The Word from Lansing

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.

This month's The Word from Lansing column addresses the significance of legislation that would uphold the conscience rights of faith-based child placement agencies. House Bills 4927, 4928, and 4991 have passed the House Families, Children and Seniors Committee and now await a vote from the full House of Representatives. The bills would place current practice into state law as faith-based agencies have been working with the state for decades to place vulnerable children into loving homes. The legislation would further ensure that adoption and foster care agencies will be able to work in collaboration with the state for years to come while upholding their religious principles.

Michigan Catholic Conference is launching a regular series of columns for Catholic news outlets called The Word from Lansing to promote understanding of current advocacy issues and MCC positions. The first column outlines the recent passage of Medicaid expansion legislation, House Bill 4714, and provides a look ahead to upcoming health policies that require support from Catholic voices. House Bill 4714 passed the Legislature and was signed into law by Governor Snyder on September 16.

Preserving the Religious Liberty of Faith-Based Child Placement Agencies

Michigan Catholic Conference Supports Passage of Medicaid Reform