The Word from Lansing is a regular column written by Michigan Catholic Conference (MCC) staff for Catholic news outlets. Through these columns, MCC outlines current advocacy issues of importance to the Conference and discusses the Catholic position and role in the political process. This publication complements the more regular updates provided by Michigan Catholic Conference’s Catholic Advocacy Network.
Each year, Michigan lawmakers make tough decisions regarding where available funding should be directed in the state budget. The Michigan House and Senate are currently working on compiling their budget proposals for Fiscal Year 2017 (October 2016–September 2017) after receiving Governor Snyder's recommendations in early February and hearing testimony from citizens, state departments, and other relevant groups. This month’s column for Catholic newspapers, The Word from Lansing, highlights the importance of examining budget decisions based on their impact on human life and dignity, the most vulnerable in society, and the common good. The column also highlights the importance of subsidiarity, or addressing solutions at the appropriate level of society, and the role each person has to play in practicing one's faith during this Year of Mercy.
February is Black History Month. During these upcoming weeks, it is important to honor African Americans who have contributed to the building of a better society, as well as to reflect upon the larger issues of race and diversity. These issues have played a pivotal role in the United States throughout history and continue to influence the nation today. This month’s The Word from Lansing, Michigan Catholic Conference’s column for Catholic newspapers, first outlines the impact of black saints and African Americans on the U.S. Catholic Church. Institutions like the Knights of Peter Claver, Xavier University of Louisiana, and the National Black Catholic Congress provide three examples of how black Americans are leading and serving others with their faith daily. Additionally, the column highlights policies pursued by Michigan Catholic Conference and the U.S. Catholic Church, especially during the 1960s, to promote civil rights and contribute to a culture of justice, peace, and inclusion.
In the wake of the recent fiftieth anniversary of The Declaration on Christian Education and the approaching celebration of Catholic Schools Week from January 31–February 6, The Word from Lansing column this month articulates the value of faith-based education. While changes in education, especially in relation to technology, have impacted the way knowledge can be accessed and shared, the purpose of education as a vehicle for academic and social growth remains the same. Catholic education additionally is aimed at helping students recognize the gift of faith and teaching them to serve their community. As lawmakers discuss the best ways to meet the educational needs of Michigan residents, Michigan Catholic Conference continues to advocate for policies that allow parents educational options for their children and provide all children access to a quality education, regardless of what type of school they attend.
War and violence in Syria and the Middle East have displaced millions from their homes. As countries around the world are looking at ways to assist refugees, there has also been a growing concern about meeting security concerns in the wake of recent terrorist attacks. Pope Francis, while recognizing the difficulties the crisis poses to governments and other nations, has spoken about the importance of seeing the human face in the refugee crisis and finding ways to be welcoming to those in need. The Catholic Church has long been an important partner with the federal government to handle refugee resettlement, providing services like picking refugees up from the airport, finding them safe and affordable housing, providing English as a second language classes, and offering financial literacy and employment services. Michigan Catholic Conference’s latest The Word from Lansing column highlights the importance of dialogue about refugee resettlement in the United States and the role the Catholic Church will continue to play in these efforts.
In October, a bipartisan package of bills to reform the juvenile justice system was introduced in the Michigan Legislature. These reforms seek alternative ways of considering juvenile crime and rehabilitation, as too often the current system treats juveniles as adults in regards to sentencing. MCC’s monthly The Word from Lansing column for Catholic newspapers draws attention to the issue of juvenile justice, with emphasis on the differences between children and adults, the impact of evidence-based programming on recidivism rates, and Pope Francis’s words on rehabilitation while visiting a correctional facility in Philadelphia. More information on the topic may also be found in Reforming Juvenile Justice in Michigan, Michigan Catholic Conference’s most recent FOCUS publication.
Throughout October, Catholic churches across the country are celebrating Respect Life Month to draw attention to the worth of every human person. The theme this year is “Every Life is a Gift,” reminding all that their inherent worth cannot simply be reduced to their skills or level of productivity (Cardinal Sean O’Malley). During his visit to the United States last month, Pope Francis spoke about the dignity of all persons, especially those on the margins or considered disposable. The Word from Lansing column this month delves further into the idea of finding life as a gift, even in the midst of profound struggles. In addition, Michigan Catholic Conference offers a few ideas of how to promote and care for human life.
Individuals and institutions of faith have played a prominent role in public life throughout the nation’s history, making contributions to the development of debate and culture as they seek to advance the common good. Faith-based individuals and organizations have also offered valuable services to the community and have worked to address issues such as human trafficking, adoption and foster care, and poverty assistance, among others. In an upcoming visit to the United States, Pope Francis is expected to draw attention to these valuable contributions that enrich public life. The Word from Lansing column for September highlights the value of religious tolerance and the inclusion of religious organizations and individuals in the public realm.
During the months of August and September, Michigan students are once against starting school in a variety of different environments: public and private, charter and cyber, and in homeschool instruction. As education plays a large role in providing a pathway out of poverty, it is critical to ensure that all these children have quality educational options that will help them develop as individuals. This month, The Word from Lansing column highlights the value of greater educational choice, especially through innovative programs such as Nevada’s education savings accounts that provide parents with the tools to help their children succeed. A survey released in June found that sixty-two percent of Americans support the creation of these types of accounts, even though constitutional language in Michigan prevents this type of aid from being awarded to students.
Since 2006, Michigan has offered a refundable credit on state income tax called the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Working in combination with its federal counterpart, the state EITC has been a critical and effective policy for working, low-income families since its inception. During the 2013 tax year, approximately 780,000 Michiganders benefited from the credit, which is often spent on items in the local community such as groceries, car repairs, school clothing, rent, or other bills. During the recent months, State House and Senate members have discussed cuts to the state EITC to provide further revenue for road and transportation infrastructure repairs. The Word from Lansing column for July outlines the importance of the state EITC and explains why it should preserved, not eliminated, in the State of Michigan.
In May, Governor Rick Snyder presented his special message on criminal justice, calling for improvements to address the issue of crime throughout the state. MCC was pleased to see attention drawn to several aspects, including the treatment of juvenile offenders, the importance of prisoner reintegration, and support for victims. The Catholic Church teaches that the justice system must address the needs of all impacted by crime, including rehabilitating offenders, restoring victims, and keeping the public safe. The Word from Lansing column this month discusses the importance of a criminal justice system that truly meets the needs of those impacted by crime and highlights the role the faith community can play in the process.
