SACRAMENTO, CA (January 24, 2017)  – Edward “Ned” Dolejsi, executive director of the California Catholic Conference, issued this statement today following California Gov. Jerry Brown’s State of the State speech this morning: “Solidarity with our immigrant neighbors, compassion for the less fortunate, respect for one another and care for “Our Common Home,” as Pope Francis calls it, are values all of us as Christians are called to uphold. Gov. Brown’s State of the State speech this morning reflected those sentiments, as he cited his commitment to environmental protection, health care, criminal justice reform , education and promoting the common good through investment in water and transportation infrastructure. “We agree with him when he points out the role immigrants have played in California’s success, the recognition of health care as a human right and the need, in these uncertain times, to promote civility and unity among all Californians, regardless of their political beliefs. His unfortunate nod to Planned Parenthood, however, sadly illustrates that not all vulnerable people in our beautiful State of California are deemed worthy of protection, particularly the unborn. “As he indicated, these are uncertain times and we stand ready to help Gov. Brown and our elected officials where we can to protect the vulnerable, enhance the common good and promote respectful engagement amongst all Californians.” The California Catholic Conference is the public advocacy office of the Bishops of California. Representing the Archbishops of Los Angeles and San Francisco, and the Bishops of Fresno, Monterey, Oakland, Orange, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Jose, Santa Rosa and Stockton, it is the official voice of the 11 million Catholics and their many parishes, schools, universities, social service agencies in California.