Catholics are called to a life of charity and justice, which includes engagement in the democratic process and in decisions that impact local communities. In this spirit, Michigan Catholic Conference exists as the advocacy voice of the Church in Michigan, standing up for justice and dignity during the formation of statewide public policy. Within its February Focus publication, A Blueprint for the Common Good, MCC outlines ten principles that will inform the organization’s upcoming work at the State Capitol during the 2021–2022 legislative session Read more…

Lansing Update publishes on Fridays when the Michigan Legislature is in session and chronicles legislative activity of interest to Michigan Catholic Conference. Join the Catholic Advocacy Network to receive Lansing Update in your inbox. This week: On 48th Anniversary of Legalized Abortion, Take Action; USCCB Comments on Inauguration of President Biden; MCC Issues Guiding “Blueprint” Document for 2021–2022 Advocacy; U.S. Bishops Welcome End of Immigration and Refugee Ban from Certain Countries; Catholic Leaders Hopeful with Announcement of U.S. to Rejoin Paris Climate Change Agreement; Michigan House of Representatives Names Committee Assignments. Read more…

Lansing Update publishes on Fridays when the Michigan Legislature is in session and chronicles legislative activity of interest to Michigan Catholic Conference. Join the Catholic Advocacy Network to receive Lansing Update in your inbox. This week: 101st Michigan Legislature Begins Two-Year Session; This January, Take Action to Support Human Life; Congress Approves COVID-19 Relief for Nonpublic Schools; The Word from Lansing: COVID-19 Vaccines and Moral Considerations; SCOTUS Issues Preliminary Injunction in Abortion Pill Case. Read more…

Over the past ten months, the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly changed life for people across the globe, impacting physical health, emotional well-being, and economic outcomes for families and businesses. In 2021, many are feeling optimistic with vaccines for COVID-19 becoming available, including two from Pfizer and Moderna. The Catholic bishops of Michigan recently commented on the importance of vaccinations for public health and addressed moral questions that are facing Catholics about the vaccines that are available. Read more…

Lansing Update publishes on Fridays when the Michigan Legislature is in session and chronicles legislative activity of interest to Michigan Catholic Conference. Join the Catholic Advocacy Network to receive Lansing Update in your inbox. This week: USCCB Condemns Violent Protests and Prays for Safety; Michigan Legislature to Begin 2021-2022 Session Next Week; State Supreme Court Upholds Appropriation to Nonpublic Schools; Governor Signs Several MCC-Supported Bills Into Law. Read more…

The Michigan Supreme Court on Dec. 28 issued a split 3-3 ruling that will require the state Court of Claims to finalize review of a now-constitutional state appropriation that reimburses nonpublic schools for costs associated with state-mandated health and safety mandates. Michigan Catholic Conference has supported the reimbursement policy for at least three legislative sessions and is now encouraging the Court of Claims to move quickly in order for the funds to be reimbursed. Read more…

Lansing Update publishes on Fridays when the Michigan Legislature is in session and chronicles legislative activity of interest to Michigan Catholic Conference. Join the Catholic Advocacy Network to receive Lansing Update in your inbox. This week: Merry Christmas from Michigan Catholic Conference; Thank You! Your Advocacy Helped Block Payday Lending Expansion; Michigan Strengthens Water Protections for Citizens; MCC Applauds Global Child Thrive Act Passage, but Uncertainty Remains After Presidential Veto; DNR Orders for Medically Frail Minors One Step Away From Becoming Law. Read more…

Legislation that would prohibit public water suppliers from shutting off water to residents for nonpayment has been signed into law and will protect residents through March 3, 2021. Michigan Catholic Conference supported the measure, sponsored by Senator Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit) as it moved through the legislative process. According to a release from MCC after the bill was enacted, “The new Act will ensure that no Michigan resident, particularly those who are low-income or facing imminent financial hardship, will lose the ability to wash, drink, or cook for their family during the ongoing pandemic.” Read more…

Lansing Update publishes on Fridays when the Michigan Legislature is in session and chronicles legislative activity of interest to Michigan Catholic Conference. Join the Catholic Advocacy Network to receive Lansing Update in your inbox. This week: Michigan Bishops Share Moral Considerations About COVID-19 Vaccines; Thank You for Advocacy on Payday Lending Bill; Legislation Preventing Water Shutoffs Headed to Governor's Desk; Juvenile Expungement Measures Close to Becoming Law; House Passes Food Assistance Bill, Sends to Governor for Final Consideration; Jail Reforms Widely Clear Michigan House of Representatives; MCC Launches Webpage to Share Guidelines for End of Life Decisions. Read more…

As the immunization process has begun across the country in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Michigan bishops are addressing moral questions that have arisen about the Pfizer, Moderna, and AstraZeneca vaccines. While the three options are in various phases of use and development, the bishops have written that “it is morally permissible to receive the vaccines developed by Pfizer and Moderna”, especially in light of the “serious health risks” that “are present due to the current pandemic.” The bishops also have reaffirmed the Catholic responsibility to call for vaccines that have no connection to abortion. Read more…

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, communities have recognized the important role water plays in protecting community health. As a result, Michigan implemented early pauses to water shutoffs throughout the state through an executive order, especially to encourage and facilitate frequent handwashing. State lawmakers passed legislation, which MCC supported, to again implement this temporary assistance measure for residents. Read more…

Lansing Update publishes on Fridays when the Michigan Legislature is in session and chronicles legislative activity of interest to Michigan Catholic Conference. Join the Catholic Advocacy Network to receive Lansing Update in your inbox. This week: Grassroots Advocacy Exposes Concerns with Payday Lending Bill; Sexual Abuse Prevention Measures Passed by Senate Committee; Legislation to Temporarily Institute Water Shutoff Pause Clears Senate; Next Stop for Jail Reform Package: The Governor's Desk. Read more…