Advocacy
News Releases
Historic Day for Religious Liberty Policies in Michigan House
Michigan Catholic Conference today is applauding the Michigan House of Representatives for passing several bills that protect religious liberty rights for citizens and faith-based entities across the state. Creation of a Michigan Religious Freedom Restoration Act, conscience protections for faith-based child placement agencies, and school attendance records that respect religious holidays all passed the House this afternoon and now await consideration from the State Senate. “For the House of Representatives to pass out these important policies today indicates the level of respect that lawmakers have for religious liberty,” said Tom Hickson, MCC Vice President for Public Policy and Advocacy. Read more…
Catholic Conference Praises Committee Adoption of Religious Freedom Restoration Act
Michigan Catholic Conference Vice President for Public Policy and Advocacy Tom Hickson made the following comments this morning after the House Judiciary Committee passed House Bill 5958, which would create a Michigan Religious Freedom Restoration Act: “The committee’s approval is a most welcome first step; it is now incumbent upon the full House to pass Speaker Bolger’s bill quickly to allow for the Senate to address this critical policy as soon as possible,” said Hickson. “A Michigan Religious Freedom Restoration Act is good for tolerance and diversity, it is good for individual and religious liberties, and it is for the common good of society.” Read more…
Advocacy News
Cardinal O’Malley Comments on Passage of ‘No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act’
Passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on January 22, during the annual March for Life rally, H.R. 7 continues the federal prohibition against taxpayer subsidies for abortion and abortion coverage. The bill also requires health care plans offered under the Affordable Care Act to disclose the extent of its coverage for abortion and the amount of any surcharge for that coverage to consumers. Praising the passage of the bill, Cardinal Sean O’Malley, Chairman of the USCCB Pro-Life Office, said “Just as most Americans do not want their tax dollars used for abortion, they do not want their own health coverage misused to pay for abortions.” Read more…
Join the U.S. Catholic Bishops to Pray for End to Abortion
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops is inviting Catholics across the country to help promote a “Culture of Life” through an online prayer campaign that also includes a smart phone mobile app, text message and email. The “9 Days for Life Campaign” is an effort to pray with the bishops to end abortion as January 22 marks the 42nd anniversary of Roe v. Wade. Since that tragic decision, more than 56 million children’s lives have been lost to abortion, as many suffer their loss oftentimes in silence. Beginning January 17th, the campaign will run through Sunday, January 25th. For more information about this important campaign, and to download pulpit announcements, prayer resources, bulletin and newsletter announcements and helpful images click here…
The Word from Lansing Column: 2013–2014 Session in Review
The 2013–2014 legislative session came to a close in December, and MCC staff celebrated the passage of many bills during the two years that reflected the dignity of the human person. Measures addressing human trafficking, promoting student safety, expanding Medicaid access to low-income Michiganders, prohibiting taxpayer funding of abortion coverage, and allowing for minimum standards of indigent defense were just a few of these important items. Much work is still needed, however, and as the new 2015–2016 session begins, MCC staff will continue to advocate for legislation that addresses the poor, vulnerable, and marginalized. Read more…
Lansing Update
Lansing Update, January 23, 2015
During March for Life, U.S. House Passes Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Prohibition; Michigan State of State Address Calls for Greater Service to Michigan’s Poor; Michigan House Recognizes Catholic Schools Week With Resolution; Religious Freedom Restoration Act Introduced in Senate. Read more…
2015
Lansing Update, January 16, 2015
Michigan Legislature Returns, Elected Officials Sworn in This Week; U.S. Supreme Court to Consider Marriage Cases from Michigan and Three Other States; Significant Revenue Shortfalls Surface; MCC Cheers Legislation to Fully Restore EITC; Professional Development Legislation Signed into Law; The Word from Lansing Column Highlights 2013–2014 Achievements. Read more…