Lansing Update: July 10, 2015

1. Two New Videos Celebrating Marriage Available at Michigan Celebrates Marriage Website
2. U.S. House of Representatives Passes Student Success Act

Two New Videos Celebrating Marriage Available at Michigan Celebrates Marriage Website

As part of the statewide initiative to promote marriage and the Church’s teaching on the sacrament, Michigan Celebrates Marriage has produced two new videos highlighting Michigan couples. The first video, Marriage is the Ground We Stand On, features a couple that has been married for 46 years and shows how they continue to have fun together daily. A second couple discusses the commitment and love they find in marriage in the video Marriage Balances Each Other. They also talk about the impact marriage has had on their growth as individuals and as parents.

To watch these and other videos or to find additional resources, visit the Michigan Celebrates Marriage website at www.michigancelebratesmarriage.com.

U.S. House of Representatives Passes Student Success Act

On Wednesday, July 8, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Student Success Act (H.R. 5) by a 218–213 vote. This legislation is the long overdue reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). Since its inception in 1965, the ESEA has upheld the principle that students in need, regardless of whether they attend a public or private school, are entitled to an equitable share of services and benefits. However, following the passage of the No Child Left Behind Act in 2001 (the last ESEA reauthorization), the principle has been continually eroded. The Student Success Act improves consultation requirements and other conditions connected with providing services for students and teachers in religious, private, and independent schools. Michigan Catholic Conference staff contacted the Michigan members urging their support for the legislation.

Eight members of the Michigan congressional delegation voted in favor of the measure, including Representatives Dan Benishek, Mike Bishop, Bill Huizenga, Candice Miller, John Moolenaar, David Trott, Fred Upton, and Tim Walberg. Six members, Representatives Justin Amash, John Conyers, Debbie Dingell, Dan Kildee, Brenda Lawrence, and Sander Levin, voted against the measure. The Student Success Act will now continue to the U.S. Senate for further consideration.

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