Lutheran Bishops' Budget Letter
The following is the text of a letter sent to Legislators and the Governor:
March 2009
TO: Members of the Minnesota House of Representatives Members of the Minnesota Senate Governor Tim Pawlenty
RE: Decisions affecting our life together in the State of Minnesota
We write having learned that the latest economic forecast revealed that the states projected budget deficit is predicted to hover around $4.57 billion. While this deficit is far less than what was first feared, it will still require careful choices about our life together in this state at a time when the fragile economy challenges all Minnesotans, particularly those living on the margins. In the midst of such hard times, the needs of the poor loom even larger, and human lives hang on the brink of your decisions.
We hope that as you consider the options before us, you enlist all of us in this effort. The task before you isnt only about creating and balancing a budget, but also about shaping the kind of state we want to be and the kind of human community we hope to create. The budget is a moral document that reflects the choices we make for our life together.
The measure of our moral fiber as a people is how we treat those who need help the most. We ask that you enlist all of us in this effort. Churches and community agencies have increased efforts to serve those in need, but only government has the reach and power to affect us all. Invite us to invest in this state, tighten our belts, and contribute our time and resources. Were not afraid of tax increases if it means poor people who are sick can get health care, families who lose their homes find shelter, and children are cared for.
Allow us all to be a part of determining a future for Minnesota in which the dignity and value of each one of us is upheld. The challenge is not just yoursits ours.
Sincerely,
Bishop Thomas Aitken Northeastern Minnesota Synod
Bishop Jon Anderson Southwestern Minnesota Synod
Bishop Craig Johnson Minneapolis Area Synod
Bishop Peter Rogness St. Paul Area Synod
Bishop Harold Usgaard Southeastern Minnesota Synod
Bishop Lawrence R. Wohlrabe Northwestern Minnesota Synod
Like it? Share it!
