Lansing Update: March 11, 2016

  1. Catholic Advocacy Network SURVEY: Your Response is Needed
  2. MCC Opposes Payday Lending Legislation

Catholic Advocacy Network SURVEY: Your Response is Needed

Thank you for being a member of Michigan Catholic Conference’s Catholic Advocacy Network (CAN). Your participation in CAN, along with thousands of other members across the state, helps the Catholic Church in Michigan advocate on key policy issues before state government in Lansing related to the common good. Michigan Catholic Conference is currently looking for feedback that will help us understand the issues of interest to you, as well as your communication preferences. The survey should only take a few minutes of your time and will provide us with valuable information to help us better meet your advocacy needs. Your answers will be kept anonymous.

Please take a few minutes to fill out the survey now.

Thank you in advance for your feedback.

MCC Opposes Payday Lending Legislation

Legislation in the Senate Banking and Financial Institutions Committee this week would modify the state’s payday lending laws. Senate Bills 842 and 843, sponsored by Senator David Robertson (R-Grand Blanc), allows payday lenders to work through credit service organizations, who arrange loans for consumers but usually work with one lender and add on an extra service fee. As a result, short-term loans could have both the current permissible interest rate and additional fees which could bring the rate up to above 300 percent. Michigan Catholic Conference opposed the bill, which continues the cycle of poverty for low-income consumers. Currently the committee chairman has indicated that he has no other action planned for the bills, but Michigan Catholic Conference will continue to monitor them in case there is any change.

If you haven't done so already, please join the Catholic Advocacy Network to receive regular public policy updates—including Lansing Update—via email. For other news and information, follow MCC on Twitter, like MCC on Facebook, follow MCC on Instagram, or visit MCC’s webpage.