Nuns on the Bus - Part 2

When I heard that "Nuns On the Bus" was coming back to Ohio, I questioned if another trip was necessary. The first experience created much interest and enthusiasm to challenge a budget termed by the United States bishops as "failing the moral test." As I thought more about it and viewed two political debates it became clear that another trip was necessary. No candidate in the presidential or vice presidential debate talked about the poor and the impact of the proposed Ryan budget on their lives. So, a second tour to keep the impact of budgets on the poor seemed reasonable.

How important are the following programs:   

Pell Grants
Thousands of students are able to attend college because of Pell grants. With ever increasing tuition and room and board costs many would be left behind.

Head Start
This program began during the 1960s and has supported millions of young children from poor families, providing a vital preparation for their early school years. 

Meals on Wheels
For seniors who live alone and depend on a fixed income Meals on Wheels is a lifeline, providing a healthy, well balanced meal at an affordable price.

School Lunch Programs
For millions of children a free or subsidized school lunch may be the only meal during the day. Hungry children cannot learn.

If the Ryan budget is approved millions of children, seniors, and families will be negatively impacted. Access to food, affordable health care, and education are pro-life issues. In response, the voices of "Nuns on the Bus" call for a commitment to the common good. The common good is not a partisan issue, but a Gospel value that cannot be silenced by critics, hecklers or the disinterested.