Catholic parishes across the diocese will sign petitions Feb. 8-9, Public Policy Weekend, in support of New York state programs for new and expectant parents.
The petitions are an initiative of the diocesan Public Policy Committee, which is asking the state Legislature and Gov. Andrew Cuomo to restore funding in the 2014-15 state budget for two programs that have undergone cuts in recent years.
The committee is requesting that $3 million be earmarked for the Maternity and Early Childhood Foundation, which helps low-income women who are pregnant to have healthy babies and raise their families with dignity. In addition, an increase of $3.5 million is being sought for Healthy Families New York, which offers support and education through home visits to expectant parents and parents of newborns.
Public Policy Committee members will forward the signed petitions to state legislators.
