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February 25, 2011 |
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Sonogram Bill Passed in House Committee
 We are very pleased that the House State Affairs Committee passed HB 15. We expect it to be heard before the entire House next week. Please see the action alert below for information on contacting your Texas Representative to ask for his or her support for the bill.
This week Bishop Vásquez, Bishop of the Diocese of Austin, testified in support of SB 253, a bill that closes the loophole that allows payday and auto title lenders to charge extreme interest rates which create a painful cycle of dependence that traps financially vulnerable families throughout Texas. You can read the text of his testimony here. This week, we also testified regarding budget cuts to the chaplaincy program, you can read this testimony here.
Last week, TCC staff and other Catholics from around the state participated in the Catholic Social Ministry Gathering and went to Capitol Hill to speak out for the protection of human life and dignity . We specifically advocated for the following concerns:
- Do not make disproportionate cuts in programs that serve the most vulnerable. It is morally unacceptable for our nation to balance its budget on the backs of the poor at home and abroad. In a time of economic crisis, the poor and vulnerable in our nation are in greater need of assistance, not less. Preserving the national security of the country is without doubt imperative, but we cannot secure the nation while at the same time furthering the insecurity of the poor and vulnerable in our midst. Preserve poverty-focused development and humanitarian assistance. In the FY 2011 President’s request, poverty-focused international assistance totals $20.25 billion, only 0.6% of the federal budget and only one-third of all U.S. international assistance to the developing world; the House Continuing Resolution cuts these programs by 26%.
- Ensure that health care protects the life, dignity, consciences and health of all by supporting The Protect Life Act (H.R. 358).
We encourage you to also contact your legislators to ask that our federal budget not be balanced on the backs of the poor. Access an Action Alert from Catholic Relief Services on this issue here.
Action Alert: Support Sonogram Bill
Find out who your Representative is and his or her contact information here.
Sample Message: “Hello, my name is Name and I am a Catholic in City , Texas. I am calling to ask that you support HB 15. This bill would require a physician to review a woman's ultrasound with her prior to her having an abortion. The woman is not required to view the ultrasound. I support this bill because it provides the mother with more information about her unborn child and may help the mother realize the humanity of her unborn child and choose life. For more information you can contact the Texas Catholic Conference at 512-339-9882. Thank you for your time."
Please act by March 4, 2011. Action Alert: Support the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act On February 8, the Constitution Subcommittee of the House Judiciary Committee held a hearing on H.R. 3. On March 2, at 10:00 a.m. (ET), the full Judiciary Committee is scheduled to markup the bill. Please contact your U.S. Representative to ask him or her to support H.R. 3, and oppose all weakening amendments. Click here for more information, or access an online action alert here. Bills in Committee Next Week
The following bills are in committee next week, click here for a full action alert on these bills. Please check the web site for the most up-to-date listing, as some committee agendas have less than a week's notice.
- HB 371 – Law of parties (death penalty)
- HB 27 – Indigent defense
- SB 257 and HB 238 – "Choose Life" license plate
- SB 355 – Ban on smoking in the workplace
- SB 61 – Juvenile Justice reform
- SB 586 – Access to identification documents
- HB 329 – Access to aging and disability long-term services
- HB 670 – Ban on smoking in the workplace
Read this entire Voice e-newsletter online here. You can sign up to get the Voice here.
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