Testimony by the Staff
of the
Florida Catholic Conference

    Thank you Chairman Peaden and members of the Senate Committee on Children and Families for the opportunity speak in support of SB 350. I am Patricia Chivers, Associate for Social Concerns for the Florida Catholic Conference.
   
    Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Miami and Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Petersburg offer Individual Development Accounts to refugees using federal grants from the Office of Refugee Resettlement Fund.
The program allows for the purchasing of a home, an automobile, micro-enterprise expenditures, a computer or education expenses. This has been a very successful program in the Archdiocese of Miami where it was
established one and a half years ago. Total Bank in Miami is working with Catholic Charities to ensure that the persons who open the Individual Development Accounts earn interest on the savings accounts and are
developing good savings habits. I have been told of many heartwarming stories of people saving enough to purchase a car or a computer. One family is closing on a condominium today. The people who have participated in the program are able to improve themselves, move out of the situation they are in, and successfully transition off public assistance. The program in the Diocese of St. Petersburg was established in October of 2000 and has also
assisted many refugees.

    The Florida Catholic Conference supports SB 350 which will establish Individual Development Accounts for low-income families to build assets and achieve economic well-being. This bill will enable families receiving
temporary cash assistance to save earned income for the purpose of either purchasing a home, paying for a college or vocational education, or starting a business. This program is a great incentive for individuals who face a specific barrier to successfully making the transition from welfare to work.

    We ask you to vote YES on SB 350. Thank you.