This is an archive page. The links are no longer being updated.
REMARKS BY: DONNA E. SHALALA, SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES PLACE: 90TH Anniversary of Catholic Churches, Washington, D.C. DATE: September 25, 2000
Thank you Larry for your very gracious introduction.
Let me start by saying that on behalf of all of my colleagues at HHS - I want to extend my warmest congratulations to Catholic Charities USA on your 90th anniversary.
It's not often that twice in the space of a week, I have the chance to see the truth of something I deeply believe. But between last Monday and today, that's exactly what has happened. The truth I have in mind is this: Hard work does not always end in miracles. But miracles almost always begin with hard work.
I just returned from the Sydney Olympics where I watched absolutely miraculous feats of beauty and strength - performed by some of the most hard working young Americans ever to grace the world stage.
And today, I join in the celebration of an organization that has been making miracles of its own for almost a century. Not by sitting back and waiting for the day when, "the last shall be first." But by working hard to bring that day closer for countless children and families, who are poor, dispossessed, hungry or alone. You almost seem to live by the credo, `Yes, the meek shall inherit the earth, but in the meantime - we have work to do.'
In 1910, when Catholic Charities was formed, government - especially the federal government - did not play a major role in helping the poor become self-sufficient. Well, like almost everything else in the last ninety years - that has changed. Today, the size and role of government is a big part of our national dialogue. What has not changed is the vital role non-profit and religious organizations play in feeding the hungry, sheltering the poor, finding families for children who need them - and making health care accessible.
Government cannot do this work alone - and shouldn't even try. That's why our public-private partnership is indispensable - and the work of your 1400 local agencies is irreplaceable. That's why we will always stand with you - as we did when we joined hands to resettle thousands of Kosovo refugees. And that's why we too have worked hard to make sure that no child - and no family - is ever locked out of the American Dream.
Looking back - as I've been doing a lot lately - the door to that dream looks more open than any time in memory.
By offering opportunity and demanding responsibility - we have reduced the number of people on welfare by more than half. But I want to be clear: We will not be satisfied until every new worker is not only on the economic ladder - but heading up that ladder too.
To make sure that happens, we increased the Earned Income Tax Credit, raised the minimum wage - and are fighting hard to raise it again. We changed outdated rules so that people with disabilities can now go back to work without losing their Medicaid or Medicare.
We laid down the law with parents who are not taking responsibility for their children. Child support collections are up 80 percent since 1992.
We made moving children from foster care into adoptive homes a national priority. In fact, we just announced our second round of bonuses to 42 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico for increasing the number of children adopted from public foster care.
We're making slow but steady progress reducing teen drug use. At the same time, teen pregnancy rates are down for the seventh straight year. Childhood immunizations are at record levels - and we just announced 42 million dollars in Early Head Start grants, which will open this program up for 5,000 more children ages zero to three.
Finally, with you, we have spent eight years - not only protecting - but working to increase the Social Services Block Grant and the Child Care Development Block Grant, funds that are passed through to local Catholic Charities agencies, as well as other secular and faith-based groups.
I've been asked a lot lately if I think that it's too late to accomplish many of the goals the President set for this year. My answer is absolutely not. Congress is back in session, and the time has come to pass a responsible budget - a budget that will open the door to the American Dream even wider. From creating a real prescription drug benefit, to passing a tax credit for families caring for aging parents, to expanding Head Start and child care - there is plenty to do, and now is the time to do it.
But we need your help.
Catholic Charities USA - and other community service organizations - have the skills, experience and deeply felt sense of mission that are always needed to break the grip of poverty. Its unjust hand is no match your strong hand of faith and commitment. That's been true for ninety years - and it will remain true long into the future.
Again, I want to congratulate you for almost a century of changing lives, of doing God's will, of being generous in heart and spirit, and of proving the biblical truth - charity never fails.
Thank you.
###