Budget shortfall cannot reduce aid to Maine’s needy, sick and elderly

As bishop of a diocese that covers the entire state of Maine, I get to travel a great deal and experience the diversity of communities that encompass our beautiful state. One of the many common aspects I have experienced throughout Maine is the sense of responsibility to one’s community, expressed in a shared concern for the poor, the sick, the elderly, and the working poor who are struggling despite working multiple jobs or long hours.

Our churches express their concern through a number of creative endeavors undertaken to bring relief to as many as possible. Many, if not most, of our churches either sponsor, co-sponsor, or help financially support soup kitchens, food pantries, homeless shelters, services to the elderly and the mentally ill, or quality day care, to name but a few.

The shortfall in our state budget and the proposed cuts to health care and vital social services I have heard about alarm me. Most alarming is the fact that the economic conditions of our times are such that the profile of individuals and families needing our services has changed. It has expanded to include even those who are working full-time but can’t make ends meet. It would seem to me the recent dramatic escalation of fuel prices alone may have been the final straw to tip the scale for those already living on the edge but able to somehow remain independent, including many seniors living on fixed incomes.

Regardless of the reasons, the situation is unacceptable and troublesome. Church and local communities simply cannot meet the needs that will go unmet if these cuts are implemented. Volunteers, as well intentioned as they are, grow weary from long hours, and as generous as they are, won’t be able to keep up with the growing demand.

In the true spirit of Christian love we will, as we always have, do everything in our power to help those in need, but we cannot do it without the commitment of the state and federal government as well. We understand the need to balance the budget and can appreciate the serious challenges the governor and lawmakers face in finding an equitable solution. We do not, however, believe the program cuts in the governor’s budget are in the best interest of the common good, nor are they consistent with the spirit of responsibility to our neighbors that I have seen demonstrated over and over again in Maine communities.

We hear “there has got to be a better way” expressed repeatedly of late. I agree, there must be a better way, and it’s our responsibility to find it. Otherwise, the cost in human suffering will be profound, which is unacceptable.

Some have proposed dipping into the “rainy day fund.” Others have proposed cuts to other areas of state government. Some of our most trusted economists have suggested the shortfall cannot be adequately addressed without a corresponding increase in revenues (a tax increase).

I am neither an economist, nor an expert on the state budget, but I can speak with conviction both philosophically and theologically about our responsibilities as residents of this state. Speaking from the biblical traditions, Scripture is clear that we have a responsibility to one another.

What’s more, Scripture is replete in examples of selfless sharing with our neighbors. Taxes are, in some ways, a contemporary method of that sharing – extending support to our neighbors and expressing our commitment to community life. Our principles of faith call on all of us to share our resources, not only from our excess but from our substance.

I urge all of us to take on a generous spirit and see this dilemma as another opportunity to recommit ourselves to the price of living in solidarity in community. We need to be honest with ourselves, think creatively and, most important, do whatever we can to assure none in our community is denied the basic needs of life.

Bishop Richard Malone is bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland.