2025

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.

As 2025 nears its end, this final Lansing Update of the year will share how MCC carried out its mission to advocate for the common good at the state Capitol.

The Michigan State Capitol building in winter

MCC’s advocacy this week included support for increased transparency around abortion, tougher penalties for human trafficking, support for school safety policies, and more.

Bishop David Walkowiak of the Diocese of Grand Rapids, with Paul Stankewitz (left), policy advocate for MCC, and Rep. Nancy DeBoer (R-Holland).

See pictures from an MCC reception held earlier this fall for the Catholic bishops in Michigan to meet with state representatives, senators, and their staff.

Despite MCC objections and the voices of more than 1,000 grassroots advocates, the state approved the promotion of gender ideology in public school health education. Also this week, MCC offered support for legislation related to abortion reporting requirements and parental consent for minors' use of social media.

The second-ever statewide Michigan March for Life in Lansing this week drew scores of Catholic high school students, priests, religious, and more to peacefully and joyfully witness to human life.

A person receiving food in a soup kitchen.

MCC issued a statement in support of state action toward continuing food assistance for Michiganders who need it most in Michigan. Plus, a final reminder for next week’s March for Life in Lansing, the prayer offered by a Catholic priest before House session, and more.

The Michigan State Capitol Building in fall

MCC this week noted major investments into students and moms in the new state budget, but there were also several other important programs included that help families in need and the most vulnerable individuals in this state, too.

Smiling Catholic school children working on projects in their classroom

The Legislature approved a new budget for this fiscal year and delivered significant increases in funding to programs that protect nonpublic school children and help pregnant mothers and their children.

A mother sitting cross-legged on the bed, feeding her child from a bottle

The third and final budget proposal for consideration was approved by the state House recently. See how it stacks up against the Senate and Governor when it comes to programs for mothers in need, as well as helping the poor and vulnerable of this state.

A mother holding her child, gazing out the window

MCC testified for legislation to implement the RxKids program into state law, which has been providing direct assistance to expectant mothers in lower-income communities across Michigan. Also in this update, MCC provides a recap of its nonpublic schools advocacy and a reflection on today's solemnity.

The Year in Review

MCC-Backed Abortion Reporting Bills Advance & More Legislative News

Bishops at the State Capitol

Standing Against Gender Ideology in Public Schools

Marching Onward for Unborn Life in Michigan

MCC Encourages Action to Feed the Needy & Attend March for Life in Lansing

Helping Families, Care for the Poor: More MCC Takeaways on State Budget

Nonpublic Schools, Pregnant Mothers See Significant Support in New Budget

How House Budget Treats Mothers in Need; Poor & Vulnerable

MCC Offers Support for Program Helping Mothers and Babies Before and After Birth