TCC Staff Blog
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.
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.
 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 Castaño, 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. Peña, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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
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."
| House Members |
Phone Number |
| Isett |
512-463-0676 |
| Pickett |
512-463-0596 |
| McClendon |
512-463-0708 |
| Harper-Brown |
512-463-0641 |
| Smith, Wayne |
512-463-0733 |
| Senate Members |
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| Hegar |
512-463-0118 |
| Carona |
512-463-0116 |
| Nichols |
512-463-0103 |
| Watson |
512-463-0114 |
| Hinojosa |
512-463-0120 |
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 2962‐‐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 family‐income‐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.
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 here to see what bills are on the calendar today. You can also click here to view our action alert from yesterday, which we have updated to include which bills have passed since we sent the alert.
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.
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 here and inserting your address.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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.
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."
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.
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Advocates gather in front of the Capitol for a picture. Photo by Frances Pullin/Pullin Photography.
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"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 Cantú opened the Senate chamber in prayer.
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A Diocese of Austin Team meets before their Visits.
Photo by Frances Pullin/Pullin Photography.
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"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 Cantú. "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.
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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.
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Students from Texas Catholic Schools also
participated as Advocates. Photo by Frances
Pullin/Pullin Photography.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
FEBRUARY 21, 2009
Catholic Social Ministry Gathering in Washington, DC
 The Texas delegation to the Catholic Social Ministry gathering met with staff from Senator Cornyn's office as well as other Texas Congressmen. Photo by Jim Stipe/Catholic Relief Services.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. Click here to learn more about the Catholic Social Ministry Gathering in Washington
FEBRUARY 20, 2009
Charity and Justice Advocates Speak out on Catholic Teaching at the State Capitol
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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."
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| 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 Peña 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 Peña.
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Bishop Peña says the opening prayer in the Senate |
After the prayer, Senator Eddie Lucio recognized Bishop Peña, as well as Catholic Charities Directors Linda McKamie from Corpus Christi, Sister Norma Pimentel from Brownsville, and Steve Saldaña from San Antonio, for the work that Catholic Charities does in Texas.
"Catholic Charities is present in more than 20 locations in Texas and provides a variety of social support services benefitting more than 400,000 individuals in 2008," said Lucio. Lucio also recognized the importance of Catholic Criminal Justice ministry, stating "criminal justice ministries serve as chaplains in jails and prisons throughout the state, working to rehabilitate the convicted."
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Volunteers in the Senate Gallery | After recognition in the Chambers, volunteers grabbed a quick lunch and the Capitol Cafeteria and commenced their legislative visits. During the visits, volunteer groups talked with legislators or their staff about the Immigration, Health and Human Services, and Criminal Justice priorities of the Texas Bishops. Specific talking points included access to education and healthcare for immigrants, access to healthcare for all children in Texas, and legislation that would end the death penalty and support criminal justice programs that aided in rehabilitation and reintegration of those re-entering society. Several volunteers were able to provide personal stories of how these issues affected those in their communities.
"This is the first time that I organized advocacy day for our diocese," said Ginny Smith, Parish Social Ministry Coordinator of Catholic Charities Southeast Texas in the Diocese of Beaumont. "Everything turned our perfectly. It was a great experience."
Texas Catholic Conference Associate Director Jennifer Allmon echoed that sentiment. "Teams of advocates organized by their diocese met with every single office in the Capitol to bring the message of charity and justice and share the stories of client impacted by policy."
Participation in grassroots advocacy is an important component of the Catholic Call to Faithful Citizenship. The Charity and Justice Advocacy Day is one of two advocacy days hosted by the Texas Catholic Conference. The second advocacy day, Life and Family Life Day, will be held on March 31, 2009, and will focus on the Texas Bishops' Life and Education public policy priorities. In addition to advocacy days, the Texas Catholic Conference also sends out email Action Alerts and e-newsletters to keep Texas Catholics informed legislatively.
FEBRUARY 20, 2009
Texas Catholic University Hosts Continuous Bible Reading
The University of St. Thomas is hosting a Continuous Bible Reading on campus this weekend as part of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston's Year of the Bible activities. The reading is being broadcast live on the local ABC channel, and you can also view it online here.
For more on the Year of the Word, visit the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston website.
FEBRUARY 13, 2009
Update on Economic Stimulus Measures Action Alert
Click here to read an Economic Recovery Update from the USCCB Department of Justice, Peace, and Social Development that includes information on some of the programs that will receive recovery resources.
JANUARY 29, 2009
State Legislators encouraged to pray and discern God's dream for Texas at 81st Legislative Mass
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Bishop Aymond offers the Mass for
the intentions of the legislators, as well
as for a successful legislative session. | AUSTIN, January 27—Despite the plummeting temperature and frigid wind, many made their way to St. Mary's Cathedral in Austin to celebrate an evening Mass marking the opening of the 81st Legislative Session. The Mass was hosted by Bishop Gregory Aymond, Bishop of the Diocese of Austin, and the Texas Catholic Conference. Bishop Aymond offered the Mass for the intentions of the legislators as well as for a successful legislative session.
"The Legislative Mass is an opportunity for all of us, legislators, staff and those who follow the Texas legislature, to gather together and pray," stated Andrew Rivas, Executive Director of the Texas Catholic Conference. "We are not only a community of people working together; we are also a community of faith working together to fulfill God's call to love and care for one another."
State Senators Steve Ogden and Eddie Lucio, Jr. served as lectors for the Mass, while State Representatives Dora Olivo and Bill Callegari served as gift bearers.
"We gather here today to thank you for your public service," said Bishop Aymond during his homily. "We gather here today to pray for you and to pray with you, that God will continue to enlighten you and use you, your voice and your actions, as a prophetic one in the session." Bishop Aymond also stressed the importance of being in dialogue with God in prayer, both by listening to God and in asking for God's guidance.
"For those who serve as legislators, the question you have to go to God with is 'God what do you want?' 'What is your dream for the state of Texas in this 81st Session?'"
After the Mass, participants were welcomed to Bishop's Hall for a reception. There, they had an opportunity to pick up a legislative agenda from the Texas Catholic Conference which outlined the Texas Bishops' public policy priorities and meet Conference staff.
JANUARY 27, 2009
Legislative Mass Still Scheduled for 7pm
The Texas Catholic Conference Legislative Mass is still scheduled for 7 pm tonight at St. Mary's Cathedral.
We understand that you may not be able to attend the Mass due to inclement weather, and if so, we welcome the opportunity to provide you with information on our legislative priorities at a later date.
JANUARY 26, 2009
Due to Renovations, the Catholic Archives of Texas is Closed Until Further Notice
As of January 26, 2009, the Catholic Archives of Texas is closed until further notice. We will still be taking requests for sacramental records for canonical or civil purposes. Please make these requests by calling the Archives at 512-476-6296.
JANUARY 14, 2009
Action Alert: Urge Support and Improvements to Children's Health Bill (SCHIP)
TAKE ACTION NOW! Call your senators about the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) and urge them to support:
-increased funding to reduce the number of uninsured children by nearly half, maintaining and expanding coverage, reducing enrollment barriers, and expanding outreach;
-provisions in the legislation allowing states to interpret the word "child" to include the period from conception to birth;
-coverage for legal immigrant children and legal immigrant pregnant women.
Click here to read full action alert.
JANUARY 12, 2009
Cardinal DiNardo to Provide Opening Prayer in House and Senate
 Cardinal Dinardo will provide the opening prayer in the House on Tuesday, January 13, 2009, the first day of the Texas 81st Legislative Session. You can read the prayer below. The House has offered a concurrent resolution congratulating Cardinal DiNardo on his elevation to the College of Cardinals. You can read the resolution here.
(Photo: Cardinal DiNardo and Bishop Aymond at the Texas Capitol, Christian R. González/Catholic Spirit)
Opening Prayer for the House and Senate
Almighty and compassionate Lord, you have revealed your glory to all nations and have care for all. We humbly thank you for this land, our state, a land rich in resources but above all rich in its many people. May we be a people mindful of your love and kindness. Save us from violence, discord and confusion, from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way.
God of power and might, wisdom and justice, through you authority is rightly administered, laws are enacted and judgment is decreed. Let the light of your divine wisdom direct the deliberations of this legislature and shine forth in all its proceedings and laws framed for our rule and governance. May this House of Representatives seek to preserve the common good and continue to bring us the blessings of liberty and equality. Assist with your spirit of counsel and fortitude the Speaker and all representatives that their administration be conducted in right judgment and be eminently useful to the citizens of this State. May they encourage due respect for virtue and religion and execute laws with justice and mercy. May they have the strength and purpose to be accountable to the people and fulfill their roles with responsibility and their duties with honesty and ability.
We pray for the governor, for judges, elected civil officials and all others who are entrusted to guard our political welfare.
We above all commend to your unbounded generosity and compassion all the citizens of this State, that we may be blessed in the knowledge and sanctified in the observance of your holy law. May we be preserved in unity and in that peace the world cannot give. After enjoying the blessings of this life may we be admitted to those which are eternal.
We pray to you, who are our Lord and God, forever and ever. AMEN.
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, His Eminence, Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston, is delivering the invocation to the 81st Texas Legislature on January 13, 2009, and this occasion presents a fitting opportunity to congratulate him on his appointment as the first Roman Catholic Cardinal in the American South; and
WHEREAS, The son of Nicholas and Jane DiNardo, Cardinal DiNardo was born on May 23, 1949, in Steubenville, Ohio, and grew up in neighboring Pittsburgh; after earning his bachelor's and master's degrees in philosophy from The Catholic University of America, this gifted scholar went on to study theology in Rome at the Pontifical Gregorian University and the Augustinianum; he was ordained in 1977 and served in the Diocese of Pittsburgh as a parochial vicar, an assistant chancellor, and a professor at St. Paul Seminary; and
WHEREAS, An appointment to the Vatican Congregation for Bishops took Cardinal DiNardo back to Rome in 1984; six years later, he requested to return to pastoral duties in the United States, and the bishop of Pittsburgh eventually selected him to found the new parish of Saints John and Paul; in addition, he served as an assistant spiritual director at St. Paul Seminary and taught in the formation program for priests; and
WHEREAS, In 1997, Cardinal DiNardo was ordained bishop of the Diocese of Sioux City, Iowa; his achievements as a theologian, pastor, educator, and administrator led to his appointment in 2004 as coadjutor bishop of Galveston-Houston; the diocese gained the status of a metropolitan archdiocese later that year, and Cardinal DiNardo succeeded Archbishop Joseph Fiorenza on the Archbishop's retirement; on November 24, 2007, he was elevated to the College of Cardinals, a historic milestone for the archdiocese, which encompasses 10 counties and 1.5 million Catholics within its boundaries; and
WHEREAS, Cardinal DiNardo has won wide admiration throughout his career for his insightful sermons, deep compassion, and humble, engaging manner; in guiding the Galveston-Houston Archdiocese, he has made administrative appointments that reflect the area's diversity and has fostered a unity of faith among people of varied ethnic backgrounds; while shepherding a growing flock in South Texas, he also shares his expertise through the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops as an advisor to the National Association of Pastoral Musicians and as a member of the Ad Hoc Committee to Oversee the Use of the Catechism, and serves on the board of The Catholic University of America and with the National Catholic Partnership on Disability; and
WHEREAS, The inspiring spiritual leadership of Cardinal DiNardo has ushered in an exciting era for the Galveston-Houston Archdiocese, and his appointment as the first Roman Catholic Cardinal in the southern United States has gladdened the hearts of many people of faith; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 81st Legislature of the State of Texas hereby congratulate His Eminence, Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston, on his elevation to the College of Cardinals and welcome him to the State Capitol.
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