Lansing Update: October 5, 2018
Posted October 5, 2018
Catholic Conference Launches Website for Election Resources, Information
On Tuesday, November 6, Michiganders will vote on statewide ballot proposals and political offices at the local, statewide, and national level. Find information and resources to help you prepare for the upcoming election at www.micatholic.org/election2018. The deadline for registering to vote is this Tuesday, October 9. If you have not yet registered, visit the Michigan Secretary of State's website for more information.
MCC Urges 'No' Vote on Recreational Marijuana
With a unanimous vote from its Board of Directors, Michigan Catholic Conference (MCC) is saying no to the legalization of recreational marijuana in Michigan and, as such, recommends a 'No' vote on Proposal 1 at the November 6th General Election ballot. MCC is also joining the official ballot question committee opposed to Proposal 1, Healthy and Productive Michigan, which includes individuals and organizations such as the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police, Michigan Sheriffs' Association, the Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan, Citizens for Traditional Values, and the Michigan State Medical Society. MCC's FOCUS publication shares more about what the proposal would do, and it offers a series of questions and answers on how the proposal applies to Catholic teaching and would negatively impact the common good.
Critical "Raise the Age" Discussion Continues
The House Law and Justice Committee continued testimony this week on "Raise the Age" criminal justice legislation. This package of bills would (except in the most serious cases) allow most seventeen-year-olds to be handled and treated within the juvenile system. Currently, Michigan automatically treats seventeen-year-olds as adults, even for first-time, non-violent offenses. The legislation would also ensure youth under 21 years of age receive age-appropriate programming and outdoor exercise, and it would establish a family advisory board within the Michigan Department of Corrections. Last week, an additional bill was introduced and added to the package by Representative Martin Howrylak (R-Troy). House Bill 6396 would provide funding options for Michigan counties, which would help them implement "Raise the Age" policies. Hearings will likely resume after the November election. Michigan Catholic Conference testified on behalf of the package last week and going forward, will continue to make its adoption a priority. CAN members should stay tuned for future advocacy action.
New Theme and Materials Available for Respect Life Month
Every year, October marks the observation of Respect Life Month in the U.S. Catholic Church. This celebration highlights the responsibility of all Catholics to cherish, defend, and protect those who are most vulnerable, from the beginning of life to its end, and at every point in between. The theme for this year is "Every Life: Cherished, Chosen, Sent." Resources- including articles, posters, and graphics- are available for year-round use at www.usccb.org/respectlife.