Broad Street Ministry, along with several other faith communities and civic groups, led a funeral procession up Broad Street to City Hall to mourn the death of justice for SSI (Supplemental Security Income) for aged, blind, and disabled people "who have little or no income." SSI provides "cash to meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter."

In the compromise that allowed the passage of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's long-delayed budget last year it was agreed to reduce Pennsylvania's contribution to SSI payments. This fact only came to light late last month when recipients were informed that their checks would be reduced.

Led by a bagpiper and drummers from the musical group Psalters, the parade up Broad Street from the church involved well over a hundred people and culminated in a rally in front of City Hall. Speakers spoke from a common faith commitment of their concern for the poor. Rabbi Michael Holman of the Rodeph Shalom congregation contrasted the assurances given in Psalm 23 with the reality faced by SSI recipients who now face the loss of a co-pay on a medical prescription or face a choice between food or heat because of the cuts. Other speakers included Reverend Robin Hynicka of Arch Street Methodist church, Mr. Jonathan Stein, general counsel of Community Legal Services, and Reverend Bill Golderer of Broad Street Ministry.

Members of the procession and onlookers alike were urged to contact their representatives in Harrisburg to make a correction of this hardship on the poorest-of-the-poor immediately and not to wait until the next budget cycle to address what many in the State Legislature recognize as a mistake.

You are urged to add your voice to the call to action by contacting your local State Representative.