VOICE Action on the Fairfax County Budget

On Sunday afternoon, March 8th V.O.I.C.E. (Virginians Organized for Interfaith Community Engagement) member congregations from Fairfax County held a public action at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Alexandria (Fairfax County). Saint Anthony of Padua had approximately 40 leaders led by Fr. Tuck Grinnell along with Fr. Heintz and Fr. Augustine. While all nine current members of the Board of Supervisors were invited, only four supervisors came or responded in writing.

The action was in support of V.O.I.C.E.'s three initial priorities:

1. To maintain the Penny for Affordable Housing Fund already in existence so that the county can preserve critically needed rental housing in these difficult economic times.

2. To fund $50,000 in the FY 2010 budget for Fairfax's share of a full-time dentist at the Northern Virginia Dental Clinic, increasing by 30% the number of people who can see a dentist for important preventative and restorative dental care.

3. To keep adult ESOL funding at its current level.

V.O.I.C.E. asked and received the commitment of Sharon Bulova, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, and Supervisor Catherine M. Hudgins to these three V.O.I.C.E. priorities. Letters sent by Supervisor Penny Gross (Mason District) and Supervisor Gerald W. Hyland (Mt. Vernon District) also supported these priorities.

However, the Supervisors noted that this is going to be a hard fought budget process so citizen support will be critical to securing these three priorities. To show this support, Fr. Grinnell is encouraging Saint Anthony of Padua parishioners to consider these priorities and express their support by signing a Support Card. These are available in the Parish Office daily from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm and during the Parish Mission in the Church lobby.