News Release: Legislature Praised for Maintaining Funding for Family Independence Program, Children’s Clothing Allowance

(LANSING)—Michigan Catholic Conference Vice President for Public Policy Paul A. Long made the following statement this evening after the Legislature approved the conference report for the Department of Human Services budget, which maintains funding for the Family Independence Program and the children’s clothing allowance program:

“Considering the harsh economic climate and the difficult cuts that are taking place elsewhere in the state budget, those who acted to preserve these two critical programs deserve praise and applause, especially Senator Bill Hardiman (R-Kentwood) and Representative Dudley Spade (D-Tipton). Michigan’s most destitute population should never be forced to ‘share the pain’ when their level of suffering is already at its peak. The fact that Democrats and Republicans have come together to pass the Department of Human Services budget without cutting these two programs, coupled with their ability to enact foster care reform that places the welfare of children first, is commendable.”

Michigan Catholic Conference is the official public policy voice of the Catholic Church in this state.

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