Remembering other needs

It is completely understandable that everyone's attention has been riveted on the Sept. 11 attacks on the United States and the world's response to them, military and otherwise. But life goes on, as we have been reminded by politicians, so it is essential that other important issues don't get lost amid our legitimate concern over the war.

One of them is the status of the poor and neglected in New York State. Their care has been jeopardized for months due to the late state budget. With the Governor and legislators focused on the World Trade Center for the past month, the budget has been forgotten. Now is the time to turn back to it.

Earlier this week, at a press conference called by several non-profit organizations, Bishop Howard J. Hubbard spoke about the need for legislators to pass a supplemental budget that will meet the needs of New York's neediest citizens. Speaking on behalf of the State Catholic Conference, which represents the bishops in matters of public policy, Bishop Hubbard said: "I want to commend Governor Pataki, the State Legislature and all of the various agencies that have responded so quickly and effectively to the incredible human suffering and tremendous need in New York City in the wake of the horrendous tragedy of Sept. 11. Rightfully, much of their focus in recent weeks has been on alleviating pain stemming directly from the tragedy. But we are asking them to show equal leadership and compassion in dealing with all New Yorkers, particularly those who stand to be victimized by the absence of an essential state budget.

"We must remember all of our brothers and sisters who suffer in poverty, in illness, in addiction and despair, and from violence of all kinds. The human need that existed in New York before the attacks on the World Trade Center continues today. In fact, in many cases, the need is greater now. However, statements made recently by various leaders in state government have indicated that New York may not be able to restore the programs that were not addressed by the baseline budget.

"Programs operated by not-for-profit organizations throughout the state are in many instances fulfilling basic responsibilities that belong properly to the state and hence are designed to work in partnership with the government to ensure that the basic human needs of all New Yorkers are met. However, these organizations cannot fulfill their mission and serve those in need without state funding.

"We call on the legislature to provide such funding in a supplemental budget. Many of the most vulnerable members of our society cannot access services needed to lift them out of poverty and despair because more than a billion dollars in federal funds have not been allocated. We respectfully call on the Legislature to allocate this money immediately. The people of New York should not suffer because our state government failed in its responsibility to pass a complete state budget.

"We fully understand the incredible financial toll that the World Trade Center disaster is taking. We call on the federal government to fund the entire cost of this immense recovery and reconstruction project. This was an attack on the United States of America, not simply on New York City or New York State. To date, the President and the Congress have been incredibly supportive of us in our time of need, and we need them to continue that support with funds for rebuilding, redevelopment and restorations."