From the Washington State
Catholic Conference

(From the Oct. 21, 1999 edition of the Inland Register)

We write at a time when our voices are magnified by the moment. We are weeks away from the dawning of the third millennium and at this time of the Lord’s favor, we challenge people of all faiths to pray for justice, to stand with the poor, and to advocate for public policies, which promote human dignity. We, the Catholic bishops of Washington State, unite with all those who speak out in opposition to Initiative 695.

A fundamental moral measure of any economy or policy is its effect on the poor. We believe that society has a moral obligation to provide for the basic human needs of every person and to pursue justice in the economic lives of our communities. And we recognize and encourage the proactive role government can have in matters of social justice.

The passage of I-695 would drastically reduce the Motor Vehicle Excise Tax and virtually eliminate a vital source of funding for critical services such as transportation, law enforcement and public health, throughout the state. Though this tax is burdensome, if repealed, replacing lost revenues of about $1 billion through new taxes would be risky since I-695 requires all tax increases to go to a vote of the people. History has taught us that when funds are short, state and local entities, reluctant to raise taxes, often resort to cutting social programs for our brothers and sisters who are in need. It is unacceptable to return to an environment where budgets are balanced on the backs of the poor.

There are many ominous trends at the daybreak of this new millennium. Without apology, we begin our litany of concern: corporations are consolidating and downsizing while corporate social responsibility weakens; investor eamings and executive perks soar while basic worker salaries see only slight gains. The majority of those living without healthcare nationwide are employed, but are not offered work-based coverage. Despite constant cries of injustice, the disparity of wealth continues to expand while compassion for those caught in the pain of poverty diminishes.

Washington State’s initiative process was created so that the people can have access to the power of public policy. We cannot be indifferent to the obligation to use this access wisely. As citizens, we have a responsibility to stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters who are poor and vulnerable. Our political choices must not reflect our own interests but the principals of a commitment to justice. Our voices and votes shape our future together.

To make the new millennium the dawn of a golden morning we must simply see it as another day on which we all must rise again in our continuous battle against the inequities and injustices we persistently see. This enduring stance toward our society, in favor of the common good with a deep concern for the poor and most vulnerable, must become a constant practice, a habit of the mind and heart, as natural as the air we breathe.

In November, may we wisely use the power of the initiative to speak out with the power of compassion. I-695 is a fractured proposal which threatens the welfare of some, and further divides us all.

Home