2023

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 Capitol Building as seen from the corner of Capitol Ave. and Allegan.

This week marks part two in MCC’s Top 10 list of public policy moments from 2023, from a Catholic perspective. Find out what made the list and catch up on the year that was in this Lansing Update.

As the end of the calendar year approaches, we are reflecting upon a top 10 list of public policy moments that happened in 2023, from a Catholic perspective. Read the first part in a two-part series in this week’s Lansing Update.

The family is the foundation of society —Vatican II

The long-awaited report from the state population growth council is out, and MCC commented on what the council did well and what they missed. Read more on the Catholic perspective to the state population problem, as well as other updates on legislation MCC has been working on that became law recently.

Government leaders must do everything possible to ensure that all can have the minimum spiritual and material means needed to live in dignity and to create and support a family. —Pope Francis

With public policymakers concerned about Michigan’s lack of population growth, MCC put forth its perspective that policies focused on supporting and growing families are key for long-term population growth in this state. For more on MCC’s advocacy on this issue, plus some resources for getting Advent started off right this Sunday, read this week’s Lansing Update.

Participants in the Michigan March for Life holding signs and banners

While the Governor this week did sign the Reproductive Health Act bills that were sent to her desk, MCC noted in a press release the advocacy that resulted in a watered-down version of the RHA becoming law. Plus, ahead of Thanksgiving, MCC extends its gratitude for the dedicated Catholic grassroots network. Read more in this week’s Lansing Update.

Thousands marched for life from the state Capitol to the Michigan Hall of Justice.

The first-ever Michigan March for Life brought thousands of pro-lifers to the steps of the state Capitol this week. Plus, the Legislature wrapped up session for 2023, meaning there was a lot of activity on a variety of issues. Catch up on issues ranging from abortion regulations to surrogacy to juvenile justice and more in this week’s Lansing Update.

Rebecca Mastee, policy advocate for MCC, testifies against legislation that would legalize surrogacy contracts in Michigan during the House Judiciary Committee this week.

While the House passed portions of the dangerous Reproductive Health Act on party-line votes in a late night session this week, the scope of the House-approved RHA is a vast departure from what abortion advocates were seeking to remove from state law when it comes to abortion limits. Also, MCC testifies against legalizing surrogacy contracts in legislation that is speeding through the Legislature. Read about that and more in this week’s Lansing Update.

The Michigan State Capitol Building in early fall

In addition to the dangerous Reproductive Health Act moving through the Legislature, a new threat to the health and safety of women and children in Michigan has suddenly emerged in Lansing. Learn more about this new issue and what MCC’s concerns are about it in this week’s Lansing Update.

Close-up of a pregnant woman protectively holding her belly with both hands

MCC this week continued to make the case that the Reproductive Health Act would harm the health and safety of vulnerable women in Michigan and is out of step with the will of Michigan voters. Despite these efforts, a majority of Michigan senators sided with the abortion industry in sending the bills to the House. Also this week, lawmakers took testimony on MCC-supported bills to crack down on church vandalism, and the Governor signed MCC-backed bills to ensure kids are drinking safe water at schools and daycares. Read more in this week’s Lansing Update.

Rebecca Mastee, policy advocate for MCC, testifies against the RHA package before the Senate Housing and Human Services Committee.

As a second legislative committee took up testimony on the dangerous Reproductive Health Act bills, a physician shared about helping to save a woman who had to be rushed to a hospital after suffering an abortion complication at a clinic. The story illustrated why the various abortion protections and safeguards up for repeal in the RHA are needed. Read about that story and other legislative updates of interest to MCC in this week’s Lansing Update.

Part Two of MCC's Top Policy Moments from 2023

MCC’s Top Policy Moments from 2023: Part One

A Catholic Response to the Population Problem

Pro-Family Policies Would Propel Michigan’s Population

Pro Life Advocacy Against RHA Helped Save Some Abortion Limits from Repeal

March for Life Comes to Michigan Capitol, and More From a Busy Final Week of Session

Crucial Limits on Abortion Would Remain Law Under House-Passed Version of RHA

New Threat to Women, Children Emerges at Capitol

Abortion Deregulation Bills Advance Despite Widespread Opposition from Michigan Voters

Physician Shares Story of Woman Who Survived Abortion Complication in Testimony Against Abortion Deregulation Bills