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.

    Standing Against Religious Bigotry

    Close-up of a woman's hands as she prays the rosary

    The Catholic Church strongly believes in protecting religious freedom, not just for Catholics but also for those of other faiths—or no faith at all. An important component in this protection is also standing up against incidents of religious bigotry in society. The Word from Lansing for April shares examples of religious bigotry today and encourages people of goodwill to instead take the lead in fostering a climate of respect and religious tolerance.

    Prioritizing the Vulnerable in the State Budget

    Two young children smiling and studying a book at school

    On March 5, Governor Gretchen Whitmer and State Budget Director Chris Kolb presented their Executive State Budget Recommendations for the 2019-2020 Fiscal Year. These recommendations included several positive elements, including a doubling of the state Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). The Word from Lansing from MCC delves further into these elements, as well as budget items not included in the governor’s proposal but that MCC will continue to advocate for during the budget process.

    Pushing Back Against Racism

    A young African-American man reads the Bible
    Photo by CNS photo/Bob RollerPhoto credit

    In November 2018, USCCB approved a pastoral statement on racism: “Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love.” This statement offers Catholic teaching and recommended actions for addressing the sin of racism. MCC’s The Word from Lansing column for February shares more from this document, as well as lessons that prominent African-American Catholics offer to the Church.

    2019–2020: A Blueprint for the Common Good

    The interior of the dome at the Michigan State Capitol building

    Ten advocacy principles will guide staff in the 2019–2020 state legislative session: human life and dignity, preferential option for the poor and regulatory policies, religious liberty, education, children and families, health care, restorative justice, immigration and refugees, care for creation, and select federal issues. In The Word from Lansing column for this month, MCC delves further into the importance of engagement, advocacy, and collaboration, guided by these principles.

    Reflecting, Preparing, and Acting — Advent and Advocacy

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    Throughout the 2017–2018 Michigan legislative session, Michigan Catholic Conference reviewed more than seven hundred bills, suggested bill language, testified in public committees, and represented the Church’s positions to elected officials and the media. The Word from Lansing column from December reflects on successes from the two-year session and the importance of continued work in 2019.

    Proposal 1—Say No to Recreational Marijuana

    Front cover of Proposal 1: Say No to Recreational Marijuana

    At its September meeting, the Michigan Catholic Conference (MCC) Board of Directors unanimously voted to oppose Proposal 1, a measure that would legalize recreational marijuana in the state. If adopted, Proposal 1 would not protect youth, improve health outcomes, improve communities, or make people better workers. The Word from Lansing column for October provides further insights into MCC’s position and the negative impact legalizing recreational marijuana will likely have on Michigan.

    The Issues, The Candidates, and Your Vote 2018

    A smiling family consisting of a son, daughter, father, and expectant mother

    Every Catholic is called to engage in the political process, guided by a well-formed conscience. During this November 6 General Election, Michigan Catholics must make decisions about the issues and local, statewide, and national candidates on their ballot. The Word from Lansing column for September highlights Church teaching and questions to consider before voting.

    The Future of Roe v. Wade

    A nurse points to a screen showing an ultrasound image of an expectant mother's child

    In 1973, two Supreme Court decisions led to legalized abortion across the United States. Michigan had previously banned the practice for almost 130 years. In The Word from Lansing for August, Michigan Catholic Conference details the impact of these decisions on Michigan and what would happen here if they were overturned.

    State Budget Successes and the Importance of Engagement

    Four students and their teacher work together to assemble a robot

    In June, Michigan lawmakers passed and the governor signed two measures into law that provide for the state’s October 2018–September 2019 budget. The Word from Lansing column for July highlights Michigan Catholic Conference’s advocacy during the budget process, as well as several key budget items that were included in the final version and were supported by MCC.

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