Leaders of Minnesota’s religious community are applauding Governor Tim Walz and key lawmakers’ initial efforts to lessen the effects of the federal government shutdown on the state’s safety-net programs. Archbishop Bernard Hebda says it will take time, but supports leaders’ work to put aside partisan politics and address problems affecting families. Hebda says, “I certainly wish that the archdiocese or any of our religious organizations had the resources to be able to fix this. We can’t. But we know that as we come together, as we support those who represent us in government, that we have the opportunity to have an impact.”
As the federal shutdown continues, Reverend Paul Slack with New Creation Church in Minneapolis says political grandstanding at the expense of the most vulnerable must cease. “Caring… for those who are most needy must be put first, now and always. Getting rid of the gridlock to do that… is what all of us must do,” Slack says.
Audio from Tuesday’s news conference hosted by Gov. Tim Walz. (Archbishop Hebda speaks first):