Following Gov. Whitmer’s budget presentation on March 5, MCC applauded a proposal to increase the state Earned Income Tax Credit in an effort to benefit the state’s working poor. However, MCC will continue to advocate for important pro-life and nonpublic school policies that the governor proposed cutting in her budget recommendations.
Michigan Catholic Conference President and CEO Paul A. Long offered the following sentiments regarding the death of former U.S. congressman Mr. John Dingell: “The outpouring of sympathy and condolences following the death of John Dingell in no small way exemplifies the extent to which ‘The Dean’ influenced so many in this state and the nation’s capital.”
Throughout 2018, MCC championed Senate Bill 752, a measure that assists low-income families in Michigan’s Family Independence Program (FIP). The bill, which passed the Michigan Legislature with bipartisan support, removes an obstacle to marriage for low-income couples with children and helps families build financial stability, without having to choose between marriage and retaining needed benefits for their children. MCC encourages Governor Snyder to sign this critical legislation into law.
“On Monday, December 17, Governor Rick Snyder signed six bills into law to help create safe environments for children, strengthen existing statutes, and give a greater voice to those harmed by sexual abuse. House Bills 5539, 5658, 5660–5661, 5794, and 5798 emerged out of months of deliberation in the House Law and Justice Committee and were actively supported by Michigan Catholic Conference (MCC) throughout the legislative process. MCC is grateful to governor and the bipartisan lawmakers for their action on this critical issue.
The House Law and Justice Committee passed legislation today raising the age for youth sentencing to 18 years old. Michigan is one of only four states in the country that continues to automatically charge 17-year-olds as adults, regardless of the severity of the crime committed. MCC is thankful to the Committee and urges the House to pass the bills in the coming weeks.
Michigan Catholic Conference shares its profound sorrow with the parishioners, clergy and family of Bishop Joseph Cistone, who passed away unexpectedly the evening of October 15th due to the complications of cancer. We remember the joy in which he approached his ministry as bishop and his service to this organization as a member of the Board of Directors.
According to the Focus document: "Questions about this proposal considered by the MCC Board of Directors, which includes the diocesan bishops of the state, asked if this measure promotes the common good and uplifts the moral fiber in the state. After careful review, the MCC Board is urging a No vote on the measure, citing the harm it may cause for Michigan families, health outcomes, communities and workers.”
Michigan Catholic Conference (MCC) announced today that its Freedom to Serve advertising campaign has received the Michigan Society of Association Executives’ (MSAE) Diamond Award, the organization’s highest honor in the field of public relations. The announcement was made September 20th at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi during MSAE’s 17th Annual Diamond Awards banquet.
The National Association of State Catholic Conference Directors has elected as its next president Paul A. Long, President and CEO of the Michigan Catholic Conference. “I am grateful for Paul’s selection to this important national position as the Church continues her diligent work to promote the common good and to uplift the dignity of all human persons,” said Most Rev. Allen H. Vigneron, Archbishop of Detroit and Chairman of the Michigan Catholic Conference Board of Directors.
The House Families, Children and Seniors Committee approved a measure today that would allow Family Independence Program (FIP) participants to retain their state benefit after marriage for a grace period of eighteen months. Michigan Catholic Conference has advocated for adoption of this common sense, bipartisan policy and urges the full House of Representatives to vote on Senate Bill 752 before summer recess.
