2016

    David Maluchnik Promoted to Michigan Catholic Conference VP of Communications

    Michigan Catholic Conference’s Director of Communications, David Maluchnik, has been promoted to Vice President of Communications. In this role, Maluchnik will continue to manage the communications work of the Conference and will also oversee the Information Technology Department. “Our organization is thankful for Dave’s hard work and service for over a decade, and I look forward to the critical role he will play in the organization’s administration through this new position,” says MCC President and CEO Paul A. Long.

    State Funding for Nonpublic Schools Moves Forward

    Front of a court house

    This morning the Michigan Supreme Court denied Governor Rick Snyder’s request for an advisory opinion regarding Section 152b of the State of Michigan’s 2016-2017 education spending budget. Section 152b appropriates $2.5 million to reimburse nonpublic schools for expenses associated with completing health and safety mandates required by the State. Michigan Catholic Conference (MCC) offered the following response: “It is important to note that despite the Court’s denial of the advisory opinion, it did not find the funding unconstitutional as the opponents had argued, meaning the appropriation will continue and nonpublic schools are entitled to funding.

    MCC Advocates for Immigrant Legislation

    Advocates of legislation to grant undocumented persons driver’s licenses gather on the steps of the State Capitol Tuesday, September 20, 2016

    Denying an undocumented resident of the state access to a driver’s license not only harms the dignity of that person but also makes life’s daily routines excessively difficult, Michigan Catholic Conference said on Tuesday, September 20th during a press event in Lansing on the steps of the State Capitol. The event included State Representatives Harvey Santana (D-Detroit) and Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit), MCC and several organizations that support policies that improve the lives of immigrants.

    MCC Responds to State Board of Education Vote

    Earlier this year, the State Board of Education developed voluntary guidelines regarding learning environments for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) students. Michigan Catholic Conference submitted public comments to the Board’s initial draft in May. On Wednesday, September 14, the Board of Education approved a final version of its document by a 6-2 vote. MCC has issued a statement after the vote opposing the guidance.