A Budget for "the least of these"?

 

Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’  And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’

                          Matthew 25:37-40

When is a provincial budget not really a budget? When an election is only a few weeks away, of course. There is a long tradition in this country of parties in power at both the provincial and federal levels getting out the firehose and spraying cash and promises on prospective voters. Often the largesse is scheduled for the months and years after reelection. Does this work? The Liberals in Ontario discovered that a bunch of  initiatives wasn't enough to keep them in power in the last election and while we should be cynical about what the bright, shiny promises of the Conservatives this time around they appear headed toward forming government once again. Argh!

One segment of society watching today's budget-which-isn't-really-a-budget is those living with disabilities and dependent on a range of social supports to live. The majority of people in this category are living on a pittance which really doesn't pay for basic necessities, let alone provide any quality of life. Many are forced to rely on food programs to supplement their Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) stipends. Some are supported by family in various ways to make ends meet. 

There is a fellow I see at the gym most mornings I go who is in his 70's. Not long ago he told me that he was heading to see a provincial politician asking that the government increase these payments because he has a son who is struggling to get by at what he currently receives. The son was gainfully employed for years in a well-paying trade but health issues put him on the slippery slope to poverty. Eventually a portion of a leg was amputated and now he awaits funding for a decent wheelchair.

When I asked how the conversation went to shook his head and admitted tht he wasn't surprised by the respectful but vague response to his concerns. A couple of weeks later I saw an article in a local news source about someone who looked 50-ish and is struggling on ODSP. I realized that this is the son, who noted that he is grateful to his parents for help with basics.

There is no dignity or fairness in this. Why did this guy have to go through the humiliation of making his case in public? I wonder why I'm getting a rebate on my license plate sticker, a regular cost I grumble about but can well afford, when people are choosing between buying food and paying the rent. Where is the justice in any of this for our most vulnerable? 

I think of the meal ministries offered through churches in Belleville and Trenton which are tangible efforts of compassion, knowing that they shouldn't have to exist in our society. 

We can all pay attention to what unfolds today, and we can consider the platforms of all the parties as we approach the Ontario election in June. The ballot box can be a form of active prayer.