It makes sense that CTA staff were once again part of the 12th Annual USCC Social Action Summer Institute July 22-27 in Chicago. On many of the peace and justice issues raised, CTAers are getting involved in the action, or seeking ways to do so. A prime example is the complicated process of welfare reform implementation in the 50 states.

The 1996 federal welfare reform legislation gives wide latitude to individual states for the ways they shape their welfare-to-work programs. CTA joined diocesan social action staff from around the U.S. in learning where state-level advocacy by our constituents can help make the outcomes more just and humane. Several USCC offices have key roles:

Catholic Charities USA has launched the State Welfare Reform Project to gather and share information about the impacts of reform on the poor whom diocesan Catholic Charities agencies serve, and to help CC, parishes and local activists organize to affect state policy decisions. CTAers and regional CTAs, like other activists, are invited to contact CC/USA staff regarding advocacy in your own state. Project director is Mike Brogioli. Reach him at CC/USA, 703 549-1390.
E-mail: mbrogioli@catholiccharitiesusa.org

Campaign for Human Development is funneling many of its 1997 cash grants to state and regional coalitions that are taking the lead in welfare reform advocacy. First round grant recipients include the Arizona Interfaith Network; in California, Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice; in Ohio, Project Response of the Catholic Conference of Ohio; and in Minnesota, the St. Paul Ecumenical Alliance of Congregations/Interfaith Action.
Get details from CHD, 202 541-3210

The USCC Department of Social Development and World Peace works in partnership with CC/USA staff to track the health and welfare implications of the 50 different state programs, and the federal measures that affect them. An example: the new federal money for the State Children's Health Insurance Program that will become available Oct. 1. Intent is to offer health coverage to uninsured children, but how states choose to do so will differ widely.
USCC/SDWP policy staff on health/welfare matters are at 202 541-3188.