Lansing Update: January 27, 2012

In This Week’s Lansing Update:

1. “Choose Life” License Plates May be Coming to Michigan
2. Senate Passes Resolution Honoring Catholic Schools Week

“Choose Life” License Plates May be Coming to Michigan

The State Senate Transportation Committee this week passed legislation, Senate Bill 600, that would allow for the creation of a “Choose Life” license plate in the State of Michigan.

Michigan currently offers a range of specialty license plates that depict various landmarks such as lighthouses and the Great Lakes, as well as promote affiliation with Michigan’s 15 public universities. Plates cost drivers $35, with $25 going toward the special cause.

Funds raised from the sale of the plates would be directed toward a yet-to-be-specified abortion alternative fund. If enacted, Michigan would become the 27th state in the country to adopt a “Choose Life” license plate.

Senate Passes Resolution Honoring Catholic Schools Week

The Michigan Senate this week passed a Resolution that recognizes January 29 – February 5, 2012 as Catholic Schools Week.

Every year the National Catholic Education Association, in conjunction with dioceses throughout the country, promote the week in an effort to raise awareness of the many benefits that Catholic schools provide. This year’s theme is “Catholic Schools Week: Faith. Academics. Service.”

According to the Senate Resolution: “Whereas, The Constitution of Michigan states: ‘Religion, morality and knowledge being necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged’; and Whereas, Catholic schools provide young people with a strong foundation of values and academic skills needed to become responsible citizens of our state and nation; and Whereas, The Catholic Church sees the parents as the primary educators and that parental supervision and involvement play a major role in the education of students.”

The full Resolution may be read here.