The Connecticut Interfaith Budget Watch is a statewide coalition
of religious leaders of all faiths committed to enhancing public understanding
that the State Budget is a moral as well as economic and political document.

Raising a Moral Voice

"Speak out, judge righteously,
defend the rights of the poor and needy" Proverbs 31:9

Central to scriptures and traditions of all religious faiths is a commitment
to stand with and seek justice for people who are poor.

20% of Connecticut's children live in poverty.

Recent trends are discouraging. Over five years, the number of children living in poverty has grown by 50%, according to several studies based on US Census data. The gap between Connecticut's richest and poorest families is growing.

Our poorest families pay almost TWICE the proportion of their income
in state and local taxes as our most affluent families!

As people of faith, we must speak out!

Our faith requires us to care for the well-being of all citizens.
The charitable activities of religious institutions help bridge
the gap in human services, but cannot possibly fill it.
Charity alone does not address root causes of poverty.

We believe charity is no substitute for justice.

... For the Poor
Connecticut is the richest state in the richest nation in the world.
This is a time of budgetary abundance.
Connecticut has the resources to act justly.

What use of our financial sources is more compelling
than for children of working poor families?

Therefore, we the undersigned religious leaders of several faiths, join with hundreds of others in calling on the Connecticut General Assembly and the Governor to:

Pass legislation establishing a refundable Earned Income Tax Credit. This would provide important additional income to working poor families, to those starting on the road to economic self-sufficiency. The refundable earned income tax credit would be an efficient way to supplement the income of low-wage working families by encouraging full-time work, thereby lifting thousands of children out of poverty.

Pursue alternate options to relieve the heavy tax burdens which fall on the poorest children of Connecticut.

Defer action on any tax plan or rebate which benefits those least in need without helping those most in need.

As religious leaders, we pledge to:

Pray for our elected and appointed public officials as they seek to serve the common good and pursue "justice for all."

And Religious leaders representing 12 faith traditions.