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. This week: The Word from Lansing: During Pandemic, Catholic Schools Rise to the Challenge; Supplemental Budget Bills Continue Conversations on Nonpublic School COVID Aid; USCCB Expresses Support for Commitments at Leaders Summit on Climate. Read more…

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Catholic schools have prioritized safety while providing nearly uninterrupted instruction, which has mattered a great deal for Michigan families. Sadly, due to political disagreements among state elected officials, nonpublic schools are uncertain about the status of federal funding to assist them with COVID-related expenses. The Word from Lansing for April dives into the importance of this funding and encourages politicians to work together for the benefit of all students. Read more…

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. This week: House and Senate Subcommittees Pass 2021–22 Budget Recommendations; U.S. Catholic Bishops' Conference Comments on Verdict in Chauvin Trial; USCCB Denounces Reversal of Limits on Human Fetal Tissue Research; Proposed Title X Rule from Biden Administration is Concerning for Catholics; Vulnerable Adult Protection Bills Continue Forward in House Committee; Measures to Reduce Unnecessary Incarceration Clear House . Read more…

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. This week: Advocacy Continues for EANS Dollars for Nonpublic Schools; Educational Assistance Legislation Continues to Michigan Senate; MCC Supports House Bills to Reduce Unnecessary Incarceration; U.S. Bishops Decry Chemical Abortion Pill Policy Change; Catholic Guidelines for End of Life Decisions Offered by MCC. Read more…

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. This week: Walking With Moms Demonstrates Continued Need for Wraparound Support. Read more…

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. This week: Nearly $90 Million in COVID Funding for Nonpublic Schools Sent to Governor; Child Abuse Prevention Legislation Continues Forward in State Legislature; The Word from Lansing: Small Steps of Love in the State Budget Process; USCCB Welcomes House Passage of Bipartisan Immigration Reform; Upcoming Webinar: The Equality Act and What it Means for Catholics. Read more…

Michigan Catholic Conference is expressing its gratitude to the Michigan Senate today for passing legislation that appropriates some $87 million in federal dollars to assist Catholic and other nonpublic schools in the state with costs associated with the COVID pandemic. Read more…

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. This week: Nonpublic School Assistance Vetoed—MCC Emphasizes Student Safety Needs; MCC Testifies in House Committee on Payday Lending; Bills Addressing Educational Assistance and COVID Continue to House Floor. Read more…

Each year, the State of Michigan makes budget determinations for its people, just as a family makes decisions for the good of its members. If done well, the budget can act as a document of love and of care, recognizing all Michiganders have value and considering carefully the needs of the marginalized. The Word from Lansing column for March provides thoughts about the 2021–2022 state budget process and the priorities MCC believes should be included in the final version. Read more…

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. This week: Action Alert! Federal COVID Relief Continues to U.S. Senate — Your Voice is Still Needed; State Legislature Approves Funding for Nonpublic Schools in COVID-19 Relief Package; Michigan Bishops Address Moral Concerns with Johnson & Johnson Vaccine. Read more…

In December of 2020, in the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Catholic bishops in Michigan provided insights about the benefit of vaccinations for public health outcomes. The bishops also addressed moral questions for Catholics about the COVID-19 vaccines available at the time: Pfizer and Moderna. With the introduction of a new option from Johnson & Johnson that is now available in the state, the Michigan bishops have revised their statement to share moral concerns with the vaccine’s design, production, development and testing. Read more…

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. This week: Contact Officials on COVID Relief, Equality Act. Read more…