Lansing Update: January 17, 2014

1. MCC Comments on Governor Snyder’s Immigration Proposal
2. Michigan House Officially Recognizes Contributions of Catholic Schools
3. January 22nd Marks March for Life in Washington DC
4. Human Trafficking Legislation Passes House Committee
5. Graphic Improvements Made to Catholic Advocacy Network Site

MCC Comments on Governor Snyder’s Immigration Proposal

Governor Rick Snyder presented his annual State of the State Address on January 16 to a special joint session of the Michigan Senate and House of Representatives. The speech is an opportunity each year for the governor to discuss what has happened in the state as well as the administration’s goals for the coming year. This year, the governor spoke about many topics, including finances, schools, and roads, as well as the important issue of immigration. While the governor proposed to create an Office for New Americans, the Michigan Catholic Conference released the following statement:

“By elevating the importance of the issue by way of his State of the State Address, Governor Snyder has made clear that immigration is a topic that cannot be ignored either at the state or federal level. Proposing an Office for New Americans is an innovative idea that will help elevate the competitiveness of Michigan. As discussions of this proposal move forward, Michigan Catholic Conference is mindful of the fact that all persons, regardless of citizenship, must be respected for their inherent human dignity. To this point, we urge Congress to address comprehensive immigration reform sooner rather than later and for the Michigan congressional delegation to contribute toward its passage.”

The Executive Office has made the speech available online for those who may wish to watch the address.

Michigan House Officially Recognizes Contributions of Catholic Schools

In advance of the celebration of Catholic Schools Week nationally and in Michigan January 26-February 1, the Michigan House of Representatives passed a resolution recognizing the significant contributions of Catholic schools in the state. As Michigan Catholic schools serve over 54,000 students, MCC is pleased to honor the achievements of staff, parishes, parents, and children who work together to make Catholic schools a first-class educational experience.

The Word from Lansing, MCC’s monthly column, focuses on the achievements of Catholic schools and the important topic of school choice. The column also runs in the Archdiocese of Detroit’s Michigan Catholic, The Catholic Weekly, Catholic Times, and the Upper Peninsula’s UP Catholic for greater access across the state.

January 22nd Marks March for Life in Washington DC

On January 22nd, pro-life advocates will join together in Washington DC for the March for Life, an annual rally at the U.S. Capitol to advocate for the protection of human life. This year’s event marks the 41st anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the court case that led to the legalization of abortion in the United States. To learn more about March for Life events or read about why individuals are marching in DC, visit http://marchforlife.org/. Check your diocese or parish website for other events or opportunities in your area to raise awareness about the importance of pro-life efforts.

Human Trafficking Legislation Passes House Committee

On January 15, the House Criminal Justice Committee considered and passed two bills, House Bills 4209 and 4210. The legislation would make it a felony to solicit a sixteen or seventeen year old to commit prostitution. The crime is currently a misdemeanor. Michigan Catholic Conference indicated its support for the bills, which increase penalties in order to deter individuals from victimizing minors. The measures now await consideration from the full House of Representatives.

Graphic Improvements Made to Catholic Advocacy Network Site

Please note that the main page of the Catholic Advocacy Network has recently been redesigned. The information included is the same, but it was time to upgrade the appearance and certain aspects of the user experience. Members will still be able to view information about current MCC advocacy, look up elected officials, and take send messages to elected officials, also known as action alerts. As future action alerts are sent to members, the layout will be slightly altered, but MCC will still provide a link and a sample message for members to use or edit once they have entered their physical address and information. Visit www.micatholic.org/can/ to get familiar with the new changes, and if you have any questions, please email publicpolicy@micatholic.org.

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