2015
The Word from Lansing is a regular column written by Michigan Catholic Conference (MCC) staff for Catholic news outlets. Through these columns, MCC outlines current advocacy issues of importance to the Conference and discusses the Catholic position and role in the political process. This publication complements the more regular updates provided by Michigan Catholic Conference’s Catholic Advocacy Network.
As the Michigan Legislature has begun its 2015-2016 legislative session, Michigan Catholic Conference staff is continually analyzing the bills that have been introduced at the State Capitol through a lens of Catholic teaching. Nine issues areas have been chosen by the MCC Board of Directors as guiding principles for staff, including religious liberty, human life and dignity, education, children and families, health care, economic justice and regulatory policies, restorative justice, immigration, and select federal issues. The Word from Lansing column for February details the importance of Catholic solidarity and action as policies are debated that will impact all of Michigan’s residents.
The 2013–2014 legislative session came to a close in December, and MCC staff celebrated the passage of many bills during the two years that reflected the dignity of the human person. Measures addressing human trafficking, promoting student safety, expanding Medicaid access to low-income Michiganders, prohibiting taxpayer funding of abortion coverage, and allowing for minimum standards of indigent defense were just a few of these important items. Much work is still needed, however, and as the new 2015–2016 session begins, MCC staff will continue to advocate for legislation that addresses the poor, vulnerable, and marginalized.
