Last week ICPJ’s Racial and Economic Justice Task Force issued a statement calling on our elected officials not to cut vital social services in response to Michigan’s budget crisis. They state:

The Racial and Economic Justice Task Force (REJ) of the Interfaith Council for Peace and Justice recognizes that the state of Michigan is facing a budget crisis. In order to resolve this crisis, many propose state funding cuts to Michigan’s social service programs, public education, and state supported programs that help provide health care for Michigan citizens. REJ believes that access to quality education, health care, and other social service programs are basic human rights. State budget cuts that jeopardize such programs, then, are immoral, because such cuts would be denying basic rights to tens of thousands of Michigan’s residents. Although times are tough, REJ believes it is imperative that social service programs, education, and health care for Michigan’s citizens remain a top priority and remain fully funded.

In doing so, they add their voices to the Michigan AFL-CIO, AARP, Michigan Medical Society, teachers unions, school boards and public school administrators who are calling on the state government to save social services (source: Detroit Free Press).

If you agree, we urge you to contact your state Senator and Representative.