WASHINGTON (USCCB) — Three U.S. bishops raised their concerns over human life and dignity, immigrants and affordability in a September 30 letter to the U.S. Senate. Cardinal Justin Rigali, Bishop William Murphy and Bishop John Wester chair the Committees on Pro-Life Activities, Domestic Justice and Human Development, and Migration, respectively, for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).
“Our Catholic moral tradition teaches that health care is a basic human right, essential to protecting human life and dignity,” the bishops wrote. “These moral principles and our everyday experience lead us to work for three central priorities for health care reform.”
The bishops outlined three criteria that need special attention as legislation moves forward: respect for life and dignity, affordability, and inclusion of immigrants.
“Health care reform legislation should reflect longstanding and widely supported current policies on abortion funding, mandates and conscience protections because they represent sound morality, wise policy and political reality,” the bishops wrote. “So far the health reform bills considered in committee, including the new Senate Finance Committee bill, have not met President Obama’s challenge of barring use of federal dollars for abortion and maintaining current conscience laws. These deficiencies must be corrected.”
On affordability, the bishops criticized the Senate Finance Committee bill for it “would impose financial burdens on low-income and moderate-income families and those families with significant and chronic illnesses.” They urged Congress to support measures that would help low-income families, including further limiting premium costs and other out of pocket expenses for all citizens and legal immigrants.
“The Catholic bishops renew our appeal to provide equity for legal immigrants in access to health care,” the letter said. “Immigrants pay the same taxes as citizens and their health needs cannot be ignored. Leaving them outside a reformed system is both unfair and unwise,” the bishops concluded.
The full text of the bishops’ letter can be found online at: www.usccb.org/sdwp/national/2009-09-30-healthcare-letter-senate.pdf
September 30, 2009
Action Alert! Tax Credit for Working Poor in Jeopardy
Urgent! Your Phone Calls Needed to Save Tax Credit for Working Poor
In 2006 the Michigan Legislature voted overwhelmingly in a bipartisan fashion to create a state Earned Income Tax Credit. This tax policy has proven to lift more families and children out of poverty than any other federal or state tax policy. At least 35 other states in the country provide such a credit for their citizens who are working but pay disproportionate payroll taxes.
According to the Michigan law passed three years ago, working individuals who qualify for the federal EITC that have a median yearly income of $10,000 to $15,000 began claiming ten percent of the federal credit at the state level last year, with an additional ten percent slated to go into effect this year.
Unfortunately, because of the state of Michigan's economy, some lawmakers have expressed an interest in either freezing or dramatically scaling back the second half of the state credit. Michigan Catholic Conference is asking for subscribers of this legislative network to telephone their state legislators and the governor urging opposition to any measure that seeks to freeze or reduce full implementation of the state EITC. Numerous studies have proven that this tax credit not only lifts families out of poverty, but also generates millions for local economies as those who receive the credit spend the dollars locally.
Phone calls are being requested because this important issue is time sensitive. You may find your State Representative and his or her telephone number here, and your State Senator here. The governor's office may be contacted at (517) 335-7858.
Please kindly tell your legislators and the govenor that you oppose any measure that halts full implementation of the state earned income tax credit, and thank them for their time.
In 2006 the Michigan Legislature voted overwhelmingly in a bipartisan fashion to create a state Earned Income Tax Credit. This tax policy has proven to lift more families and children out of poverty than any other federal or state tax policy. At least 35 other states in the country provide such a credit for their citizens who are working but pay disproportionate payroll taxes.
According to the Michigan law passed three years ago, working individuals who qualify for the federal EITC that have a median yearly income of $10,000 to $15,000 began claiming ten percent of the federal credit at the state level last year, with an additional ten percent slated to go into effect this year.
Unfortunately, because of the state of Michigan's economy, some lawmakers have expressed an interest in either freezing or dramatically scaling back the second half of the state credit. Michigan Catholic Conference is asking for subscribers of this legislative network to telephone their state legislators and the governor urging opposition to any measure that seeks to freeze or reduce full implementation of the state EITC. Numerous studies have proven that this tax credit not only lifts families out of poverty, but also generates millions for local economies as those who receive the credit spend the dollars locally.
Phone calls are being requested because this important issue is time sensitive. You may find your State Representative and his or her telephone number here, and your State Senator here. The governor's office may be contacted at (517) 335-7858.
Please kindly tell your legislators and the govenor that you oppose any measure that halts full implementation of the state earned income tax credit, and thank them for their time.
St. John School is Fit for Learning
By Sharon Pagryzinski / Enrollment Coordinator, Bay Area Catholic Schools
ESSEXVILLE – For the second consecutive year, students and teachers at St. John the Evangelist School continue to begin each morning with walking, stretching, and exercises. Each day from 8:00 to 8:30 a.m., the entire school can be found either outside in the parking lot or inside the spacious gymnasium.
When asked how he feels about morning exercise, second-grader Keegan Kinsella said, "Good, because you get good exercise and [get] your body pumping, so your brain is ready."
Research has shown that starting the day with exercise improves learning for students. Additionally, it appears that physical activity early in life may help protect children from excessive fat gains later. Exercise is a life-long necessity and most children no longer walk to school, so giving the students this daily opportunity is a good way to instill a healthy habit with life changing benefits.
“Anything that can help us feel better with the stresses of the day is well worth the time,” Principal, Sue Grzegorczyk said.
She also observed an added benefit, “It’s always interesting to hear the conversations that take place during the morning walk.”
St. John School will participate in Walk to School Day in Michigan on Wednesday, October 7. St. John is one of four elementary and preschools within the Bay Area Catholic Schools (BACS) system.
BACS continues the Catholic school tradition begun here in the 1850s, providing 3-year-old preschool through 12th grade faith-based, solid academic education. BACS is among Bay County’s top 50 employers and functions as one of the few Catholic school systems in Michigan. In recent years, ithas become a model for schools across the country that are seeking to shift from a parish school structure to a school system concept. BACS is spiritually and financially supported by the 13 Vicariate 4 parishes.
To learn more about BACS, log onto http://www.bacschools.org/.
ESSEXVILLE – For the second consecutive year, students and teachers at St. John the Evangelist School continue to begin each morning with walking, stretching, and exercises. Each day from 8:00 to 8:30 a.m., the entire school can be found either outside in the parking lot or inside the spacious gymnasium.
When asked how he feels about morning exercise, second-grader Keegan Kinsella said, "Good, because you get good exercise and [get] your body pumping, so your brain is ready."
Research has shown that starting the day with exercise improves learning for students. Additionally, it appears that physical activity early in life may help protect children from excessive fat gains later. Exercise is a life-long necessity and most children no longer walk to school, so giving the students this daily opportunity is a good way to instill a healthy habit with life changing benefits.
“Anything that can help us feel better with the stresses of the day is well worth the time,” Principal, Sue Grzegorczyk said.
She also observed an added benefit, “It’s always interesting to hear the conversations that take place during the morning walk.”
St. John School will participate in Walk to School Day in Michigan on Wednesday, October 7. St. John is one of four elementary and preschools within the Bay Area Catholic Schools (BACS) system.
BACS continues the Catholic school tradition begun here in the 1850s, providing 3-year-old preschool through 12th grade faith-based, solid academic education. BACS is among Bay County’s top 50 employers and functions as one of the few Catholic school systems in Michigan. In recent years, ithas become a model for schools across the country that are seeking to shift from a parish school structure to a school system concept. BACS is spiritually and financially supported by the 13 Vicariate 4 parishes.
To learn more about BACS, log onto http://www.bacschools.org/.
September 29, 2009
Legislature Praised for Maintaining Funding for Family Independence Program, Children’s Clothing Allowance
LANSING (MCC) – Michigan Catholic Conference Vice President for Public Policy Paul A. Long made the following statement this evening after the Legislature approved the conference report for the Department of Human Services budget, which maintains funding for the Family Independence Program and the children’s clothing allowance program:
“Considering the harsh economic climate and the difficult cuts that are taking place elsewhere in the state budget, those who acted to preserve these two critical programs deserve praise and applause, especially Senator Bill Hardiman (R-Kentwood) and Representative Dudley Spade (D-Tipton). Michigan’s most destitute population should never be forced to ‘share the pain’ when their level of suffering is already at its peak. The fact that Democrats and Republicans have come together to pass the Department of Human Services budget without cutting these two programs, coupled with their ability to enact foster care reform that places the welfare of children first, is commendable.”
Michigan Catholic Conference is the official public policy voice of the Catholic Church in this state.
“Considering the harsh economic climate and the difficult cuts that are taking place elsewhere in the state budget, those who acted to preserve these two critical programs deserve praise and applause, especially Senator Bill Hardiman (R-Kentwood) and Representative Dudley Spade (D-Tipton). Michigan’s most destitute population should never be forced to ‘share the pain’ when their level of suffering is already at its peak. The fact that Democrats and Republicans have come together to pass the Department of Human Services budget without cutting these two programs, coupled with their ability to enact foster care reform that places the welfare of children first, is commendable.”
Michigan Catholic Conference is the official public policy voice of the Catholic Church in this state.
Local Students will join in National Holy Hour
By Sharon Pagryzinski / Enrollment Coordinator, Bay Area Catholic Schools
ESSEXVILLE – Students at St. John the Evengelist School will be join the Worldwide Children’s Eucharistic Holy Hour at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, October 2 in the church chapel.
This event also will be celebrated at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. with Bishop Gregory Aymond presiding. It occurs every First Friday in October, the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, and has been growing every year since its inception in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis in 2003.
This Holy Hour spiritually unites the prayers of children around the globe for priests, their own families, and all families of the world. The Holy Childhood Association will be part of this event as well.
The Bay Area community is invited to join the students from grades 1 to 5 in the chapel at St. John the Evangelist Church, 614 Pine St., in Essexville.
St. John is one of four elementary and preschools within the Bay Area Catholic Schools (BACS) system.
BACS continues the Catholic school tradition begun here in the 1850s, providing 3-year-old preschool through 12th grade faith-based, solid academic education. BACS is among Bay County’s top 50 employers and functions as one of the few Catholic school systems in Michigan. In recent years, ithas become a model for schools across the country that are seeking to shift from a parish school structure to a school system concept. BACS is spiritually and financially supported by the 13 Vicariate 4 parishes.
To learn more about BACS, log onto http://www.bacschools.org/
ESSEXVILLE – Students at St. John the Evengelist School will be join the Worldwide Children’s Eucharistic Holy Hour at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, October 2 in the church chapel.
This event also will be celebrated at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. with Bishop Gregory Aymond presiding. It occurs every First Friday in October, the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, and has been growing every year since its inception in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis in 2003.
This Holy Hour spiritually unites the prayers of children around the globe for priests, their own families, and all families of the world. The Holy Childhood Association will be part of this event as well.
The Bay Area community is invited to join the students from grades 1 to 5 in the chapel at St. John the Evangelist Church, 614 Pine St., in Essexville.
St. John is one of four elementary and preschools within the Bay Area Catholic Schools (BACS) system.
BACS continues the Catholic school tradition begun here in the 1850s, providing 3-year-old preschool through 12th grade faith-based, solid academic education. BACS is among Bay County’s top 50 employers and functions as one of the few Catholic school systems in Michigan. In recent years, ithas become a model for schools across the country that are seeking to shift from a parish school structure to a school system concept. BACS is spiritually and financially supported by the 13 Vicariate 4 parishes.
To learn more about BACS, log onto http://www.bacschools.org/
September 25, 2009
Bishop Cistone calls for an end to violence, urges all to pray for peace
SAGINAW – The Most Reverend Joseph R. Cistone, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Saginaw, urges that the violence experienced in the City of Saginaw should be a concern of the entire community:“These senseless shootings shake the security of all of us, most especially those living in the City of Saginaw. While our prayerful love and support goes out to the victims of these recent attacks, as well as their families, the tragic death of a 9-year-old boy and the serious injury of a 10- year-old girl emphasizes, all the more, the urgency for our community to work together to find ways to end this bloodshed.”
He also called on members of the interfaith community to pray for peace and an end to the shootings and to work together to find solutions to this problem:
“I call upon all people of good will to join me in our prayers for peace and efforts to identify ways of ridding our neighborhoods of these devastating crimes. In the coming month of October, observed by Catholics as Respect Life Month, I ask that special prayers and petitions be offered for the safety of our community and an end to violence.”
Bishop Cistone was installed as the sixth bishop of the Diocese of Saginaw on July 28, 2009. The diocese is home to an estimated 119,000 Catholics worshiping in 105 parish communities throughout 11 counties in mid-Michigan: Arenac, Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Huron, Isabella, Midland, Saginaw, Sanilac, and Tuscola counties.
Action Alert! Help Prohibit Public Funding of Abortion in Health Care Reform
From the Michigan Catholic Conference: Urge Sen. Stabenow to Support Pro-Life Amendments
The Senate Finance Committee has begun its markup of Sen. Baucus' health care reform bill, and your advocacy is urgently needed to help protect conscience rights and to prohibit public funding of abortions.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has been among the strongest supporters for health care reform in the United States. The bishops' position is that the nation is in desperate need of a universal health care policy, one that ensures coverage for all, especially the poor, and one that ensures no public funds are used for abortions.
Please take a brief moment to contact Senator Debbie Stabenow, who sits on the committee, and urge her to support amendments that have been offered by Sens. Enzi and Hatch that would promote respect for human life and the dignity of all, including the poor and the unborn.
Click here to send a message to Sen. Stabenow through the Catholic Legislative Advocacy Network
The Senate Finance Committee has begun its markup of Sen. Baucus' health care reform bill, and your advocacy is urgently needed to help protect conscience rights and to prohibit public funding of abortions.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has been among the strongest supporters for health care reform in the United States. The bishops' position is that the nation is in desperate need of a universal health care policy, one that ensures coverage for all, especially the poor, and one that ensures no public funds are used for abortions.
Please take a brief moment to contact Senator Debbie Stabenow, who sits on the committee, and urge her to support amendments that have been offered by Sens. Enzi and Hatch that would promote respect for human life and the dignity of all, including the poor and the unborn.
Click here to send a message to Sen. Stabenow through the Catholic Legislative Advocacy Network
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