Lansing Update

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.

The Michigan State Capital Building at dusk.

The end-of-the-year legislative push intensified as the state House and Senate took up hundreds of bills through multiple marathon sessions held around the clock. See what MCC staff are tracking and working on this week as lawmakers race to get bills through to the next chamber before time runs out.

The first week of the last stretch of session kicked off this week and MCC was involved on a number of fronts, including issuing a press release and video about what it's like to live without a driver's license in Michigan. The testimonial video is connected to MCC's advocacy for driver's licenses for immigrants. Watch the video and see what other legislation MCC is tracking this week.

Grassroots activists with the Catholic-affiliated group Strangers No Longer visit the state Capitol in support of legislation to allow undocumented immigrants to access driver’s licenses or identification cards in Michigan.

Catholics advocating for the dignity of immigrants and refugees descended on Lansing this week to continue the push to pass driver’s license legislation. Read about other legislation MCC supports to help foster children and human trafficking victims, as well as the story of the patron saint for hunters as opening day for firearm season begins today.

The Michigan State Capital building in fall.

The 2024 election came and went and most of the results are in. MCC provides a rundown of the most pertinent results for Michigan Catholics. Plus, the lame duck legislative session is just around the corner, and MCC will be working to advance some unfinished policies before session ends. Read about those priorities and more.

MCC closes out its four-part series on the Catholic approach to voting with a final note of encouragement. Plus, find logistical information about how to vote, as well as some reflections on two big dates on the Church’s liturgical calendar in this week’s Lansing Update.

A Catholic woman kneeling in a church, praying.

As the election draws closer, MCC encourages all Catholics to form their consciences according to Church teaching and to vote accordingly. This week’s update provides a rundown on the major issues and how they relate to Catholic social doctrine.

The American flag waving in the wind in front of a church during the Primary Election in 2024

Part two in a four-part series on the Catholic approach to voting makes the case that faith is meant to be the center of a person's life, including how a person votes. Also this week, MCC advocated for the unborn in tragic scenarios related to life-sustaining treatment. Plus, read other updates on policies to help vulnerable older adults and students.

A “Vote Here” sign displayed outside of a polling location on Primary Election Day in 2024

To continue advancing the message of faithful citizenship before the election, MCC presents the first of a four-part series on voting. Also this week, read a column reflecting on two important life issues to consider during Respect Life Month, and see what the U.S. bishops are asking the faithful to do in response to threats of political violence.

Two small children, holding hands as they prepare to cross the street.

The Legislature convened this week to pass a bill with school safety funding, but nonpublic schools were left behind. Find out what you can do next to continue advocating for enhanced school safety for all students in this week’s Lansing Update.

Faithful Citizenship and the 2024 Election. Learn how to adopt a Catholic approach to voting for candidates. Tuesday, October 8, 7-8 pm. Tap or click here to register.

As the election approaches, MCC is inviting Catholic Advocacy Network members to a webinar on faithful citizenship and how to approach voting with a Catholic perspective. Also this week, grassroots advocates were urged to contact their lawmakers to approve more student safety funding.

Lame Duck Legislating Marathon Up and Running This Week

MCC Engaged on Multiple Issues as Lame Duck Session Begins in Earnest

Catholic Advocacy for Immigrants at the Capitol

How the Election Went, and a Look at Lame Duck

A Final Note of Encouragement Before the Election

Forming a Catholic Conscience Before Voting

Let Faith Inform Your Political Participation

Putting on the Mind of Christ Before Voting

Nonpublic Schools Left Out of Latest Round of Safety Funding

MCC Announces Faithful Citizenship Webinar