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AUSTIN—The Texas Catholic Conference 82^nd Legislative Agenda is now available on the Conference web site, www.TXcatholic.org. The Legislative Agenda includes a statement on the Texas budget shortfall as well as 48 specific priorities in the areas of Life and Family Life Issues, Immigration, Education, Health & Human Services, and Criminal Justice Reform. While the Legislative Agenda is broad and spans a multitude of issues, the Conference will monitor and respond to any relevant matters before the Texas Legislature, even if the issue is not specifically listed on the agenda. The entire Legislative Agenda can be viewed online here: www.txcatholic.org/index.php/public-policy/legislative-agenda.

In addition to the Agenda, updated policy papers for all agenda priorities are also available. Policy papers are two-page documents that provide Catholic teaching and other information on the legislative priorities. Simply visit the Legislative Agenda web page listed above any click on a priority name to open its policy paper.

There are several new issues on the legislative agenda from the previous session including:

• Support a balanced approach to solving the budget shortfall, including seeking revenue to adequately fund needed public services and prepare Texas for the future.
• Support efforts to ensure access to marriage for undocumented immigrants.
• Support the creation of regulatory standards for payday lending to ensure families are not placed in overwhelming financial situations
• Oppose efforts that make acquiring Texas drivers’ licenses and identification documents more difficult for immigrants.
• Support abstinence-only education in Texas schools.
• Support efforts to increase awareness of the risks of premature birth and ensure access to medical care for mothers and babies via the CHIP Perinatal program.
• Support efforts to reform the juvenile justice system in Texas.

Texas Catholic Conference staff will begin reviewing all filed legislation beginning with pre-filed legislation in November. Bill reports detailing legislation that the Conference is supporting or opposing will be available online at the Conference web site, www.TXcatholic.org.

Anyone interested in learning more about the work of the Texas Catholic Conference is invited to subscribe for the free Texas Catholic Voice e-newsletter by clicking the “Get Involved” banner at www.TXcatholic.org.You can also find the Conference on Facebook and Twitter.

The Texas Catholic Conference is the association of the 15 Roman Catholic dioceses of the State of Texas and is the official public policy voice of the Bishops of Texas. For more information on the Texas Catholic Conference, visit www.TXCatholic.org.