM Act is only one aspect of the broader immigration issue. The proposal sought to allow illegal immigrant students who completed high school to attend college as citizens of the United States or to serve in the U.S. military. African proposals Franciscan input achieved international attention when Sr. Sheila’s YouTube presentation on Darfur was aired with hundreds of others around the globe and specifically in at the United Nations in New York, Paris and Moscow. The event was conducted to demonstrate solidarity for innocent victims of the civil war in Darfur. The presentations asked for and received a U.N. commitment to help settle the dispute in Sudan. Furthermore, social justice advocates joined forces and achieved corporate divestment of projects in Sudan until the human rights of its citizenry becomes a priority. Fidelity Corp. is one of numerous U.S.-based business ventures that, due to public outcry, minimized their holdings in Sudan. Through the Sudan Accountability Divestment Act, which currently awaits the president’s signature, numerous institutions and governmental agencies throughout the U.S. have re-evaluated their investment portfolios, withdrawing from capital plans that once included Sudan. Meanwhile, the Franciscans participated with justice-oriented organizations in pressing the U.N. to acquire China’s support in restricting its investment in capital projects that fail to contribute to sustainable economies in Sudan. The JPIC Office urged Congress to authorize the RESOLVE measure that supports vulnerable citizens, especially children, in Northern Uganda. Sr. Sheila participated together with other Franciscans at the World Social Forum in Africa to help train affiliated organizations in accountability strategies to advocate for funding for HIV/AIDS programs and others designed to ease poverty and to improve healthcare. Farm bill passes After months of legislative wrangling in Washington, a farm bill was passed. It awaits the president’s signature. Its regulations are expected to guide the implementation of funds for programs in the agriculture community. It also guides the food stamp program. The farm bill failed to include measures that prioritized farm families over agriculture industrial giants, but it did include an additional $10 million for community food projects. Congress also set aside $7 million over five years for the Healthy Food Enterprise Development program, and increased funding for the Food Stamp Program by raising food stamp household asset limits from $2,000 to $3,500. Insurance coverage for children still up in the air Congressional leaders are currently engaged in negotiations in regard to the proposed State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). A third attempt at compromise between Congress and the White House is seeking an extension to the program that provides coverage to millions of low-income children. The current program is slated to cease in August 2008. Congress mulls over State-Foreign Operations bill The proposed $70 billion bill is under bipartisan dispute with funding for the war in Iraq at the center of the controversy. The discussion in the House and Senate hinges on stipulations for funds for military operations and continued U.S. military presence in Iraq. Representatives from Catholic Charities USA are concerned about proposed cuts in domestic programs. Energy bill calls for tighter standards Congress voted in favor of a bill that requires automakers to cut carbon dioxide emissions by boosting the number of miles per gallon of gasoline to an average of 35 by the year 2020. California was among a list of 17 states that sought, at least within its boundaries, a stricter requirement—43 miles per gallon. The Bush administration favored an overall plan, rather than a “patchwork” of requirements that pertained specific states. Jubilee proposal gains supporters in Congress Persistence on the part of Jubilee
Act advocates pressing for cancellation of the debt incurred by the
world’s most impoverished nations found more supporters in Congress
in the aftermath of the autumn-staged Rolling Fast Campaign. Sr.
Sheila joined with Jubilee members in Washington to press Congress
for votes. She participated in a number of Jubilee legislative
events and celebrated the breaking of bread with the Rev. David
Duncombe, a Methodist minister from Washington State, who had fasted
40 days to encourage legislative initiatives from co-sponsors for
the Jubilee Act. Wheaton Franciscans demonstrated their
support for the Jubilee Act by petitioning Congress. Many
participated in a daylong fast held in collaboration with the
nationwide Rolling Fast. Affordable housing plans generate local, state and national support The JPIC Office has been involved in a number of housing related ventures these past few months. First, the annual DuPage County legislative breakfast, co-sponsored by the Homeownership Center and Bridge Communities along with several other housing related organizations, was held in late October. The foremost issue was the affordability factor. Despite the nationwide decline in housing sales, prices in the Chicago metropolitan region, and particularly in DuPage County, remain high. In DuPage County housing values have gone up 59 percent, while average salaries of late have risen a mere 8 percent. State Rep. Patricia Bellock, R-Downers Grove, said she is committed to sharing information about plans in the General Assembly to create a fund to assist in the move to achieve homeownership. She supports a proposal to seed the statewide program with $100 million. The details of the plan are not yet finalized; however, homeownership grants would be capped at a certain level each year, allowing the fund to earn interest, and keep the fund from being drained. Meanwhile, housing advocates belonging to Housing Matters, an organization that supports affordable housing around the state, met in Springfield in November. Once there, they agreed to make a full-court press of lawmakers to put affordable housing issues on the agenda for the upcoming year. Chicago and suburban housing professionals supported the establishment of a housing trust fund, the object of which would be to safeguard affordable housing. As assistance providers for individuals, young and old, and families, they looked to revitalize affordable apartments and homes, while pushing to improve public policy initiatives. Specifically, some groups have participated in small pilot programs, mostly in Chicago, where housing organizations have teamed up with financial institutions to assist homeowners currently facing foreclosure. The Franciscan presence was evident in Colorado, especially OSF Srs. Margaret Ryan and Theresa Langfield, over the summer after the sisters in charge of a Franciscan-operated senior housing complex sought legislative assistance to resolve a conflict that put seniors at risk of paying unaffordable rental rates. Through the efforts of local and national politicians, especially the General Assembly for the state of Colorado and U.S. Rep. Judy Biggert, Ill., the situation was resolved in favor of the seniors. The goals were achieved through the efforts of the Wheaton Franciscan Sisters, Franciscan Ministries Inc., and residents. Wage gains The JPIC Office not only supported and achieved federal legislation to increase the minimum wage. The Diocese of Joliet Legislative Advocacy Committee was instrumental in bringing together representatives from McDonald’s Corp and the Coalition of Immokalee Workers. An agreement was reached to raise the salary by 1 cent per pound of tomatoes picked by migrant workers in Florida. Both sides stated that the committee’s efforts encouraged amicable negotiations. The JPIC Office is represented on the Diocese’s Legislative Advocacy Committee.
Sr. Sheila Kinsey, OSF
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