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.
MCC makes the case for a Catholic response to gun violence in its latest edition of Focus published this week. Plus, updates on MCC advocacy action in the Legislature regarding retroactive abuse claims legislation, tougher penalties for church vandalism and more
With the Legislature away at Mackinac this week and just a few weeks left before summer break, here’s a recap on what legislation MCC has supported this session and where the bills currently stand.
The Governor signed more MCC-backed gun safety legislation, and new information is provided on two MCC-supported packages to promote restorative justice for prisoners and crime victims. Finally, a new bishop for the Diocese of Kalamazoo was named this week, who will soon join the MCC Board of Directors.
MCC this week released poll data confirming widespread Michigan voter support for longstanding abortion regulations, including among pro-choice and Proposal 3 voters. Also this week, the Governor signed an unfortunate bill creating an abortion mandate on employers. Read more about that as well as other updates on legislation MCC is tracking
MCC is calling on grassroots supporters to tell their House members to pass a bill to make immediate tax relief possible for hundreds of thousands of Michigan families. Plus, MCC offered support to a bill that would shine a light of transparency on the state’s predatory payday lending industry.
The Senate passed child sex abuse prevention bills backed by the MCC that have been five years in the making. However, the Legislature also sent the Governor the bill opposed by MCC that would create an abortion mandate on employers. Read more
The budget-setting process for next year is fully underway, and MCC is tracking items of interest to charity agencies and nonpublic schools. Read more about where spending proposals stand along with other legislative updates
A bill that equates abortion with childbirth when it comes to employe benefits advanced in the Legislature, prompting MCC to issue an action alert to Catholics to contact their lawmakers to oppose the bill. Separately, MCC-supported bills to ensure safe drinking water in schools and to proactively prevent sexual abuse moved forward.
The Governor signed two of the three gun safety reforms that MCC supports, while the third component passed the state House this week. Also, a MCC priority for this legislative session—allowing the undocumented to again obtain driver’s licenses—was introduced.
MCC spoke out against the Legislature approving and the Governor signing legislation this week that repealed protections for women from malicious abortion actors. Plus, another opportunity to give us feedback on Lansing Update emails by taking a quick survey.