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.
To continue advancing the message of faithful citizenship before the election, MCC presents the first of a four-part series on voting. Also this week, read a column reflecting on two important life issues to consider during Respect Life Month, and see what the U.S. bishops are asking the faithful to do in response to threats of political violence.
The Legislature convened this week to pass a bill with school safety funding, but nonpublic schools were left behind. Find out what you can do next to continue advocating for enhanced school safety for all students in this week’s Lansing Update.
As the election approaches, MCC is inviting Catholic Advocacy Network members to a webinar on faithful citizenship and how to approach voting with a Catholic perspective. Also this week, grassroots advocates were urged to contact their lawmakers to approve more student safety funding.
As the November 2024 election approaches, Catholics are reminded to vote as faithful citizens with a well-formed conscience. To assist in this, MCC announced the release of its latest edition of Focus and an election resources website for Catholics to help prepare to vote. Also, the Church this week remembers the life of St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta, who cared for the poor and vulnerable and spoke out against abortion.
The state budget is a moral statement that details elected officials’ spending priorities. So how did Michigan lawmakers do in the latest budget? MCC commented on spending for education and assistance for the poor in response to the Governor signing the budget. Plus, MCC provides updates on the legislative schedule and upcoming elections and election-related resources for Catholics.
The Legislature unveiled and passed a final budget in the midst of a marathon overnight session this week. MCC staff provide a first glance at both the good news and bad news on state funding for nonpublic schools as well as programs to help the poor and vulnerable. Also this week, a judge blocked enforcement of several laws that limit abortion and protect the health and safety of women. Read more in this week’s Lansing Update.
Within the disappointing ruling issued by the U.S. Supreme Court that upheld widespread abortion pill access, the justices unanimously preserved religious conscience rights in the healthcare field. Read about that, plus policy updates impacting foster children and lower-income individuals, in this week’s Lansing Update.
As lawmakers set their sights on finishing the state budget for next year, here’s a look at some critical funding pieces of interest to Catholics, from help for the poor to funding for nonpublic schools. Read about that, as well as the Church’s great feast day today, in this week’s Lansing Update.
New legislation supported by MCC would stop the state’s practice of seizing foster kids’ benefits and instead ensure those funds are protected for foster kids’ use when they exit care. Read about this issue, as well as an update on where the legislative schedule stands, in this week’s Lansing Update.
Efforts to amend the state budget in the Senate to include nonpublic schools in safety funding and other initiatives fell short this week. However, the budget process still isn’t over. Read about where things stand, as well updates on legislation to promote awareness of safe gun storage requirements and shed light on payday lending practices, in this week’s Lansing Update.