MADISON, Wis. — Faith leaders from around the country, and Wisconsin, have been weighing in as Congress continues to look at what programs to cut under a budget blueprint passed in April.

In a letter to members of the state’s congressional delegation, Wisconsin Catholic bishops asked lawmakers to weigh how their decisions will impact families, especially those facing financial hardship.

The bishops voiced concern about proposed cuts to Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and other safety net programs. They pointed out a loss in revenue created by tax cuts cannot be made up by cuts to programs serving those most in need.

David Earleywine, the associate director for education and religious liberty at the Wisconsin Catholic Conference said the Catholic church cares about the most vulnerable in our society.

“We’re just saying that the lawmakers need to consider these things. We need to protect those who are in these most vulnerable positions to make sure they aren’t having their needs cut down; that their needs are being met by the government,” Earleywine said.

According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Medicaid served more than 1.2 million people in the state in 2024.  

Earleywine said how we care for the most vulnerable is a basic moral test for society. He said, “if their needs aren’t being met, we can’t expect others’ needs to be met.” 

Watch the full interview above.