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2009 TCC Staff Blog Archive
Click here to view the more current TCC Blog Entries.
DECEMBER 20, 2009
Health Reform Bill Needs More work Despite New Language on Abortion, say Catholic Bishops
The
Senate health reform bill should not move forward in its current form,
Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, Bishop William Murphy of
Rockville Centre, New York, and Bishop John Wester of Salt Lake City
said December 19, as senators proceeded closer to a vote. Read more.
DECEMBER 19, 2009
'Abortion Compromise' Does Not Address Core Problem in Senate Health Bill, Says Cardinal Dinardo, Bishops' Pro-Life Chair
Responding
to reports of a new "compromise" proposal on abortion in the U.S.
Senate's health care reform bill, Cardinal Daniel DiNardo today
reaffirmed the position of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops that
the legislation will be morally unacceptable "unless and until" it
complies with longstanding current laws on abortion funding such as the
Hyde amendment. Cardinal DiNardo is Archbishop of Galveston-Houston
and Chairman of the Conference's Committee on Pro-Life Activities.More DECEMBER 14, 2009
December 14 Cardinal DiNardo Letter to the Senate
December 14 Letter to Senators re: Supporting Menendez Amendment
DECEMBER 14, 2009
Support the Menendez
Amendment that Stands for Fairness to Legal Immigrants!
TAKE ACTION NOW!
Senator Hutchison can be
reached by phone at her DC office at 202-224-5922. Click here to get her
local phone number or contact her on the web.
Senator Cornyn can be reached by phone at his DC office at 202-224-2934. Click here to get his local phone number or contact
him on the web.
Sample Message:
"Hi my name is name
and I am calling from city, Texas. As a Catholic, I ask you to please
support the Menendez amendment that provides fairness to legal immigrants and
oppose amendments that are harmful to immigrants and the health care of their families.
Support language in the manager’s amendment to uphold longstanding policies
against abortion funding and protect conscience rights in health care reform.
If you have any questions on the position of the Bishops of Texas with regard
to this bill, feel free to contact the Texas Catholic Conference at
512-339-9882. Thank you for your time."
Click here to read the
entire action alert, which includes more information on the Menendez amendment.
DECEMBER 9, 2009
Bishops Deeply Disappointed by Senate Vote to Table Nelson-Hatch-Casey Amendment "The Senate vote to table the Nelson-Hatch-Casey amendment is a grave mistake and a serious blow to genuine health care reform," said Cardinal Francis George, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. "The Senate is ignoring the promise made by President Obama and the will of the American people in failing to incorporate longstanding prohibitions on federal funding for abortion and plans that include abortion." Read more.
Health Care Update -- A Message from Richard Doerflinger, USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities
"The USCCB and NCHLA will be putting out reactions and follow-up materials in due course today regarding the 54-45 vote to table (set aside) the Nelson pro-life amendment. I just wanted personally to give a word of gratitude and encouragement to all those who worked to get the Senate to maintain current protections against federal abortion funding. We made a very good showing against overwhelming odds, and we continue to have strong support for our position in the House where the legislation must ultimately return; in the meantime there will be more changes in the Senate, including a "manager's amendment" that may or may not include some provisions to address our strong objections to the current bill on pro-life issues. The fight is far from over.
Our opponents started out with what was probably a bare Senate majority against the Hyde amendment. To this they added the strategy of constantly and passionately obfuscating the truth that this amendment is basically the same as the Hyde amendment -- they claimed over and over again that current law only prevents direct use of a federal dollar for an abortion, and that this bill's denial of federal funds for entire health plans covering abortion was some kind of unprecedented and radical overreach (instead of the simple continuation of current law that it is). This gave us the spectacle of one pro-abortion Senator after another saying with a straight face that he or she supports the longstanding restrictions of the Hyde amendment, while voting against that policy in real life (and by the way, save all your Senator's statements from the Congressional Record along these lines because we'll need them next year when they might attack the Hyde amendment!). We must step up our efforts to educate the Congress, the media and the general public as to what is really going on in this debate.
To put the 45 votes in perspective: Some commentators asked us in the prior weeks how we hoped to get more than 40 votes, as Collins and Snowe would provide Republican votes for abortion and at most we would have the support of Nelson and Casey, with the two groups canceling each other out. We surprised them in a number of ways: Casey and Nelson both became original co-sponsors, with the lead sponsor of the amendment a Democrat; we got five votes that the critics did not expect, including Sen. Kaufman of Delaware (former top aide to Joseph Biden) who had never cast a pro-life vote; our Senate allies were prepared, articulate, committed, and factual, rebutting every false claim our opponents made (which of course only led them to tell the same falsehoods more often and more loudly, and to rely more heavily on inducing guilt among male Senators who might be tempted to contradict the female Democratic Senators on abortion).
The 45 votes means that if the Senate had followed normal procedure, taking the House-passed bill and working from that, they could never have produced the 60 votes needed for an amendment to remove the Stupak amendment. This arms us well for the next steps in the process, which may involve a "ping-pong" match between House and Senate or other avenues. We won't give up until we have a reform of health care that truly respects the life of everyone. Thank you again for your wonderful efforts!"
Please check our web site regularly for additional updates.
DECEMBER 9, 2009
Pope Names Detroit Auxiliary Bishop Daniel Flores to Succeed Bishop Raymundo Pena in Brownsville, Texas
Pope Benedict XVI has named Bishop Daniel Flores, auxiliary bishop of Detroit, 48, as bishop of Brownsville, Texas, and accepted the resignation of Bishop Raymundo Pena, 75, from the pastoral governance of that diocese. The Diocese of Brownsville has 4,226 square miles. It has a population of 1,170,776 people, with 995,160, or 85 per cent, of them Catholic.
The appointment and resignation were publicized in Washington, December 9, by Archbishop Pietro Sambi, apostolic nuncio to the United States. Read more here.
Also see the Diocese of Brownsville web site for more information.
Bishop Flores - 12/09/2009 (Audio File)
English Biography
Spanish Biography
Coat of Arms
Statement from Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron on Bishop Flores
DECEMBER 7, 2009
U.S. Bishops Urge Senators to Support Nelson-Hatch-Casey Amendment on Health Care Reform, Urge Constituents to Back it
TAKE ACTION NOW! Click here for an Action Alert to our Senators
Amendment precludes use of federal dollars for elective abortion coverage. Bishops want Stupak-style House amendment included in Senate bill, and oppose making people pay for other people's abortions
The U.S. bishops have voiced support for the Nelson-Hatch-Casey Amendment to the Senate health reform bill and have asked voters to back it.
The bishops took the position in a Dec. 7 letter to all U.S. senators, after Senators Ben Nelson (D-NE), Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Robert Casey (D-PA) proposed an amendment to prevent the health reform bill from using federal funds to pay for health plans that include elective abortions. The ban would be similar to the Hyde Amendment, passed in 1976, to ban federal funds in the Health and Human Services' appropriations bill from paying for coverage that includes most abortions.
Similar bans are part of other federal programs, including the Children's Health Insurance Program and the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program, and included in the House-passed "Affordable Health Care for America Act."
"We urgently ask you to support an essential amendment to be offered by Senators Ben Nelson (D-NE), Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Robert Casey (D-PA) to keep in place the longstanding and widely supported federal policy against government funding of health coverage that includes elective abortions," the letter said.
The bishops also sent to the senators two fact sheets: Abortion and Conscience Problems in the Senate Health Care Reform: http://www.usccb.org/healthcare/hatch-nelson120409.pdf and and one on What the Nelson-Hatch-Casey Amendment Does: http://www.usccb.org/healthcare/nelsondo.pdf
The letter was signed by Bishop William Murphy of Rockville Centre, New York, chair of the bishops' Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development; Daniel Cardinal DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, chair of the bishops' Committee on Pro-Life Activities, and Bishop John Wester of Salt Lake City, chair of the bishops' Committee on Migration.
"This amendment will have the same effect as the Stupak-Smith-Ellsworth-Kaptur-Dahlkemper-Pitts Amendment already accepted in the House by an overwhelming bipartisan majority," the letter said. "Like that amendment, it does not change the current situation in our country: Abortion is legal and available, but no federal dollars can be used to pay for elective abortions or plans that include elective abortions. This amendment does not restrict abortion, or prevent people from buying insurance covering abortion with their own funds. It simply ensures that where federal funds are involved, people are not required to pay for other people's abortions."
The letter said that the bill currently before the Senate "allows the HHS Secretary to mandate abortion coverage throughout the government-run "community health insurance option.' It also provides funding for other plans that cover unlimited abortions, and creates an unprecedented mandatory "abortion surcharge" in such plans that will require pro-life purchasers to pay directly and explicitly for other people's abortions. The bill does not maintain essential nondiscrimination protections for providers who decline involvement in abortion. The Nelson-Hatch-Casey amendment simply corrects these grave departures from current federal policy."
"We urge the Senate to support the Nelson-Hatch-Casey amendment keeping the health care bill abortion-neutral. As other amendments are offered to the bill that address our priorities on affordability and fair treatment of immigrants, we will continue to communicate our positions on these issues to the Senate," the bishops said.
In supporting the amendment the bishops urged Catholics to work for passage by contacting their senators. One vehicle to do this is through www.usccb.org/action. Or see our Texas Catholic Conference Alert here.
The entire letter follows.
December 7, 2009
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510
Dear Senator:
On behalf of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), we strongly urge the Senate to adopt essential changes to the health care reform bill to ensure that needed health care reform legislation truly protects the life, dignity, consciences and health of all.
Therefore we urgently ask you to support an essential amendment to be offered by Senators Ben Nelson (D-NE), Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Robert Casey (D-PA) to keep in place the longstanding and widely supported federal policy against government funding of health coverage that includes elective abortions.
Sadly, the current Senate bill fails to keep in place the longstanding federal policy against the use of federal funds for elective abortions or health plans that include elective abortions -- a policy upheld in all health programs covered by the Hyde Amendment, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program -- and now in the House-passed "Affordable Health Care for America Act." We believe legislation that violates this moral principle is not true health care reform and must be amended to reflect the Hyde restrictions. If that fails, the current legislation should be opposed.
This amendment will have the same effect as the Stupak-Pitts-Ellsworth-Kaptur-Dahlkemper-Smith-Lipinski Amendment already accepted in the House by an overwhelming bipartisan majority. Like that amendment, it does not change the current situation in our country: Abortion is legal and available, but no federal dollars can be used to pay for elective abortions or plans that include elective abortions. This amendment does not restrict abortion, or prevent people from buying insurance covering abortion with their own funds. It simply ensures that where federal funds are involved, people are not required to pay for other people's abortions.
The bill currently before the Senate allows the HHS Secretary to mandate abortion coverage throughout the government-run "community health insurance option." It also provides funding for other plans that cover unlimited abortions, and creates an unprecedented mandatory "abortion surcharge" in such plans that will require pro-life purchasers to pay directly and explicitly for other people's abortions. The bill does not maintain essential nondiscrimination protections for providers who decline involvement in abortion. The Nelson-Hatch-Casey amendment simply corrects these grave departures from current federal policy.
We urge the Senate to support the Nelson-Hatch-Casey amendment. As other amendments are offered to the bill that address our priorities on conscience protection, affordability and fair treatment of immigrants, we will continue to communicate our positions on these issues to the Senate.
The Catholic bishops have long supported adequate and affordable health care for all. As pastors and teachers, we believe genuine health care reform must protect human life and dignity, not threaten them, especially for the most voiceless and vulnerable. We believe health care legislation must respect the consciences of providers, taxpayers, and others, not violate them. We believe universal coverage should be truly universal, not deny health care to those in need because of their condition, age, where they come from or when they arrive here. Providing affordable and accessible health care that clearly reflects these fundamental principles is a public good, moral imperative and urgent national priority.
Sincerely,
Most Reverend William F. Murphy
Bishop of Rockville Centre
Chairman
Committee on Domestic Justice
and Human Development
Daniel Cardinal DiNardo
Archbishop of Galveston-Houston
Chairman
Committee on Pro-life Activities
Most Reverend John Wester
Bishop of Salt Lake City
Chairman
Committee on Migration
NOVEMBER 20, 2009
Governor Rejects Recommendation for Clemency
Thank you to everyone who contacted Governor Perry and urged him to grant clemency to Robert Lee Thompson, who was scheduled to be executed by the State of Texas on November 19, 2009. We deeply regret to inform you that the Governor has rejected the recommendation of the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles and declined to commute Thompson's sentence to life in prison. Please pray for the repose of his soul, as well as all involved in the case.
NOVEMBER 16, 2009
Updated Health Care Reform Resources Now Available
On November 7, the U.S. House of Representatives passed major health care reform which reaffirmed longstanding and widely supported policy that no federal funds will be used to pay for elective abortions (the Stupak Amendment). Your efforts made a difference.
It is now critical that the Senate adopt the House-approved Stupak Amendment language that restricts federal funding for elective abortions and for plans which include elective abortions. The Senate needs to address other essential moral priorities such as protecting conscience rights, making health care more affordable and accessible for those without coverage, and ensuring that immigrants do not lose or will not be denied needed health care coverage.
The U.S. bishops have asked that the following UPDATED: Nationwide Bulletin Insert on health care reform be printed or hand-stuffed in every parish bulletin and/or distributed in pews or at church entrances as soon as possible. Senate votes may take place soon. Also included are suggested Pulpit Announcements and a Prayer Petition. More information can be found at www.usccb.org/healthcare.
Bulletin Announcements and Inserts
UPDATED Nationwide Bulletin Insert (13-Nov-09) | en Español
UPDATED Pulpit Announcements & Prayer Petition | en Español
"Saving Lives" Ad/Flyer | en Español
UPDATED Cover Note to Leaders (13-Nov-09) | en Español
Prayers For the Uninsured, the Unborn, Conscience Rights, and a Holy Hour for Life
En Español
NOVEMBER 11, 2009
TCC Requests Support for Improvements to the Medicaid Eligibility Process
As we focus on Health Care Reform at the National level, the Texas Catholic Conference continues to advocate for health care improvements at home in Texas. We wrote a letter today asking for support in improving the Medicaid eligibility process.
Last month, nearly 85,000 fewer Texas children had Medicaid health coverage in October, compared to September enrollment levels. This is the second instance in less than a year of more than 70,000 Texas children losing Medicaid coverage in a single month's time, which is a symptom of broader challenges in our state's eligibility system.
Improving health care is the responsibility of all and going to the aid of others is a duty, we reiterated in the letter.
Click here to read the letter (PDF).
Click here to read our policy paper on improvements to Chip & Medicaid.
NOVEMBER 10, 2009
Health Care Bill, with Pro-Life Stupak Amendment, passes the House
We want to thank everyone who advocated for the Stupak amendment and for morally and ethically responsible health care reform. Please see the following article and statement for more information on the vote and our next steps. You can visit www.TXcatholic.org or www.USCCB.org/HealthCare for more information.
Cardinal Francis George of Chicago, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, lauded the November 7 decision of the U.S. House of Representatives to block federal health care reform money from paying for elective abortions.
In a statement issued November 9, two days after the Saturday night decision, Cardinal George voiced thanks that "the Representatives honored President Obama's commitment to the Congress and the nation that health care reform would not become a vehicle for expanding abortion funding or mandates." Read more.
NOVEMBER 4, 2009
Texas Catholic Conference Urges Representatives to Support Genuine, Life-Affirming Health Care Reform
Texas Catholic Conference Executive Director, Andrew Rivas, wrote to the Texas Congressional Representatives this week to reiterate the Texas Bishops' call to support genuine, life-affirming health care reform.
"The Texas Bishops specifically ask that you please support the Stupak Amendment, which addresses essential pro-life concerns on abortion funding and conscience rights in the health care reform bill," wrote Rivas. "If these serious concerns are not addressed, the Texas Bishops ask you to oppose the final bill." Read the entire letter here.
Click here to read the Texas Bishops' Health Care Statement.
Click here to read the Texas Bishops' Health Care Statement in Spanish.
Click here to download a Press Release regarding the Statement.
More Resources:
OCTOBER 27, 2009
Health Care Must Place Poor, Vulnerable First, say Texas Bishops
The Texas Catholic Conference, representing the Roman Catholic Bishops of Texas, has issued a statement emphasizing their support for genuine, life-affirming reform to our nation's health care system, while also expressing concern that current health care proposals fail to guarantee fundamental rights and protections for humans at all stages of life.
"Health care reform is a vital concern to us in Texas, as our state has one of the highest numbers of uninsured persons in the nation," say the Texas Bishops in the statement. The Bishops also emphasize the varied health care offerings of Catholic facilities in Texas, stating, "the Catholic Church in Texas brings both everyday experience and strong convictions to the issue of health care reform."
The statements cites following key concerns:
- Reform must restrict funding for abortion and respect the consciences of health care providers;
- Cost structures must not impose excessive financial burdens on low and moderate income individuals and families;
- Measures must safeguard the heath of all of society, including the poor, the elderly, and immigrants;
- Legal immigrants and their families must be allowed timely access to comprehensive and affordable health care coverage; and
- An adequate safety net must be maintained for those who remain uncovered.
"Our work in Texas gives us multiple perspectives on the issue of health care reform," said Andrew Rivas, Texas Catholic Conference executive director. "We are employers and we are health care providers. We offer assistance to those who face hardship due to a lack of access to health care through our Catholic hospitals, nursing homes, and hospice care, as well as ministries such as Catholic Charities, Respect Life, and Immigrant Outreach. "
The Texas Bishops, members of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), have advocated for health care reform for decades. The Catholic approach to healthcare is shaped by the simple, but fundamental, principle that every person has a right to adequate healthcare and that health care is more than a commodity; it is a basic human right, an essential safeguard of human life and dignity.
Click here to download a PDF of the statement in English.
Click here to download a PDF of the statement in Spanish.
Click here to download a PDF of the press release.
OCTOBER 13, 2009
Capitol Comments: Celebrating Respect for Life in October..and onward!
Texas is blessed with vibrant respect life ministries throughout the state. Earlier this year, over 400 Catholics gathered at the State Capitol for the Life and Family Life Day, and met with every state legislative office to discuss the importance of legislation that respects the life of all people.
Several dioceses celebrate October as Respect Life month. Many are participating in 40 days for Life, in which participants pray and offer support for mothers to choose life at abortion facilities, as well as Life Chains. Other dioceses are hosting public square rosaries or events involving prayer to end the death penalty. Other activities include Lock-ins, Strike for Life bowling, and Hikes for Life, Gabriel Project trainings and donation drives, sidewalk counselor training, parenting classes, movie screenings, adoration and rosaries for life. Read more.
SEPTEMBER 22, 2009
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Photo copyright belongs
to the Archdiocese of
New Orleans | Texas Bishops Congratulate Archbishop Aymond
The Texas Bishops, who gathered recently at the 2009 General Assembly, congratulate Archbishop Aymond, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, who served as the Bishop of the Diocese of Austin from January, 2001 to August, 2009.
Dear Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond:
As you begin your new Episcopal assignment, the entire Texas Catholic Conference would like to congratulate you on being named Archbishop for the Archdiocese of New Orleans. The Holy Father has blessed New Orleans with a native son who understands the people of Louisiana and will help guide the Church there as it faces the complex challenges of the twenty first century.
We will miss your presence here in Texas. Your generosity, leadership and pastoral service in the Diocese of Austin were an example and a joy for all of us, your brother Bishops. Your collegiality these past eight years will not be forgotten and rest assured that you will always be welcome in the Lone Star state.
Archbishop Aymond, we look forward to working with you in your new capacity. We pray that our Lord and Savior will always keep you in the palm of His hands.
Yours brothers in Christ,
The Bishops of Texas
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SEPTEMBER 17,2009
Archbishop Gomez leads delegation of Hispanic Bishops in Meeting with Latino Legislators, Others in Congress on Policy Issues Most Affecting Hispanics
At a series of meetings at Capitol Hill, a delegation of Hispanic Bishops discussed with Democrat and Republican legislators of both houses, four areas of deep concern and offered principles of Catholic social teaching to help in the current debates.
Archbishop José Gomez of San Antonio, Texas, led the September 17 delegation, representing the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
"The bishops are keenly aware of the substantial contributions Hispanic communities make to the prosperity and well-being of the United States," said Archbishop Gomez. "Yet those same communities suffer under the weight of a broken immigration policy, as well as lack of access to quality education, adequate medical care and economic opportunities."
Archbishop Gomez summarized the purpose of the meeting.
"We met with our political leaders of both parties to re-affirm the principles of Catholic social teaching about the dignity of all human beings from conception to natural death and the centrality of the common good. We offered these principles grounded in social ethics and our religious heritage as constructive guidelines for achieving a just and equitable resolution of the public policy debates around these key issues," he said.
"We join with other Hispanic leaders and all people of good will in raising our voices to affirm as clearly as we can the basic principles of social justice for all," Archbishop Gomez added.
Other members of the delegation included Bishop Ricardo Ramirez of Las Cruces, NM, Bishop Jaime Soto of Sacramento, CA, Bishop James Tamayo of Laredo, TX, Bishop Carlos Sevilla of Yakima, WA, and Auxiliary Bishop Edgar Da Cunha of Newark, NJ.
A summary of the topics raised by the bishops with legislators follows.
1. Health Care and Immigration. The U.S. Bishops have for decades been in favor of health care reform that is truly universal and respects the life and dignity of all, including the poor and legal immigrants. Health care legislation must allow all legal immigrants, regardless of income level, to participate in any new health care system and oppose any ban that would prevent them from participating for five years. Such legislation must also support the inclusion of pregnant women and children, regardless of their legal status.
2. Just Immigration Reform. The U.S. Bishops support just immigration reform, which contains several core elements. This would include broad-based legalization through a program that provides an opportunity for "earned" permanent residency and a new worker program that includes a living wage. The U.S. Bishops support family-based immigration reform and a restoration of due process protections lost in the 1996 Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act. The U.S. Bishops also support addressing the root causes of migration and the inclusion of the DREAM Act and AgJOBS in reform legislation.
3. Hispanics and Poverty (Housing). The U.S. Bishops support a national housing policy that includes preservation and production of quality housing for low income families, the elderly and other vulnerable people. The U.S. Bishops also call for an end to abusive lending penalties and urge Congress to fund the National Housing Trust Fund, which will preserve or produce 1.5 million rental homes in the next ten years and 200,000 new housing choice vouchers annually for ten years.
4. Hispanics and Education. The U.S. Bishops encourage the federal government to promote programs that keep students in school, include Catholic students and teachers in federal education program, especially reauthorization of No Child Left Behind, reauthorize the D.C. Scholarship program to assist low income students in the District of Columbia to receive financial assistance to attend private schools, and support funding for students to attend community colleges where many Hispanic youth are educated.
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SEPTEMBER 10, 2009
USCCB Officials Welcome President Obama's Statements on Abortion, Care for the Poor in Response to Health Care Address
Calling it an important contribution to a crucial national debate, officials speaking on behalf of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops welcomed President Obama's September 9 address on health care reform, particularly his statements regarding abortion and the uninsured.
"We agree that 'no one should go broke because they get sick,'" said Kathy Saile, Director of Domestic Social Development at the USCCB. "That's why the U.S. Bishops have worked for decades for decent health care for all. The Catholic Church provides health care for millions, purchases health care, picks up the pieces of a failing health system, and has a long tradition of teaching on ethics in health care. Health care reform that respects the life and dignity of all is a moral imperative and urgent national priority. We welcome the President's speech as an important contribution to this essential national debate and task."
"We especially welcome the President's commitment to exclude federal funding of abortion, and to maintain existing federal laws protecting conscience rights in health care," said Richard Doerflinger, Associate Director of Pro-Life Activities at the USCCB. "We believe that incorporating essential and longstanding federal laws on these issues into any new proposal will strengthen support for health care reform. We will work with Congress and the Administration to ensure that these protections are clearly reflected in new legislation, so no one is required to pay for or take part in abortion as a result of health care reform."
"We agree with the President that there are details that need to be ironed out," said Saile. "And with his address last night, we see the opportunity to work towards a truly universal health policy with respect for human life and dignity, access for all with a special concern for the poor, and inclusion of legal immigrants. We also see the possibility of meeting the bishops' goal to pursue the common good and preserve pluralism, including freedom of conscience and a variety of options, and restraining costs and applying them equitably across the spectrum of payers."
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SEPTEMBER 2, 2009
Bishop Murphy Reflects on Economic Challenges and Dignity of Work in U.S. Bishops' Labor Day Statement
"This Labor Day, we should take a moment to pray for all workers and all those without work," said Bishop William F. Murphy of Rockville Centre, N.Y., in "The Value of Work; the Dignity of the Human Person," the annual Labor Day statement of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). He added, "We should also ask God's help in living out the Church's call to defend human life and dignity, to protect workers and their rights and to stand with the poor and vulnerable in difficult economic times."
Bishop Murphy, Chairman of the U.S. bishops' Committee on Domestic Social Development, said this Labor Day comes at a challenging economic time. He highlighted Pope Benedict XVI's assertion in his new encyclical "Caritas in Veritate" (Charity in Truth) that the dignity of the worker should be the top concern of any economy. According to Pope Benedict, "the primary capital to be safeguarded and valued is�the human person in his or her integrity: Man is the source, the form and the aim of all economic and social life." (#25)
Bishop Murphy also drew on the recent agreement between leaders in Catholic health care, the labor movement and the Catholic bishops to develop practical guidelines on how leaders of hospitals, unions and others might apply Catholic principles in reaching agreements in their own situations.
"This project achieved a significant accomplishment: a consensus among all the parties on a set of principles, processes, and guidelines for a respectful and harmonious approach to let workers in Catholic health care facilities make free choices about unionization," said Bishop Murphy of the dialogue, which resulted in a consensus document, Respecting the Just Rights of Workers: Guidance and Options for Catholic Health Care and Unions.
The annual Labor Day Statement also touched on the continuing principles of the Church's social teaching, and isues of health care and immigration. The full text of the Labor Day statement can be found online at here.
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AUGUST 19, 2009
Practicing Charity through Microfinance
By Father Juan J. Molina, O.Ss.T., PhD, Advocacy Program Coordinator, Catholic Relief Services Southwest. Si quiere leer una reflexion en espa�ol, clique aqu�.
In speaking about the global financial system, Pope Benedict XVI in his recent encyclical, Caritas in Veritate, states that "it is certainly useful . . . to launch financial initiatives in which the humanitarian dimension predominates" (No. 65). He further accentuates popular microfinance programs in the developing world as both a means of helping the poor get out of poverty and a tool through which investors can help bring about the common good through actions of solidarity with the poor and vulnerable.
His Holiness' statements are words of encouragement to the many microfinance and microcredit programs around the world that are run by Catholic institutions. Microfinance and microcredit schemes are popular among Catholic institutions because they are compatible with Catholic social teaching: these programs aim to foster not just material well-being, but overall moral and ethical well-being. Such programs are designed to help people not merely survive, but to thrive and flourish with a vision of a better future for their families.
Catholic Relief Services, the official humanitarian relief and development agency of the U.S. Catholic community supports microfinance programs in 36 countries around the world, serving more than one million people. CRS' programs focus precisely on many of the aspects of Caritas in Veritate. The Pope writes that "without internal forms of solidarity mutual trust, the market cannot completely fulfill its proper economic function" (No. 35). Crucial to many CRS-sponsored programs is the emphasis placed upon building community cohesion and solidarity, especially in places where peacebuilding is needed. In Ghana, for example, programs that encourage the formation of microfinance programs by members of different ethnic groups create social cohesion where members begin to see each other as mutual, trusting partners.
Microcredit and microfinance structures help facilitate human development both in terms of creating financial capital and much needed social capital among individuals and communities. Although these programs are only one or two elements among a plurality of options to assist the poor and promote solidarity, they are nonetheless valuable approaches. This is one reason why CRS promotes the use of microfinance programs in conjunction with other projects being implemented in a community to foster all aspects of human development.
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A woman in Nogales, Mexico, spreads out her beauty goods for sale. She got a microloan from EnComun, a CRS sponsored microfinance organization. (Copyright Catholic Relief Services Southwest) |
In addition, addressing the aspect of charity through microfinance not only helps the poor get out of poverty, it also helps educate young people at Catholic colleges and universities to become business leaders concerned with promoting the common good. At the University of Saint Thomas in Houston, TX, where educating "Leaders of Faith and Character" is at the forefront, students participate in a Microcredit Program that pedagogically fosters both their academic learning about microcredit along with their social responsibility. The program seeks to offer students a unique opportunity to learn first-hand how to run a non-profit organization, conduct risk and loan assessments, manage loans, conduct field surveys and identify business opportunities, among other skills that will be useful during their professional careers. The program also grants thousands of hardworking individuals the necessary cash flow to apply their entrepreneurial spirit toward income-generating enterprises that will move them and their loved ones out of the cycle of poverty.
Most importantly, students also address the pivotal question: what does it mean to be connected to the world in an ethical way? Throughout this program, students learn necessary business skills to be successful entrepreneurs and, at the same time, understand the spiritual and humanitarian dimensions of business endeavors.
The MicroCredit Program at the University of Saint Thomas and the microfinance programs that CRS supports around the world put into practice Catholic moral and social teachings. We can see how The Pope beckons everyone to realize that true growth entails not just economic and technological advancement, but fostering a loving solidarity of humanity oriented by truth.
For more information, visit www.crs.org/microfinance, or www.stthom.edu/microcredit
Juan J. Molina, O.Ss.T., PhD, works with Catholic Relief Services in the Southwestern Office in the United States. John Francis Burke, Ph.D, teaches political science at the University of St. Thomas and directs the Rev. William J. Young Social Justice Institute at UST.
Rogelio Garcia-Contreras, PhD, Micro Credit Program Director, teaches international development at the Center for International Studies of the University of St. Thomas
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AUGUST 14, 2009
U.S. Bishops Launch Web Site on Health Care Reform, their Position and Concerns
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) launched a Web page promoting its support of "truly universal health policy with respect for human life and dignity." The page, www.usccb.org/healthcare, includes letters from bishops to Congress, videos, facts and statistics, frequently asked questions, and links for contacting members of Congress.
Letters to Congress include an August 11 letter by Cardinal Justin Rigali, the bishops' Pro-Life chairman, criticizing abortion provisions in the House version of health care legislation and a July 17 letter from Bishop William Murphy, the bishops' Domestic Social Justice chairman, outlining the bishops concerns and priorities for health care reform as a whole.
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AUGUST 13, 2009
Auxiliary Bishop Oscar Cantu of San Antonio one of three bishops to visit Cuba on behalf of the USCCB
A delegation of three U.S. Catholic bishops will visit Cuba on behalf of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), August 17-21. Cardinal Sean O'Malley, OFM Cap., of Boston, Bishop Thomas Wenski of Orlando, Fla., and Auxiliary Bishop Oscar Cantu of San Antonio will join Father Andrew Small, OMI, director for the Church in Latin America at the USCCB, on the journey to meet with Cuban Church leaders and visit parishes. Read more.
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AUGUST 13, 2009
TX Catholic Voice: More Health Care Reform Resources, Respect Life Program Available
AUGUST 11, 2009
New Resources on Health Care Reform
Cardinal Justin Rigali of Philadelphia urged preservation of "longstanding federal policies that prevent government promotion of abortion and respect conscience rights," and called current House health care legislation "seriously deficient" on the issue of mandated coverage and funding of abortion. He cited his concerns in an August 11 letter to the U.S. House of Representatives. Read the letter here.
Issues Related to Coverage of Low Income in Health Care Reform (PDF)
Legal Immigrants in Health Care Reform (PDF)
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AUGUST 7, 2009
Lines in the Sand
By Tom Grenchik, Executive Director of the Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
As members of Congress head home for their August recess, we now have a better picture of where everyone stands on health care reform. While the U.S. bishops support genuine health care reform, there is a clear line in the sand between our bishops and some congressional leaders.
On July 17, Bishop William Murphy, Chairman of the bishops' Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, wrote to Congress saying: "The USCCB looks forward to working with you to reform health care successfully in a manner that offers accessible, affordable and quality health care that protects and respects the life and dignity of all people from conception until natural death." Then Bishop Murphy drew a line, declaring that "no health care reform plan should compel us or others to pay for the destruction of human life, whether through government funding or mandatory coverage of abortion."
Some seemed surprised at this, since abortion was not specifically mentioned in draft health care bills until recently. Those with longer memories may recall that the Medicaid statute doesn't mention abortion either, but it was funding 300,000 abortions a year in the 1970s until we put a stop to that with the Hyde amendment. In any case, numerous amendments to keep abortion out of health care reform have been defeated in committee, and it is now apparent that some leaders have every intention of threatening the health care reform process by forcing Americans to accept abortion mandates and/or fund unlimited abortion in their health coverage.
Cardinal Justin Rigali, Chairman of the U.S. Catholic bishops' Committee on Pro-Life Activities, followed up with a July 29 letter to the House Energy and Commerce Committee, declaring that "much-needed reform must not become a vehicle for promoting an 'abortion rights' agenda or reversing longstanding current policies against federal abortion mandates and funding." The Cardinal urged Committee members to preserve longstanding federal policies that prevent government promotion of abortion and respect conscience rights.
But Bishop Murphy and Cardinal Rigali are not the only ones drawing lines. Millions upon millions of American Catholics are with them. Earlier this year, dioceses across the country broke all previous records by ordering more than 34 million postcards so their parishioners could urge Congress to "retain laws against federal funding and promotion of abortion." Now that members of Congress are heading home, they need to be reminded of this message at the local level, in the context of health care reform.
As Congress takes its vacation, various proposals have been left behind. These proposals need to be examined to see how well they provide accessible, affordable and quality health care and how they impact immigrants and the poor. But one thing is certain. The bills approved so far by House and Senate committees include mandated abortion coverage and abortion funding, and that is a line we can never cross.
Now is the time to take action. Contact congressional members through e-mail, phone calls or FAX letters. E-mails can be sent by visiting www.usccb.org/prolife and clicking on the Health Care Reform Action Alert. You can also call the U.S. Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121, attend town hall meetings in your local district, or call the local offices of your representative and senators. Full contact info can be found on Members' web sites at www.house.gov and www.senate.gov.
The message is simple: "Support genuine health care reform that respects the life and dignity of all. A fair and just health care reform bill must exclude mandated coverage for abortion, and uphold longstanding laws that restrict abortion funding and protect conscience rights."
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AUGUST 3, 2009
Health Care Reform Update
Both the USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities and the National Catholic Bioethics Center (NCBC) have provided updates on Health Care Reform legislation being considered in Congress. We will continue to provide relevant updates on this issue during the Summer District Work Period (summer recess).
The National Catholic Bioethics Center expresses several reservations on the legislation, specifically stating that current provisions mandate at least one plan in every region of the country that covers abortion. In addition, the legislation may preempt state laws regulating abortion and jeopardize the conscience protections of health care providers and parents. Finally, NCBC is concerned that the proposal may constitute rationing of care toward persons with special needs and that the advanced care planning consultations included in the proposal may result in medical orders that exclude life affirming and proportionately beneficial care. Read the NCBC statement.
The USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities' Summary of Current Amendments to the Health Care Bill covers some of the concerns of NCBC stating that the Capps amendment, presented as a compromise, would require every regional poll or "exchange" to have at least one plan that includes abortion. However, the Capps amendment, if it remains in the bill, would also prohibit the preempting of state laws state laws that regulate abortion or abortion coverage, or federal laws on conscience protection or discrimination based on abortion. You can read the full summary below.
Analysis from the USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities
July 31, 2009
While meeting last night to mark up the health care reform legislation (HR 3200), the House Energy and Commerce Committee approved a confusing set of amendments on abortion -- some of them helpful, others showing that more work needs to be done.
The Capps amendment, presented as a compromise, has the following features. Beginning with the most unacceptable features and working our way down to those that are more positive:
- The "public plan" (government-run health plan offered in every region of the country) will include whatever abortions are eligible for federal funding in a given year, and will include ALL abortions if the HHS Secretary approves that.
- Federal subsidies will help pay the premiums for health benefits that include unlimited abortions. But if abortions in the plan do go beyond what the Hyde amendment allows funding for in that year, the premium amount for the additional abortions must be paid for by the covered party's private funds. This is a bookkeeping exercise, a complicated actuarial exercise that artificially separates the abortion premium on paper from the rest of the premium. The plans including elective abortions will cost (at a minimum) one dollar more a month. This is a major departure from the Hyde amendment and similar provisions in current law, which simply prohibit federal funding of elective abortions and of any benefits package that includes them.
- Each regional poll or "Exchange" must have at least one plan that includes abortions, and at least one that does not include them beyond the Hyde exceptions (and the latter may, if it wishes, exclude all abortions).
- Neither the Act nor the HHS Secretary may mandate that private plans either include or exclude abortions.
- Nothing in the Act alters rights and responsibilities under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act (religious accommodation for employees) or current state or federal laws requiring provision of emergency services. (The federal law on this subject, known as EMTALA [Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act], does not mention abortion and has never been used to require anyone to perform an abortion.)
- No health plan in an "Exchange" may discriminate against a health care provider or facility based on his, her or its willingness OR unwillingness to provide abortions.
- Nothing in the Act may be construed to preempt state laws on abortion or abortion coverage, or federal laws on conscience protection or discrimination based on abortion.
Also approved was a very positive Pitts/Stupak amendment that writes the Weldon amendment on conscience protection into the Act: A federal agency, or state or local government receiving federal funds under the Act, may not discriminate against an individual or institutional health care provider because the provider does not provide, pay for, provide coverage of, or refer for abortions. (The amendment originally included a provision on conscience rights in contexts other than abortion, but this drew strong opposition and had to be dropped.)
There was a second Stupak/Pitts amendment to apply the traditional Hyde amendment language to federal funding under this Act, so federal funds would not subsidize any part of a health plan that includes elective abortions. This would mean purchase of such abortion coverage would be truly private and voluntary, done by purchasing an optional rider with one's own funds. This amendment failed late Friday afternoon.
In addition to the "paper separation" provision of the Capps Amendment, weakening application of the Hyde amendment, the major objectionable abortion-related provision in the bill now is the requirement that the "public plan" (the government-run plan that may become a norm for health plans across the country) will include abortions, contrary to the practice in every other federal government-run health program in the nation. However, we have made good progress in terms of retaining current abortion laws, preserving conscience rights (at least on abortion), and ensuring that some private plans excluding abortion will be available. We hope to improve the legislation further on the House floor and to pursue better solutions to some of these problems in the Senate.
In this situation I would simply like to acknowledge the special and courageous role played by Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI), Democratic co-chair of the House Pro-Life Caucus. He tried to negotiate a solution with committee chair Henry Waxman, and when that broke down over the issues of public funding and mandates for abortion he stood up to his own party leadership by insisting that Congress should do a better job of advancing health care reform that respects human life. He will continue to work to improve this legislation and will need our help.
Richard Doerflinger
USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities
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JULY 30, 2009
Cardinal Rigali Urges House Committee To Support Pro-Life Amendments to Health Care Reform Bill
Cardinal Justin Rigali, Chairman of the U.S. Catholic bishops' Committee on Pro-Life Activities, wrote on July 29 to the members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee urging them to amend "America's Affordable Health Choices Act" (H.R. 3200) to retain longstanding government policies on abortion and conscience rights.
Cardinal Rigali reiterated criteria for "genuine health care reform" set forth by Bishop William Murphy, Chairman of the bishops' Committee on Domestic Policy, in his letter to Congress on July 17. He described health care as "a basic right belonging to all human beings, from conception to natural death" and said that "the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops is working to ensure that needed health reform is not undermined by abandoning longstanding and widely supported policies against abortion funding and mandates and in favor of conscience protection."
The Cardinal enumerated several problems with the bill as introduced: It would be used to mandate abortion coverage in private health plans, expand abortion funding, override state laws that limit or regulate abortion, and endanger existing laws protecting the conscience rights of health care providers.
"Much-needed reform must not become a vehicle for promoting an 'abortion rights' agenda or reversing longstanding current policies against federal abortion mandates and funding," he wrote. "In this sense we urge you to make this legislation 'abortion neutral' by preserving longstanding federal policies that prevent government promotion of abortion and respect conscience rights."
"Several federal laws have long protected the conscience rights of health care providers," Cardinal Rigali added. "President Obama recently stated that he accepts these current laws and will do nothing to weaken them. Congress should make the same pledge, by ensuring that this legislation will maintain protection for conscience rights."
The Cardinal closed by urging the House Energy and Commerce Committee to support amendments by Reps. Bart Stupak (D-MI) and Joseph Pitts (R-PA) to address these problems in H.R. 3200. The full text of his letter is available here.
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JULY 21, 2009
U.S. Bishops Urge Congress to Observe Respect for Life, Access for All in Health Care Legislation
"Genuine health care reform that protects the life and dignity of all is a moral imperative and a vital national obligation," said Bishop William F. Murphy of Rockville Centre, N.Y., as he outlined the policy priorities of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) on the issue of health care in a July 17 letter to Congress. The letter supported efforts to pass health care reform, but warned against inclusion of abortion.
Writing on behalf of the bishops as chairman of their Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, Bishop Murphy said the bishops have advocated comprehensive health care reform for decades and recommended four criteria for fair and just health care reform: respect for human life and dignity, access for all, pluralism and equitable costs. Read More.
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JULY 20, 2009
Natural Family Planning Awareness Week
Natural Family Planning Awareness Week is a national educational campaign. The Natural Family Planning Program of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops develops a poster each year with basic supportive materials. It is the individual dioceses however, that offer a variety of educational formats in the local church to focus attention on Natural Family Planning methods and Church teachings which support their use in marriage. Learn more.
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JULY 8, 2009
Caritas in Veritate now available
Pope Benedict XVI's newest encyclical, Caritas in Veritate, which translates to "Charity in Truth," is now available. Cardinal Francis George of Chicago, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, said that the new encyclical provides helpful guidance for finding answers to the social, economic and moral questions of the contemporary world in a search for truth.
The encyclical offers sound reflections on the vocation of human development as well as on the moral principles on which a global economy must be based. It is also a call to see the relationship between human and environmental ecologies, and to link charity and truth in the pursuit of justice, the common good and authentic human development. In doing so, the pope points out the responsibilities and limitations of government and the private market, challenges traditional ideologies of right and left and calls all men and women to think and act anew.
Full text of the encyclical is available on the Vatican web site here. You can find more information, including articles on the encyclical, on the USCCB web site here.
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JULY 8, 2009
Special Session Ends
The Special Session ended last week, and while there were bills filed on CHIP, legislation regarding neither Choose Life License Plates nor CHIP was passed. The Legislature passed a bill keeping alive several state agencies, including TXDOT, and another bill that allowed the state to issue $2 billion in transportation bonds.
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JULY 7, 2009
Action Alert: Urge Texas Reps on House Appropriations Committee not to fund abortions in DC
Cardinal Justin Rigali of Philadelphia, chair of the Committee on Pro-Life Activities for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, wrote to members of the House Appropriations Committee urging them not to fund abortions in the District of Columbia. Contact Texas Representatives on the committee today and reiterate Cardinal Rigali's message. Read more.
Please act by the end of: July 7, 2009
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JULY 2, 2009
Action Alert: Advocate for Health Care Reform and Be a Faithful Citizen for Independence Day!
We urge you to contact your member of congress to ask for their support of Healthcare Reform that respects the life and dignity of every person at every age and stage. For more information, see the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops' Action Alert or the Texas Catholic Conference Action Alert.
Please act by: July 10, 2009
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JUNE 26, 2009
Outcomes of TCC Legislative Activity
Now that the veto period of the 81st Regular Session of the Texas Legislature has expired, we have completed our review of the legislative session. We have completed three documents which review our outcomes, an executive summary, a full review and a budget review for our priorities.
Click the following links to open a PDF of the documents. You can also access them at the links at our 81st Regular Legislation Session page.
Executive Summary - Outcomes of the 81st Session (PDF)
Full Review of Outcomes of the 81st Session (PDF)
Budget Analysis of TCC Priority Items (PDF)
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JUNE 25, 2009
Texas Catholic Conference one of Several Texas Groups to Sign Open Letter to Governor Perry Demanding Inclusion of Children's Health Insurance Bill on Special Session Agenda
The Texas Catholic Conference, along with a broad coalition of agencies across the state signed an open letter to Governor Rick Perry demanding that he include the overwhelmingly popular bipartisan children's health insurance bill on the agenda for a Special Session. The letter notes that with the call of a Special Session, Texas regains the opportunity to finish a critical piece of unfinished state business: providing 80,000 uninsured children in hard-working Texas families access to affordable health care. Signers of the letter represent hundreds of thousands of Texans across the state, including the Texas Medical Association, Texas Hospital Association, Texas Catholic Conference, League of Women Voters of Texas, and numerous others. A similar letter is being circulated by state legislators and has gained considerable support.
You can support our efforts by letting Governor Perry know that you want him to include "CHIP buy-in" legislation on the agenda for the upcoming special session. You can sign an online petition supporting our efforts here, and can call Governor Perry at 1-888-746-9714.
The letter sent to the Governor by advocates is listed below:
June 24, 2009
Dear Governor Perry:
With your confirmation that you will call a Special Session of the Texas Legislature, Texas has the opportunity to finish a critical piece of unfinished state business: providing more Texas children access to health care. Going into the regular session, 1.5 million Texas children lacked health insurance. If state leaders fail to act during the special session, nearly all of those kids will likely remain uninsured.
Concerned legislators on both sides of the aisle partnered with child advocates and business, faith and medical leaders throughout the regular session to try to deliver real wins for children's health. They advanced a common-sense plan to cut the red tape that currently blocks hundreds of thousands of Texas' poorest children from the Medicaid coverage for which they qualify. They also advanced a CHIP plan to create options for the growing number of hard-working families who lack affordable, employer-sponsored coverage for their children. That plan, to allow families to pay premiums on a sliding scale so their children can buy-in to CHIP coverage, passed both chambers with strong bipartisan majorities in the Legislature, but was prevented from reaching your desk because legislative leaders failed to rescue the bill from last-minute procedural gridlock.
The CHIP bill can pass immediately if you allow legislators to address this top priority of families, business and faith leaders, and the medical community. With so many Texas children still unable to see a primary care doctor, it's critical that you respond to the will of the majority of Texans�as demonstrated by polling data and the thousands of constituent calls recently placed to Texas leaders�and take a step forward to cover more of Texas' 1.5 million uninsured children.
Despite a great deal of effort on the part of children's advocates inside and outside the legislature, and despite broad bipartisan support for improving access to children's health care, the legislature adjourned without addressing the pressing health coverage needs of Texas children. You and other state leaders have a critical and final opportunity to make health care more affordable for 80,000 Texas children. Do not let this opportunity pass us by.
We urge you to add the CHIP buy-in bill to the call for a Special Session. These children should not remain "unfinished business."
Sincerely,
AARP, Any Baby Can of Texas, Catholic Charities of Dallas, Inc., Catholic Health Association of Texas, Center for Public Policy Priorities,Centro de Salud Familiar La Fe, Children at Risk, Children First! Collin County Coalition, Children's Defense Fund�Texas, Coalition for Nurses in Advanced Practice,Communities In Schools of the Heart of Texas, Community Action Committee of Victoria, Community Dental Care, Community First Health Plans, Dallas Area CHIP Coalition, DePelchin Children's Center, El Paso County Hospital District, Fort Bend Regional Council on Substance Abuse, Inc., Harris County Hospital District, Healthy Futures, Home Comforts, Insure�a�Kid, La Fe Policy Research and Education Center, League of Women Voters of Texas, Lubbock County Hospital District, March of Dimes � Texas Chapter, Memorial Hermann Healthcare System, Mental Health America of Texas, Mental Health America of Greater Houston, Methodist Healthcare Ministries, National Association of Social Workers, Texas Chapter, National Council of Jewish Women � Texas State Public Affairs, One Voice, Parkland Health and Hospital System, Project Unity, San Antonio Nonprofit Council, Tarrant County CHIP Coalition, Teaching Hospitals of Texas, Texans Care For Children, Texas Academy of Family Physicians, Texas ACORN, Texas AFL-CIO, Texas Association of Community Action Agencies, Inc. (TACAA), Texas Association of Community Health Centers, Texas Association of Health Plans, Texas Catholic Conference, Texas Counseling Association, Texas Finish Line Campaign
Texas Hospital Association, Texas Impact, Texas Medical Association, Texas Parents as Teachers, Texas Pediatric Society, Texas State Employees Union, United Way of San Antonio & Bexar County, United Ways of Texas, University Health System in San Antonio, Women's Council of Dallas County Health & Human Services Coalition
Click here to open a PDF of Cardinal DiNardo's statement asking Governor Perry to include CHIP in the call for the special session.
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JUNE 22, 2009
Governor Vetoes 2 TCC-Supported Bills
The Texas Catholic Conference is disappointed that Governor Perry vetoed 2 TCC-Supported Bills last week - bills that would have improved pre-kindergarten in Texas (HB 130) and also offered some correctional officers the option to participate in a loan repayment programs (HB 518).
Sunday, June 21, was the last day for Governor Perry to veto bills, so we do celebrate the passage of 23 bills that we supported this session. While several of these gains were in the areas of education and criminal justice reform, we plan to continue to advocate for improvements to pre-kindergarten programs and for efforts to recruit and retain correctional officers for our state criminal justice system. Later this week we will post a detailed analysis of all of our legislative session outcomes.
Vetoed Bills:
HB 130 - This bill extends pre-kindergarten programs to a full day and among other enhancements sets limits on class size.
HB 518 - This bill allows for the creation of a pilot program to provide student loan repayment assistance to certain correctional officers.
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JUNE 12, 2009
 Pope Names Bishop Gregory Aymond as Archbishop of New Orleans
Pope Benedict XVI has named Bishop Gregory Aymond of Austin, Texas, 59, as Archbishop of New Orleans. He succeeds Archbishop Alfred Hughes, who turned 75 in 2007. According to Canon Law, bishops submit their resignation to the pope when they turn 75.
The appointment was announced in Washington, June 12, by Msgr. Alexander Cifuentes Casta�o, chargé d'affaires at the Vatican Nunciature.Gregory Michael Aymond was born November 12, 1949, in New Orleans. He attended elementary and secondary schools in his home city and entered St. Joseph Minor Seminary in 1971. He earned a Master of Divinity degree at New Orleans' Notre Dame Major Seminary in 1975, and was ordained a priest for the archdiocese on May 10, 1975.
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"This appointment by the Holy Father is good news for the Archdiocese of New Orleans and for the Archbishop-designate. His knowledge of and past experience in the Archdiocese, coupled with his experience as a diocesan bishop, will allow him to serve the spiritual needs of the people of New Orleans and continue the work of recovery from Hurricane Katrina initiated by Archbishop Hughes. Texas will miss him and we will continue to pray for him."
-Bishop Raymundo J. Pe�a, Bishop of the Diocese of Brownsville
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Archbishop-designate Aymond served on the faculty of St. John Vianney Preparatory Seminary from 1973-1981, and was on the faculty of Notre Dame Seminary and Director of Pastoral Field Education there from 1981-1986, when he was named rector-president. He was also Archdiocesan Director of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith and of the Holy Childhood Association.
As a member of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), Archbishop-designate Aymond chaired the Committee for the Protection of Children and Young
People, and served on the Committees on Catholic Education; Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations; Laity, Marriage Family Life and Youth; the Administrative Committee and the Task Force on the Life and Dignity of the Human Person.
Archbishop-designate Aymond was named Auxiliary Bishop of New Orleans in 1996, and Co-adjutor Bishop of Austin in June 1, 2000. He became Bishop of Austin January 2, 2001.
Archbishop Hughes was named Archbishop of New Orleans in 2002, after serving as Co-Adjutor Archbishop there since 2001. A Boston native, Archbishop Hughes studied at St. John's Seminary in Brighton, Massachusetts, and the Gregorian University in Rome. He was rector at St. John's when he was name an auxiliary bishop of Boston in 1981. In 1993, he was appointed bishop of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
At the USCCB, Archbishop Hughes has served on the Committee for Evangelization and Catechesis and chairman of the Subcommittee on the Catechism.
The Archdiocese of New Orleans has a population of 1,075, 283 people, with 387,101, or 36 per cent, of them Catholic.
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JUNE 11, 2009
Cardinal DiNardo to Governor Perry: Include CHIP in Call for Special Session
We encourage you to call the Governor's office toll-free at 1.888.746.9714 and ask that he include CHIP on the call for the special session.
Advocating for the Texas Bishops, the Texas Catholic Conference actively monitored over 300 bills during Texas' 81st regular legislative session. In the aftermath of the session, there are several legislative successes. However, the legislature adjourned without passing any major improvements to the children's health insurance program despite widespread bi-partisan support for expansion of CHIP.
"The failure of the Texas Legislature to address the critical need for healthcare for our uninsured children was disappointing," stated Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. "With the announcement of a special session the governor has an opportunity to provide hope to the families of the 80,000 children in Texas who would have access to health insurance through the CHIP buy-in program. This program promotes family responsibility while respecting the sanctity of human life and the dignity that belongs to all human persons, who are made in the image of God. It is our prayer that the Governor and the members of the Texas Legislature can provide hope for these working families."
The Catholic approach to healthcare is shaped by the simple, but fundamental, principle that every person has a right to adequate healthcare and that health care is more than a commodity; it is a basic human right, an essential safeguard of human life and dignity.
The Bishops of Texas support improvements of the eligibility system, including outreach and application assistance, to enroll every eligible child in CHIP & Medicaid with 12 months continuous eligibility, as well as the creation of a CHIP buy-in program for middle income families to purchase affordable health coverage.
The Texas Catholic Conference is the association of the 15 Roman Catholic dioceses of Texas. The Conference participates in public policy on behalf of the Bishops of Texas regarding institutional concerns of the Catholic Church as well as issues related to Catholic moral and social teachings. For more information on the Texas Catholic Conference, visit www.TXCatholic.org.
We encourage you to call the Governor's office toll-free at 1.888.746.9714 and ask that he include CHIP on the call for the special session.
Click here to open a PDF of this release.
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JUNE 11, 2009
Capitol Comments: The 81st Texas Legislative Session In Review
The 81st regular session of the Texas Legislature has just closed, but they clearly have not finished their business in the capitol for the summer. At the time of this writing, the Governor has already indicated that he will be calling a special session to address some of these issues.
Texas Catholic Conference divides our advocacy work into five areas: Life Issues, Immigration, Education, Health & Human Services and Criminal Justice Reform. While many of the concerns of the Texas Bishops fall into several of these categories, we determine which area to place an issue based on which committees of the Texas Legislature work on these types of bills. Read more.
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JUNE 5, 2009
25 TCC-Supported Bills sent to the Governor
The Texas 81st Regular Legislation Session ended this Tuesday. 25 bills that we were tracking and supporting passed in both chambers and have been sent to the Governor, you may view them here. Please note that some bills were added to our track very recently because they were amended to include a position that we supported. We thank all of you who advocated on behalf of these bills. We will be posting a report on the outcomes of this legislative session in a few weeks.
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JUNE 2, 2009
Texas 81st Regular Session is Over
The 81st Regular Session of the Texas Legislature is over. We have had several successes this session, and we thank all of those who advocated with us. This week we will be posting information on bills we took a position on that have been sent to the Governor. We are also composing a report of the outcomes of this legislative session that will be available in the next few weeks.
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JUNE 1, 2009
Update on Choose Life License Plates and CHIP
Unfortunately, neither the Choose Life License Plates nor CHIP were passed yesterday. The Choose Life License Plate amendment is attached to the Department of Transportation Sunset house bill that has been controversial because of an issue regarding a local entity's ability to raise taxes, an issue that TCC is not taking a position on. There is another House Bill, HB 1959, that would allow governmental entities subject to sunset review, such as the Texas Department of Transportation, to continue if the entity's sunset bill is not passed. This bill does not have the Choose Life License Plate amendment on it, however, it is more likely that this bill will be passed because it is not as controversial as HB 300, and because it would also allow the Texas Department of Insurance and many other agencies under sunset to continue.
CHIP has a majority of votes to pass in the House, but it does not have the two-thirds vote necessary to suspend the rules to bring it up for a vote. We encourage you to contact your State Representative and ask that he or she vote to suspend the rules to allow CHIP to be brought up for a vote. You can find out who your State Representative is here, and use the following message to ask for support of CHIP.
"Hi my name is name and I am calling from city, Texas. As a Catholic, I would like to ask you to vote to suspend the rules and allow Senate Bill 2080 to be called up for a vote and support its passage.
Senate Bill 2080 has been amended to include language that would allow for a CHIP buy-in program. My Catholic faith teaches that every person has a right to adequate healthcare. This right flows from the sanctity of human life and the dignity that belongs to all human persons, who are made in the image of God. Health care is more than a commodity; it is a basic human right, an essential safeguard of human life and dignity. We believe our people's healthcare should not depend on where they work, how much their parents earn, or where they live. Our constant teaching that each human life must be protected and human dignity promoted leads us to insist that all people have a right to healthcare.
Again, I ask that you please vote to allow Senate Bill 2080 to be called up for a vote and then support its passage. If you have any questions on the position of the Bishops of Texas with regard to either of these bills, feel free to contact the Texas Catholic Conference at 512-339-9882. Thank you for your time."
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MAY 31, 2009
Action Alert: Choose Life License Plates and CHIP Need Support Today
MAY 29, 2008
Action Alert: Contact Officials and Ask for Support for CHIP
MAY 28, 2008
Action Alert: Ask House-Senate Conference Committee to Support Choose Life License Plates
MAY 28, 2009
TCC Part of Broad Coalition Requesting House Approval of CHIP amendment to HB 1795
Today, the Texas Catholic Conference, along with a broad coalition of Texas organizations, released the following joint statement applauding Senate passage of Senator Averitt's CHIP buy-in proposal, which was included as an amendment to HB 1795. The legislation would allow more families without meaningful access to private health insurance coverage to insure their children by paying monthly family-income-based CHIP premiums. Last night's Senate passage of this legislation will allow for a House vote on the final bill before it is sent to the Governor's desk.
"We are delighted that the Texas Senate took the needed steps to keep this important legislation alive. Last night's legislative action to secure health coverage for an additional 80,000 children was an important step towards the finish line, where all Texas children have access to affordable, comprehensive health insurance.
"The amended legislation will now be sent to the House for final approval. We expect the House to pass the amended legislation with the same bipartisan support it received earlier this month so it can be sent to the governor's desk. We strongly encourage Speaker Straus and members to move quickly to pass HB 1795 as amended."
The following organizations released the preceding joint statement: AARP,Any Baby Can of Texas, Advocacy, Incorporated, Center for Public Policy Priorities, Children's Defense Fund�Texas, Coalition for Nurses in Advanced Practice (CNAP), Community First Health Plans, DePelchin Children's Center, La Fe Policy Research and Education Center, March of Dimes, Methodist Healthcare Ministries, National Council of Jewish Women, Texas State Public Affairs, One Voice, San Antonio Nonprofit Council, Texans Care For Children, Texas ACORN, Texas Association of Community Health Centers Texas Association of Health Plans, Texas Catholic Conference, Texas Children's Hospital, Texas Finish Line Campaign, Texas Hospital Association, Texas Impact, Texas Medical Association
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MAY 27, 2009, Updated MAY 28, 2009
HB 300 Conferees Appointed
House Bill 300, which includes an amendment to allow for the creation of a Choose Life License plate, has had its Conference comittee conferees appointed. The House members are Isett (chair), Pickett, McClendon, Harper-Brown and Wayne Smith. The Senate members are Hegar, Carona, Nichols, Watson and Hinojosa.
These conferees will go through the amendments to the bill and choose which ones to accept. We encourage you to contact these legislators and ask that they support the Choose Life License Plate amendment to House Bill 300. Below, you can find a sample message, along with contact information for the legislators.
Sample Message: "Hi my name is name and I am calling from city, Texas. As a Catholic, I would like to ask you to support the Choose Life License plate amendment in House Bill 300.
My Catholic teaching emphasizes the dignity of all human life, including the life of the unborn. Choose Life license plates, which aid organizations that help pregnant mothers recognize the dignity of their unborn child and choose life, are a great tool to continuing to build a Culture of Life in Texas. I support pregnancy centers that advocate adoption and not abortion and I support Choose Life License plates, and I ask that you do as well.
If you have any questions on the position of the Bishops of Texas with regard to this bill, feel free to contact the Texas Catholic Conference at 512-339-9882. Thank you for your time."
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House Members |
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Isett |
512-463-0676 |
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Pickett |
512-463-0596 |
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McClendon |
512-463-0708 |
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Harper-Brown |
512-463-0641 |
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Smith, Wayne |
512-463-0733 |
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Senate Members |
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Hegar |
512-463-0118 |
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Carona |
512-463-0116 |
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Nichols |
512-463-0103 |
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Watson |
512-463-0114 |
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Hinojosa |
512-463-0120 |
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MAY 27, 2009
CHIP Passes!
This evening the CHIP bill, Senate Bill 841, passed the Senate today as an amendment to HB 1795. This bill includes several improvements to CHIP and we thank all you who helped advocate for its passage.
MAY 27, 2009
TCC Part of Broad Coalition Requesting Leaders in House and Senate to 'Act Swiftly and Forcefully to Pass CHIP Bill'
The Texas Catholic Conference, along with several statewide organizations, released the following joint statement on the legislative process regarding SB 841 and HB 2962â€â€strong, similar Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) bills which passed their originating chambers of the state legislature with bipartisan sponsorship and support. Each of these bills, currently delayed in the legislative process, would allow more families without meaningful access to private health insurance coverage to insure their children by paying monthly familyâ€incomeâ€based CHIP premiums.
"We are counting on leadership from Lt. Governor Dewhurst and Speaker Straus to ensure that either SB 841 or HB 2962 passes both chambers and becomes law. The House and Senate each overwhelmingly passed strong, similar children's health coverage bills, but battles around other issues now threaten to kill this legislation and keep roughly 80,000 children from seeing a doctor. With the clock running out on this legislative session, our state leaders must not hold children hostage to politics.
"The Texas Senate can move this legislation forward regardless of House action today, and the Lt. Governor has often stated his support for children's health coverage. The House also has multiple options to move CHIP. We urge Senate and House leaders to act swiftly and forcefully to ensure CHIP legislation passes.
"This isn't about political parties and their priorities. It is about the priority shared by an overwhelming majority of Texas families and business leaders on both sides of the aisle: covering uninsured children. We need legislators on both sides of the aisle to put partisan differences aside and do what's right for Texas kids and families, and for Texas' economy."
The following organizations released the preceding statement: AARP, Advocacy, Incorporated, Any Baby Can, Center for Public Policy Priorities, Children's Defense Fund�Texas, Christian Life Commission of the Baptist General Convention of Texas, Coalition for Nurses in Advanced Practice, Community First Health Plans, DePelchin Children's Center, Greater Houston Partnership, Harris County Hospital District, League of Women Voters of Texas, La Fe Policy Research and Education Center, March of Dimes, Mental Health America of Greater Dallas, Methodist Healthcare Ministries, National Council of Jewish Women,Texas State Public Affairs, One Voice, San Antonio Nonprofit Council, Seton Family of Hospitals, Superior HealthPlan Inc., Tarrant County CHIP Coalition, Teaching Hospitals of Texas, Texas ACORN, Texas Association of Community Health Centers, Texas Association of Health Plans, Texans Care for Children, Texas Catholic Conference, Texas Children's Hospital, Texas Finish Line Campaign, Texas Hospital Association, Texas Impact, Texas Medical Association, Texas Pediatric Society, United Ways of Texas
Click the following links to read related TCC Policy Papers:
-Support improvements of the eligibility system, including outreach and application assistance, to enroll every eligible child in CHIP & Medicaid with 12 months continuous eligibility.
-Support creation of a CHIP buy-in program for middle income families to purchase affordable health coverage.
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MAY 26, 2009
Several Bills Pass on Memorial Day
Thank you for your advocacy and prayers yesterday. Several bills passed yesterday and we have a few more on the calendar for today. Click hereto see what bills are on the calendar today. You can also click hereto view our action alert from yesterday, which we have updated to include which bills have passed since we sent the alert.
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MAY 25, 2009
Choose Life License Plate Successfully Amended to HB 300
Thank you for your prayers and phone calls to Senators asking to support the Carona Amendment, which adds the Choose Life license plate bill onto HB 300, the Transportation Sunset bill. This was successfully passed this evening.
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MAY 25, 2009
Action Alert: Choose Life License Plates
Call your Senator and ask for his/her support to add the Carona Amendment (SB 1098, the Choose Life license plate bill) onto HB 300, the Transportation Sunset bill. You can find out who your Senator is by going hereand inserting your address.
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MAY 22, 2009
Adult Stem Cell Bill MUST Move By Sunday
Senate Bill 73, which establishes an adult stem cell research program, has passed the Senate and has been referred to the House Public Health Committee. We need your help to ensure that this bill gets through committee and onto the local and consent calendar to ensure that it meets the bill deadlines and remains viable. The urgency of this request is critical because of deadlines this weekend that must be overcome. Click here to read the full action alert, which includes more information, as well as legislator contact information and a sample message.
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MAY 20, 2009
Action Alert: Call Legislators and Committee Members to Support and Keep Bills Moving
Several bills that we support must be voted on the floor or set or voted in committee to remain viable this section. Click here
for more information on these bills and how you can help keep them moving this session.
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MAY 15, 2009, 12:15 a.m. update
Hundreds of House Bills in the Tomb
As of midnight hundreds of house bills appear to be dead for the 81st Texas Legislative Session. While these bills can no longer pass in their current form, they still may be resurrected in their Senate Companions or as amendments to germane bills.
The Texas Catholic Conference Staff have been carefully monitoring the house floor activity this evening and we're happy to report that several good bills did get the votes to make it another day. These three bills have to pass on third reading by midnight May 15:
HB 2267: Prohibits Death Penalty for Law of Parties
HB 498: Innocence Commission
HB 2962: CHIP and Medicaid Eligibility
Unfortunately, these two bills from our tracking list did not survive the 2nd reading deadline:
HB 2632: Project to Prevent Social Isolation for Elderly
HB 2659: Project to promote father's participation in care of unborn children
In the Senate your support calls helped to pass SB 2573, which will require reporting by state agencies engaged in stem cell research in Texas.
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MAY 14, 2009, 12:00 noon update
Act Before Legislative Deadlines!
Tonight at midnight all house bills must pass out of the house on their second reading or they are dead for this session. Then, those that do pass tonight must pass tomorrow night on third reading or they, too, are dead for this session. View the action alert with the five house bills on today's calendar that the Texas Catholic Conference is supporting.
Even with pressing deadlines in the House, we must also push bills through the Senate as well. Check out our Senate Action Alert to help vital bills keep moving.
And some good news to report: The first Texas Catholic Conference supported bill has been signed by the Governor, HB 2058 requiring death penalty experience for attorneys assigned to indigent defense in capital cases. And, more bills are passing the house: HB 3653 on banning shackling pregnant inmates during labor passed yesterday and HB 4009 on human trafficking is expected to pass today.
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MAY 12, 2009, 11:00 p.m. update
Legislative Update
This week there are pressing deadlines in the Texas Legislature and every day hundreds of bills will fail due to the timeline and deadlines. We are working hard on pushing our positive bills and opposing the negative bills and we will do our best to post updates and alerts. We encourage advocates to follow the state site closely to take action on the bills that you care about. Below is a summary of the status of our House bills that are vulnerable to this week's deadlines.
House Bills That Passed This Week:
The TCC supports the following House Bills which have passed chamber this week:
HB 3653: Ban on Labor and Delivery Restraints for Pregnant Inmates.
House Bills Still Moving in House:
Of the TCC tracked legislation, the following house bills have survived the first two deadlines of this week and still have a fighting chance to make it out of the house:
House Bills Set on House Calendar:
These bills have until Wednesday to pass on Second Reading and until Thursday to pass out of the house on 3rd reading. Some will die tomorrow and others will make it. We support all of these.
HB 4009: Trafficking Bill, Postponed until 5:00 a.m. Wednesday May 12
HB 2267: Prohibits Death Penalty for Law of Parties
HB 2632: Project to Prevent Social Isolation for Elderly
HB 2659: Project to promote father's participation in care of unborn children
HB 498: Innocence Commission (Major State 5-14)
HB 2962: CHIP and Medicaid Eligibility (Major State 5-14)
House Bills in Local Calendars Committee:
These bills must be set on the local calendar by Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. If they make it on the local calendar, they have until Thursday to pass. TCC supports all of these.
HB 451: Benefit plan for autism spectrum disorder
HB 639: Trafficking bill
HB 3163: Housing Trust Fund
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MAY 11, 2009
Action Alert: Set Vital Bills on House Calendar
We have reached the 119th day of the Texas Legislative session. All House bills must be set on the House Calendar by 10 p.m. tomorrow night, or they are dead for this legislative session. There are 11 bills that the TCC supports that are currently stuck in the calendars committee and must be set by tomorrow.
The bills are: HB 548, HB 612, HB 744, HB 877, HB 1152, HB 1278, HB 1398, HB 1541, HB 1589, HB 2077, and HB 2692.
We are posting 3 new action alerts on our web site that are categorized by public policy priority area of these 11 bills. Please click on the following links to view and respond to these alerts.
- Immigration
-Health and Human Services
- Criminal Justice
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MAY 6, 2009
Action Alert: Help keep vital bills moving
We have reached the 121th day of the Texas Legislative session and there are now only 26 days left of the Texas 81st Regular Session. We have been busy, tracking over 300 bills, and we have targeted the following bills as those which especially need your help to continue to be viable this session.
We have posted 5 new action alerts on our web site that are categorized by public policy priority area. Please click on the following links to view and respond to these alerts.
- Life Issues
-Immigration
- Education
- Health and Human Services
-Criminal Justice
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APRIL 30, 2009
Catholic Schools Issue Precautions Regarding Swine Flu
Our prayers are with those who are impacted by the recent outbreaks of Swine Flu. The Texas Bishops are addressing this issue at the diocesan level. Click
here to view resources that have been created for Catholic Schools in Texas.
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APRIL 16, 2009
TCC Distributes Letter Supporting Ban on Funding for Embryonic Stem Cell Research
The General Appropriations bill is being heard in the Texas House of Representatives on April 17, and the Texas Catholic Conference has distributed a letter to all House Members asking that the appropriations bill ban state funding for embryonic stem cell research. Click here to read the letter.
TCC also responded to an article in the Corpus Christi Caller-Times. Click here to read our opinion-editorial, titled "The Ethical Future of Stem-Cell Treatment and Research."
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APRIL 3, 2009
Catholics Urge Legislators to Support Bishops' Life and Family Life Priorities
Over 400 Catholics from around the state gathered in Austin to participate in the Life and Family Life Advocacy Day at the State Capitol on March 31, 2009. Donning blue t-shirts that read "One Catholic Voice � Life, Charity, Justice," volunteers from around the state made visits to legislative offices to address public policy priorities of the Bishops of Texas.
Advocates gather in front of the Capitol for a picture. Photo by Frances Pullin/Pullin Photography.
"As a community of faith, we have a moral obligation to be involved in our political process," said Andrew Rivas, Executive Director of the Texas Catholic Conference. "We are called to share our Catholic Teaching with our civic leaders so that they can make the best decisions on behalf of our overall community, especially for the most vulnerable in our society, which includes those who cannot represent themselves."
The Advocacy Day began in prayer at Mass celebrated by Bishop Gregory Aymond, of the Diocese of Austin, and concelebrated by Bishop Armando Ochoa, of the Diocese of El Paso, as well as other clergy from around the state.
"We come here to speak of the value of family life, the value of human life, and we do so respectfully, with perseverance, and determination, knowing that God is working in us," said Bishop Aymond during his homily.
Aware of the rain clouds overhead, volunteers briskly walked the short few blocks from the Cathedral to the State Capitol after Mass. Participants in the Advocacy Day were recognized in the House and Senate chambers, and Auxiliary Bishop Oscar Cant� opened the Senate chamber in prayer.
 A Diocese of Austin Team meetsbefore their Visits.
Photo by FrancesPullin/PullinPhotography.
"We are born into families. This was by your design, to reflect your marvelous wisdom, for you are a God of love, graciousness, and unity," said Bishop Cant�. "Give us clarity to discern your wisdom, an untiring resolve for justice, compassion for the weak, love for truth, and respect for every human person."
After a quick lunch, volunteer groups began their Capitol visits. Over the course of the day, every single legislative office in the Capitol received a visit from concerned Catholics who discussed the importance of funding abortion alternatives providers, programs that encourage healthy marriages and families, abstinence education, Choose Life License Plates, and adult stem cell research, while opposing the use of the death penalty as well as any funding for embryonic stem cell research, cloning, or comprehensive sex education. Diocesan directors and representatives made visits to the Speaker's office and also visited with Governor Rick Perry, who shared a YouTube video with them.
 Advocates hand information to legislative staff at the
Capitol. Photo by Frances Pullin/Pullin Photography.
Once the visits were complete, several volunteers were able to submit testimony on two house bills, HB 741 and HB 1567, which were being heard in committee that day. Both bills would reduce the focus on abstinence education during education on human sexuality. Twice as many witnesses testified against these bills as for them, a committee clerk told the Texas Catholic Conference the following day.
At a debriefing at the conclusion of the event, several volunteers stated that they had positive visits and felt that their visits helped shed light on the issues they were advocating upon. Many also mentioned their intent to continue to follow-up with their legislators back in their districts.
 Students from Texas Catholic Schools also
participated as Advocates. Photo by Frances
Pullin/Pullin Photography.
Diocesan staff and volunteers promoted the Advocacy Day as an opportunity to engage in public policy in the State and helped raise awareness for the Catholic Call to Faithful Citizenship. Several Dioceses held advocacy day trainings to organize and prepare their volunteers for the day. Participation in grassroots advocacy is an important component of the Catholic Call to Faithful Citizenship. In addition to advocacy days, the Texas Catholic Conference also sends out email Action Alerts and e-newsletters to keep Texas Catholics informed legislatively.
For more information on the Texas Catholic Conference and its work on behalf of the Bishops of Texas, visit www.TXcatholic.org.
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MARCH 20, 2009
 More bills tracked and moving this week
This week we've added more than 15 bills to our bill report and continued to advocate on bills in hearings.
Texas Catholic Conference Director of Accreditation, Marsha Solana, testified before the Senate Health and Human Services Committee on SB 68. You can read Marsha's testimony on our Public Testimony and Letters page here.
We also supported over 20 Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) bills this week in the House Committee on Human Services. (see picture to the right for all of our support cards). Four of the CHIP bills we supported have already passed out of committee. We also supported Criminal Justice and Ultrasound bills this week.
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MARCH 18, 2009
Testimony on SB 68 Now Available
Texas Catholic Conference Director of Accreditation, Marsha Solana, testified before the Senate Health and Human Services Committee on SB 68.
"Catholic Schools have a proven track record of providing this safe and nurturing educational environment," said Marsha Solana.
"We also support the bill because it speaks to exemptions for the operation of food distribution programs that serve an evening meal to children and a nonprofit food bank in a nonprofit, religious, or educational facility for not more than two hours a day on regular business days. This would positively affect our Catholic Charities food bank programs. While allowing this exemption, safeguards are in place for children by requiring programs to adopt standards of care, a mechanism for monitoring and enforcing those standards and criminal background checks for all employees and volunteers who work with children."
Click here to visit the Public Testimony page and read the entire Testimony.
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MARCH 17, 2009
Action Alert: Protecting Conscience Rights in Health Care
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is inviting public comment on a proposal to rescind an important federal regulation issued in December. The regulation implements and enforces three federal laws protecting the conscience rights of health care providers, especially those at risk of being discriminated against because of their moral or religious objection to abortion.
The Catholic community must speak out to protect Catholic doctors, nurses and hospitals. Click here to read the entire action alert.
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MARCH 12, 2009
Now Available: Testimony on HB 682
"For our faith community, this issue--like all life issues--is more than public policy. It involves our faith and the central principle that human life is sacred. When the state, in our names and with our taxes, ends a human life despite having non-lethal alternatives, it suggests that society can overcome violence with violence. At a time when the sanctity of life is threatened in so many ways, taking life is not really a solution but may instead effectively undermine our society's respect for life. In many ways the death penalty is about us: the actions taken in our name, the values which guide our lives, and the dignity that we accord to human life. Public policies that treat some lives as unworthy of protection, or that are perceived as vengeful, fracture the moral conviction that human life is sacred."
Click here to read more.
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MARCH 10, 2009
Now Available: Testimony on HB 681
"Mercury, like lead and other metals, can cause serious harm to humans and wildlife. Exposure is especially dangerous to the unborn and young children because of risk of neurological damage, including impairment of memory, language, and motor skills. Recent research also suggests that exposure to mercury may be a cause of autism..."
Click here to read more.
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FEBRUARY 21, 2009
Catholic Social Ministry Gathering in Washington, DC
Photo by Jim Stipe/Catholic Relief Services.
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| The Texas delegation to the Catholic Social Ministry gathering met with staff from Senator Cornyn's office as well as other Texas Congressmen. More news to come.
After our state advocacy day, it's time for us to do our federal advocacy day. Every year 18 national catholic organizations come together for the Catholic Social Ministry Gathering. As a part of this gathering, a delegation of about a dozen Texans will meet with the entire Texas congressional delegation to share the position of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops on four key topics.
Our international issues include requesting increases and reform of foreign aid and requesting removing restrictions on travel to Cuba. Our domestic issues will include health care reform and reminding congress to remember the poor when addressing climate change legislation. We encourage you to contact your member of congress to share with them your support of the delegation of Catholics coming to see them on Tuesday.
Click here to see copies of our briefing notes on the four major issues we will discuss. Your US Senators are Senator Hutchison and Senator Cornyn. To find and contact your US Representative, click here.
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FEBRUARY 20, 2009
Charity and Justice Advocates Speak out on Catholic Teaching at the State Capitol
 Bishop Pena of Brownsville and
Catholic Charities Directors are honored
in the Texas Senate
Over 400 people from around the state attended the Texas Catholic Conference Charity and Justice Advocacy Day at the State Capitol on February 17.
Donning blue t-shirts that read "One Catholic Voice � Life, Charity, Justice," volunteers from around the state made visits to legislative offices to address the Immigration, Health and Human Services, and Criminal Justice public policy priorities of the Bishops of Texas.
"This is my first step in being politically involved and it's been a really exciting experience," said 18-year-old Rebecca Lowery, a volunteer from the Diocese of Dallas. "I didn't really know what to expect. I had reviewed the bills and really wanted to speak about them. I wasn't sure if I would get the chance and I did. I would definitely encourage greater involvement."
 Students gather for a picture at the Capitol
The day began with Mass at St. Mary's Cathedral in Austin.
"We do not go forward today promoting our message of charity and justice, but rather that of God," said Bishop Gregory Aymond of the Diocese of Austin.
The message we bring to our lawmakers, he said, is "that human life is sacred, that it shares in the dignity of God, that no one is a stranger. We stand for the rights of the immigrants, we stand for the rights of the poor and the lonely, and for those who do not have medical care. No one is a stranger. And we stand strongly for the rights of all people, even criminals. They too, have the right to life and to conversion."
"And so as we got forth today, as we walk in and out of those offices and meet individually with different people, we represent our sisters and brothers in the state. But more importantly, we represent the values of Jesus. His charity, and His justice." After the celebration of Mass, advocates were recognized in the Texas House of Representatives and Senate. Brownsville Bishop Raymundo Pe�a said the opening prayer in the Senate.
"We ask your protection and guidance for all who devote themselves to the Common Good. We lift up all of our elected leaders and public servants�bestow upon our senators dedication and commitment to achieve liberty and justice for all residents of Texas and especially the most vulnerable in our midst," prayed Bishop Pe�a.
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Cardinal DiNardo to Provide Opening Prayer in House and Senate