Lansing Update: September 11, 2015

1. Capitol Lawn Tickets Available for Pope Francis’s Address in DC on September 24
2. Shared Time Expansion Bills Now Before Michigan House
3. Patriot Day Remembers Lives Lost on September 11, 2001
4. New MCC FOCUS Available: Confronting Violence in Society
5. The Word from Lansing Column: Educational Choice, An Investment in Our Children
6. Labor Day Statement Emphasizes Importance of Work for Families
7. Follow Michigan Catholic Conference on Instagram

Capitol Lawn Tickets Available for Pope Francis’s Address in DC on September 24

On September 24, Pope Francis is scheduled to deliver a speech to a Joint Meeting of Congress in Washington DC. After the speech, Pope Francis is expected to greet the crowd watching the speech on Jumbotrons on the West lawn of the Capitol. Tickets have just been made available to Michigan Catholics who will be in Washington DC and who would like to be present on the Capitol lawn. If you are interested in this opportunity, contact the Office of Senator Gary Peters directly (202-224-6221) and provide your name and number of tickets you are requesting. The tickets will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis and will have to be picked up ahead of time at the Senator’s office in DC (Hart Office Building, Suite 724, Washington, DC).

Shared Time Expansion Bills Now Before Michigan House

In June, the Michigan House of Representatives approved House Bill 4594, which expands shared time services to kindergarten students. These services are already available to non-public school students in grades 1–12, allowing them to take additional “non-core” classes like music and language through a public school. This week, on September 10, the House Education Committee passed a companion bill, House Bill 4790. The companion bill would change the appropriate definition of “pupil” in the School Aid Act, thus allowing public schools to receive payment for this expansion. The measure is linked to House Bill 4594 with what is called a tie-bar, which means it cannot take effect unless House Bill 4594 is also enacted into law. Michigan Catholic Conference testified in support of both bills, which were sponsored by Representative Ed McBroom (R-Vulcan).  Once HB 4790 is adopted by the full House of Representatives, both measures will move to the Senate Education Committee. MCC will continue to advocate for their passage in the State Senate.

Patriot Day Remembers Lives Lost on September 11, 2001

In remembrance of the tragic terrorist attack on the United States of America fourteen years ago, individuals across the country will take time today to observe a moment of silence for the victims. In October of 2001, the U.S. Congress recognized September 11 as “Patriot Day,” and in 2009, a presidential proclamation also dedicated the day as a “National Day of Service” to honor those who lost their lives. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has compiled a number of resources and reflections from clergy who ministered to victims and their families, including video interviews and prayer intercessions, as society continues to strive towards healing and peace: http://bit.ly/1iiSw94.

New MCC FOCUS Available: Confronting Violence in Society

Firearm use, domestic violence, elder abuse, and sexual assault are among the forms of violence addressed by Michigan Catholic Conference in its latest FOCUS publication. The document includes recommendations from the USCCB on how to minimize violence, resources for further reading, quotes of interest, and MCC-supported legislation under consideration in Lansing that addresses the differing forms of violence. FOCUS is distributed to Catholic institutions across the state and is available at no cost to parishes, schools, or other Catholic entities. Read this FOCUS here: http://bit.ly/1Kklf8c.

The Word from Lansing Column: Educational Choice, An Investment in Our Children

Many students around Michigan began school this week. In honor of school starting for many families, Michigan Catholic Conference dedicated August's The Word from Lansing to educational policies that provide greater options for parents. The column also highlights the obstacles in the Michigan Constitution that block such policies from being enacted here. Read this column now: http://bit.ly/1PvqBNR.

Labor Day Statement Emphasizes Importance of Work for Families

Earlier this week, the nation celebrated Labor Day to honor the contributions of all workers. The Catholic Church teaches that work is a vital way of participating in the world that God has created. Unfortunately, many families are struggling to make ends meet, facing unemployment or wage stagnation that puts a strain on their time together. If you have not yet been able to read the USCCB Labor Day statement on work and families, here is a link so that you can do so now: http://bit.ly/1JvhzQ3.

Follow Michigan Catholic Conference on Instagram

Michigan Catholic Conference is now on Instagram! Search Michigan Catholic Conference (@MiCatholicConf) or click to check out MCC’s page.

If you haven't done so already, please join the Catholic Advocacy Network to receive regular public policy updates—including Lansing Update—via email. For other news and information, follow MCC on Twitter, like MCC on Facebook, follow MCC on Instagram, or visit MCC’s webpage.