St. John Chrysostom on Helping Without Judging
Many people feel that we should not help those who have brought their problems on themselves through laziness, drug or alcohol use, self-centeredness, illegal entry into the country, or other undesirable behaviors. Providing assistance in those cases, it is thought, only encourages more bad behavior.
The Church's teachers, however, have long cautioned against judging a person's worthiness as a condition for providing assistance. Read more . . .
Update on N.J. Death Penalty Ban -- It's Official
Farm Bill Payment Limits Fail
Please express your thanks to Senator Byron Dorgan for proposing the amendment and your disappointment to Senator Kent Conrad for opposing this reasonable attempt to target farm bill payments.
Abolition Movement Heating Up?
THE LATEST UPDATE ON THE FARM BILL; CALL YOUR SENATORS NOW
The full Senate is discussing and voting on The Food and Energy Security Act (HR 2419), the version of the Farm Bill approved by the Senate Agriculture Committee in November. We urgently need your help in supporting (1) reforms in commodity supports to help smaller and moderate-scale farmers and (2) critical funding for Food Stamps and emergency food assistance.
IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED: Please call your senators at 1-800-826-3688.
[Note: This toll-free number will connect you to the Capitol switchboard, where you will ask to be connected to your senator’s office in order to leave your message.]
MESSAGE: As the farm bill is debated in the Senate, ask your senators to
1) Support the Dorgan-Grassley Amendment to cap commodity payments at $250,000 per household.
2) Support fair competition amendments ensuring a strong Livestock Title.
3) Support amendments by Feingold-Menendez and Brown-Sununu that puts additional funding into nutrition, conservation, and rural development programs.
After many delays and false starts, the full Senate is voting on specific amendments to the farm bill. Your senators have a critical voice in deciding whether our farm bill will be changed in ways that benefit poor and hungry people here at home and around the world, make programs fairer for U.S. farm and rural families and enable poor farmers in poor countries to earn their way out of poverty. Their vote of support for the key amendments listed above is critical. Please call as soon as possible.
The Senate now has its chance to make agricultural programs fairer to all our farmers and livestock producers, and to strengthen the nutrition programs (especially the Food Stamp Program). This is the Senate’s opportunity to create a more just farm bill.
* Dorgan-Grassley Amendment: Would establish a hard cap for commodity payments at $250,000 per household, helping ensure payments are targeted where they are needed. The amendment would also make sure that payments flow to working farmers rather than their landlords. The money saved from capping payments to the largest producers and landowners would be redirected into nutrition and conservation programs.
* Livestock Title for fair competition: The Senate is amending the Livestock Title with significant reforms that are supported by sustainable agriculture and fair market advocates. These provisions will benefit independent beef and hog producers and provide contract protections for poultry growers. NCRLC is backing amendments by Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA), Sen. Charles Grassley (R-IA), and Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT).
* Feingold-Menendez Amendment: Would reduce the amount of direct payments to very large farm operations and re-direct funding to conservation, rural development, and nutrition programs for the needs of many.
* Brown-Sununu Amendment: Would reduce the amount of funds going into crop insurance programs and re-direct funds to nutrition and conservation programs.
SOME KEY POINTS:
Current commodity programs concentrate payments at the upper end of the income scale for farmers who grow program crops, like cotton, corn, wheat, soybeans and rice. This concentration trend has accelerated in recent years. This must change so that small and mid-size family farms receive necessary farm safety-net supports.
A fair and balanced farm bill for the U.S. also requires consideration of its impact on poor farmers overseas. Please ensure that our farm support programs do not make it more difficult for poor farm families in low-income countries to earn their way out of poverty.
Over 35 million Americans -- including more than 12 million children -- struggle to have sufficient food in their homes. New investments made in the Food Stamp Program of the Senate bill are not secure and will be taken away in five years. Please ensure that Nutrition Title improvements do not sunset in 2012.
Current farm and rural development programs are not serving the urgent needs of rural America. Ask your senators to prioritize the needs of vulnerable rural communities as they vote on the 2007 farm bill.
Make the primary focus of U.S. food aid programs the feeding of hungry people by the most effective and efficient means available and building long-term food security.
The Human Family: A Community of Peace
Faithful Citizenship Bulletin Insert
Augustine - Patron of State Catholic Conferences?
New Resources on Immigration
The Root Causes of Migration
In the past 30 years, the number of international migrants has more than doubled, to an estimated 191 million worldwide.These include economic migrants compelled to move to provide for their families, refugees and internally displaced persons fleeing persecution, and victims of human trafficking. The vast majority are economic migrants who have few options to remain in their countries of origin. Read more . . .
The Economics of Immigration
Most immigrants to the United States are motivated to come for economic reasons: To secure stable jobs and a just wage to provide for their families. It is reasonable, in turn, to ask what impact immigrants, including those who are undocumented, have on the economy, public benefits, and native-born workers. The answer is largely positive. Research shows that immigrants – documented and undocumented alike – work hard, pay taxes and help grow the economy. Read more . . .
Resources for Priests and Others
The Basics of Church Teaching on Migration: All persons have the right to have their basic human needs met; Sovereign nations have the right to control their borders; Families have the right to remain united and the right to live with one’s family cannot be denied by law. Also: Scripture references; the Pontiffs on immigration; and The Church’s Public Policy Positions on Immigration; Read more . . .
The Legal Immigration Process
The legal immigration process in the United States is complicated, lengthy, costly, and not available to many who would like to be part of it. For these reasons, and because the process does not provide the United States with the number of workers its economy demands, the U.S. immigration system is widely regarded as “broken.” Read more . . .
The History of Immigration
History always provides us with important perspective as we seek to understand current public policy debates. This is especially true for immigration. While it may be tempting to judge the actions of undocumented immigrants today against the actions of our immigrant ancestors, the legal landscape has changed so dramatically over time that it is difficult to make direct and accurate comparisons. Read more . . .
Statement from Maryland Catholic Bishops (English)
Statement from Maryland Catholic Bishops (Spanish)
A Prayer of Thanksgiving
(from NCRLC’s Spirituality Corner at www.ncrlc.com/Spirituality-Corner.html)
LORD, I am grateful that I am a farmer. I am glad to live close to the earth that You have made. I am happy to spend so much of my time in the open air, under the bright sun, the symbol of Your own justice and light. I am grateful for the rain and for the freshness that it brings--the rain, a symbol of Your rich and undying blessings.
I am happy to cooperate with You in Your work of continuous creation, by growing the food that is needed to sustain life. By Your almighty power You make grow seeds I plant. You fill the earth with minerals, You send the rain and the sun, the wind and the snow--and the dry, hard seeds I plant are raised to soft, green life. You have given us great wisdom and cleverness to build machines that make the labor of the farmer much less burdensome.
Dear Lord, I am in Your almighty hands. I depend upon You for everything. If I sow the seed and cultivate the young plants, and You do not see fit to give me a good harvest, I will be satisfied. You are the Lord and master and creator of all things. You know what is good for me and what would do me harm. I trust You, absolutely and without question.
I thank You again for calling me to a farmer's life. I beg of You never to let me forget its great advantages of closeness to You, absolute trust and confidence in You, and the fullness and richness of my life, close to the earth that You have made and have so marvelously blessed.
Lord, I am grateful that I am a farmer. Amen.
Major News on Stem Cell Research
“Studies published this week in the journals Cell and Science offer new hope for advancing stem cell research and therapies while fully respecting the dignity of human life.
“Scientists in Japan and Wisconsin used four genes to ‘reprogram’ ordinary adult human cells, creating ‘induced pluripotent stem cells’ (iPS cells). James Thomson, head of the Wisconsin team and the founder of human embryonic stem cell research, says these cells ‘meet the defining criteria’ for pluripotent human embryonic stem cells, ‘with the significant exception that the iPS cells are not derived from embryos.’
“Thus the goal sought for years through failed attempts at human cloning – the production of ‘pluripotent’ stem cells that are an exact genetic match to a patient – has been brought within reach by an ethical procedure. This technology avoids the many ethical landmines associated with embryonic stem cell research: it does not clone or destroy human embryos, does not harm or exploit women for their eggs, and does not blur the line between human beings and other species through desperate efforts to make human embryos using animal eggs. Ian Wilmut, head of the team that cloned ‘Dolly’ the sheep, now says he is abandoning efforts at human ‘therapeutic cloning’ to pursue this adult cell reprogramming avenue instead, because it is technically superior as well as ‘easier to accept socially.’
“I am grateful today for scientists who took up the challenge of finding morally acceptable ways to pursue stem cell research, and for government leaders who have encouraged and funded such avenues. This advance reminds us once again that medical progress and respect for human life are not in conflict; they can and should support and enrich one another for the good of all.”
Vatican Official: U.S. Support for Catholic Schools a "Disaster"
John Allen's column can be found here.
Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship
Bishops Approve Faithful Citizenship Document
“In this statement, we bishops do not intend to tell Catholics for whom or against whom to vote,” the bishops explain. “Our purpose is to help Catholics form their consciences in accordance with God’s truth. We recognize that the responsibility to make choices in political life rests with each individual in light of a properly formed conscience, and that participation goes well beyond casting a vote in a particular election.”
The church’s role in helping Catholics to form their consciences is a central theme of the document. “With this foundation,” the bishops explain, “Catholics are better able to evaluate policy positions, party platforms, and candidates’ promises and action in light of the Gospel and the moral and social teaching of the Church in order to help build a better world.”
The bishops affirm their legitimate role in public life. “The obligation to teach about moral values that should shape our lives, including our public lives, is central to [our] mission,” they state. “Our nation’s tradition of pluralism is enhanced, not threatened, when religious groups and people of faith bring their convictions and concerns into public life.”
Respect for the dignity of every human being is a foundation for Catholic teaching about “faithful citizenship.” The statement explains the necessity of opposing actions that are intrinsically wrong, such as abortion and euthanasia, because these actions involve directly and
intentionally ending an innocent human life. It also affirms the obligation to promote the common good by combating such threats to human life and dignity as hunger, poverty, racism, unjust immigration policies, and unjust war. “Both opposing evil and doing good are essential obligations.”
The bishops warn of two temptations for Catholics in public life. “The first is a moral equivalence that makes no ethical distinctions between different kinds of issues involving human life and dignity. The direct and intentional destruction of innocent human life…is always wrong and is not just one issue among many. It must always be opposed.” A second temptation involves “dismissing or ignoring other serious threats to human life and dignity. Racism and other unjust discrimination, torture, the use of the death penalty, resorting to unjust war, war crimes, the failure to respond to those who are suffering from hunger or lack health care, or unjust immigration policies are all serious moral issues that challenge our consciences and require us to act.”
The bishops call Catholics to a different kind of political engagement shaped by the moral convictions of well-formed consciences and focused on the dignity of every human being, the pursuit of the common good, and the protection of the weak and the vulnerable.” They add, “Participation in political life in light of fundamental moral principles is an essential duty for every Catholic and all people of good will.”
Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Fargo comments on USCCB Statement on Iraq
Bishop Samuel Aquila of the Diocese of Fargo commented on the statement via an e-mail to the diocesan offices in Fargo today. He addressed the phrase “responsible transition” and called for continued prayer.
“‘Responsible’ means political leaders must put aside their partisan views and vote-seeking agendas and work in cooperation with each other to determine how to incrementally lessen the U.S. presence in Iraq while providing for the support and safety of the people of Iraq. Definite strategies must be developed that ensure a shift from an environment of war to an existence in peace,” Bishop Aquila wrote.
“‘Transition’ means a gradual, well-planned movement which focuses on the care and dignity of each human person who is involved in the war in Iraq,” he continued. “Responsible transition can be accomplished only if our politicians put others before themselves – put peace, life and the common good before their own political popularity or party agenda. They must ask those most close to the conflict – the Iraqis, the refugees, the military personnel – what they see as needs, rather than sitting behind desks, determining strategies that look good on paper but fail when implemented.
“A pull-out from Iraq based on the schedules of politicians is not the answer nor is remaining in Iraq based on the interests of the U.S. alone. Responsible transition, based upon the dignity, safety and needs of the human persons whose lives are most closely affected by this war, is the only answer.
Bishop Aquila concluded with a call for continued prayer. “I cannot emphasize enough how important it is that the Catholic faithful of the Diocese of Fargo continue to pray for peace in the Middle East, for our service men and women, and for wisdom for all leaders and politicians involved in resolving the present conflict.”
BISHOPS CALL FOR BIPARTISAN COOPERATION AND RESPONSIBLE TRANSITION IN IRAQ
“As the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops gathers in Baltimore, our thoughts and prayers are with our military personnel in Iraq, their families, and all the suffering people of Iraq,” Bishop Skylstad said.
The statement decried “the political stalemate in Iraq that blocks national reconciliation” and “finds a parallel” in “the political and partisan stalemate in Washington.” Bishop Skylstad continued, “Our country needs a new direction to reduce the war’s deadly toll and to bring our people together to deal with the conflict’s moral and human dimensions. Our nation needs a new bipartisan approach to Iraq policy based on honest and civil dialogue.”
The statement noted that our nation faces important challenges and decisions about the terrible dilemmas in Iraq. “Our nation must focus more on the ethics of exit than on the ethics of intervention. The morally and politically demanding but carefully limited goal of responsible transition should aim to reduce further loss of life and address the humanitarian crisis in Iraq, the refugee crisis in the region, the need to help rebuild the country and human rights, especially religious freedom.”
Read the full statement.
Questions and Answers on the War in Iraq
Obituary for Mike Farmer

Farewell, Faithful Servant
May the angels lead him into paradise;
May the martyrs come to welcome him,
and take him to the holy city,
the new and eternal Jerusalem.
New (Old) Editorials Added
Action Alert: Farm Bill Priorities
Call
Your Senators Today
Ask
Them to Support Amendments that Feed the Hungry and
Target Farm Supports to Those Who Need It
Most
The Senate will be voting on
The Food and Energy
Security Act (HR 2419), the version of the Farm
Bill approved by its Senate Agriculture Committee
last week. We urgently need your help in supporting
critical funding for Food Stamps and emergency food
assistance; reforms in commodity supports to help
smaller and moderate scale farmers; as well as
support for conservation programs that benefit all
rural communities.
Immediate Action
Required:
Call Senator Byron Dorgan and
Senator Conrad (click for contact information.)
Urge our Senators to:
Vote YES on
amendments that provide additional funding for
Food Stamps and for emergency food assistance
(TEFAP). The
Senate Agriculture Committee-approved bill
contains $1 billion less in new investments for
the Food Stamp Program and The Emergency Food
Assistance Program (TEFAP) than the House-passed
bill (H.R. 2419).
Vote YES on
the Dorgan-Grassley amendment, which ensures
support for U.S. farmers who need it most.
Today 66 percent of
commodity payment programs go to 10 percent of our
nation’s farmers, the biggest and most
affluent. Urge the Senate to pass a fair commodity
title that better targets payments to those who
need them while closing loopholes that have
permitted the powerful to collect multiple
payments. The status quo, which directs the
majority of payments to large and wealthy
agribusinesses while leaving behind the majority
of farm families, is
unacceptable.
Vote YES on
amendments that reduce trade-distorting
subsidies. Our brothers and sisters who
till the land in developing countries, where
three-quarters of the population rely on
small-scale farming for their livelihood, are
struggling to survive in an increasingly global
market that stymies their efforts to feed their
families and work their way out of
poverty.
Support the
Food Aid provisions of the bill.
Support the
committee bill which provides for a
“safebox” with no waivers, and sets
aside $600 million of PL 480 Title II resources
for development programs. We must protect
Title II resources that address chronic hunger, in
order to mitigate future emergencies and to help
the poorest reach long term food security. Oppose
attempts to weaken Committee-passed provisions on
Food Aid.
Background:
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops,
National Catholic Rural Life Conference, Catholic
Charities USA and Catholic Relief Services have been
working together to seek a new kind of Farm Bill that
reflects a commitment to feed the hungry at home and
abroad, to offer effective support for those who till
the land, while promoting fairness and equity for
farmers and ranchers. We especially support efforts
to target agriculture resources to those who need
help the most rather than those who need it
least.
The 2007 Farm Bill was approved by
the U.S. House of Representatives (HR 2419) this
summer. The Senate expects to begin voting on its
version of the Farm Bill the week of November 5. The
bill approved by the Senate Agriculture Committee
makes important investments in conservation and
includes key provisions for beginning farmers and
socially disadvantaged farmers. However, more needs
to be done to address the inequities in farm
supports, especially programs that are trade
distorting and that harm farmers in developing
countries. While ensuring a genuine farm safety net,
savings from greater fairness improvements need to be
used for nutrition assistance to low-income people,
conservation and rural
development.
We will continue to work for
fairness and justice in our food and farm policies as
the Farm bill moves to conference committee for final
passage, possibly before
Thanksgiving.
The U.S.
Bishops have stated that "the primary goals of
agricultural policies should be providing food for
all people and reducing poverty among farmers and
farmworkers in this country and abroad." (For I Was
Hungry and You Gave Me Food: Catholic Reflections on
Food, Farmers and Farmworkers). See letters on
USCCB’s 2007 Farm Bill priorities at:
http://www.usccb.org/sdwp/national/agric.shtml.
Click here for a pdf copy of the Action
Alert.
Action Alert: Support SCHIP and the Unborn Child Rule
The Senate is expected to vote on the SCHIP bill the week of October 29.
You may call your Senators through the Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121 or:
Senator Kent Conrad
Washington: (202) 224-2043
Bismarck: (701) 258-4648
Toll Free: 1-800-223-4457
Fargo: Telephone: (701) 232-8030
Grand Forks: Telephone: (701) 775-9601
Minot: Telephone: (701) 852-0703
senator@conrad.senate.gov
Senator Byron L. Dorgan
Washington: (202) 224-2551
Bismarck: (701) 250-4618
Toll Free: 1-800-666-4482
Fargo: (701) 239-5389
Grand Forks: (701) 746-8972
Minot: (701) 852-0703
senator@dorgan.senate.gov
Action Needed:
Congress should improve the SCHIP bill and garner strong bipartisan support. The bill can be improved in ways that will strengthen and increase support for SCHIP by making the regulation providing states the option to enroll the unborn child in their SCHIP programs permanent.
A final SCHIP reauthorization should codify the unborn child rule, so states are secure in being able to choose life-affirming health services for needy children and their mothers without involvement in abortion. Without the unborn child option, the only way states could provide prenatal care would be by defining the pregnant woman as the patient in need of “child health assistance," which would trigger funding for abortion. Also, many children born as U.S. citizens would not receive needed prenatal care because of their mother’s immigration status.
The legislation should also maintain and expand coverage, reduce enrollment barriers, and expand outreach. Sufficient funding should be included in order to provide health care coverage to an additional four million more low-income children, reducing the number of uninsured children by nearly half.
USCCB Position:
“As Catholic organizations united by our common faith and committed to the principles of Catholic social teaching, we recognize and affirm the sanctity of human life from conception to natural death and the inherent dignity of every human being. We consider access to adequate health care to be a basic human right, necessary for the development and maintenance of life and for the ability of human beings to realize the fullness of their dignity. A just society is one that protects and promotes fundamental human rights and dignity, with special attention to meeting the basic needs of children and the vulnerable, including the need for safe and affordable health care.” (Letter to Senate Budget Committee from USCCB, Catholic Charities USA, and Catholic Health Association, March 15, 2007)
“The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has worked persistently to support and strengthen the nation’s vital efforts to provide adequate and affordable health care, especially to the most vulnerable members of our society, our children. We have joined with Catholic Health Association and Catholic Charities USA to encourage Congress to strengthen, expand and improve the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). We urge the Congress not to turn away from this essential national priority, but to renew its efforts to enact a strong, effective and improved national investment in the health of our children.
...We are convinced the bill can also be improved in ways that will strengthen and increase support for SCHIP. In 2002, the Department of Health and Human Services improved SCHIP by allowing states to interpret the word “child” in the statute to include the period from conception to birth. Twelve states (AR, CA, IL, LA, MA, MI, MN, RI, TN, TX, WA, WI) have already chosen to provide health care to pregnant women and their unborn children under this regulatory option.
Codifying this option will allow states to retain choice and flexibility in how best to provide essential health services to pregnant women and children. Access to prenatal care will allow more children to be born in good health, without a need for more extensive and expensive medical intervention. States will be able to choose improved coverage for unborn children and their mothers, without being required to expand state funding for abortions which would be especially tragic in a program dedicated to the lives and health of children…” (Letter to members of U.S. Congress from Bishop DiMarzio, Chairman of the USCCB Domestic Policy Committee, October 24, 2007)
We urge Congress not to turn away from the effort to reauthorize SCHIP. Congress has a responsibility to support this successful program and improve it by including coverage of the unborn child. Congress should enact a strong, effective, and improved national investment in the health of our children.
Background:
The SCHIP program is now in the process of being reauthorized. Temporary funding for SCHIP has been included in the Continuing Resolution (H.J. Res. 52) that will keep the government running to November 16, 2007. A first bill (H.R. 976) was vetoed by the president, and the veto was sustained. A revised bill (H.R. 3963) was passed by the House on October 25, 2007 by a vote of 265-142. This is not a veto proof majority. It is expected that the Senate will act on the legislation during this week. The president has threatened to veto the revised bill in its current form.
For more information on the unborn child rule see: http://www.nchla.org/actiondisplay.asp?ID=258
To see a copy of at letter from USCCB to the Senators: http://ndcatholic.org/files/SenateSCHIPLetter.pdf
Farm Bill Out of Committee -- Conrad's Take
DREAM ACT Fails to Clear Hurdle
Yesterday the U.S. Senate voted 52-44 to move to consideration of S. 2205, the DREAM Act. Sixty votes were required in order to move to debate on the bill.
The bad news is that the DREAM Act most likely will not be considered this year. The good news is that the legislation received majority support (52 votes and likely 56 if absent Senators had voted) and that we are narrowing the gap of achieving 60 votes to move toward consideration of immigration legislation. Below you will find the results of the vote.
Senators Conrad and Dorgan voted against moving the bill forward. Please contact them to express your disappointment.
Action Alert: Contact Senators to Support Dream Act
Take Action!
Votes on the bill could continue until the end of the week. Call 202-224-3121 ASAP and ask your Senator to vote yes on the DREAM Act, S. 2205.
For more information on the DREAM ACT:
WHAT: The Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act (S. 2205, the DREAM Act) is likely to be debated on the floor of the U.S. Senate this week. Sponsored by Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chuck Hagel (R-NE), and Richard Lugar (R-IN), the bill would provide many students who are children of undocumented immigrants and who graduate from high school, with the opportunity to gain citizenship and access to higher education.
ACTION NEEDED: Click on "Take Action" and enter your zip code to contact both of your Senators today and ask them to support the DREAM act. We have provided a pre-formatted letter for you to personalize and to help get you started.
BACKGROUND: S. 2205 would permit certain immigrant students who have grown up in the United States to apply for temporary legal status and eventual permanent status if they attend college for two years or serve in the U.S. military. It applies to those young persons who entered the United States at least five years prior to enactment of the bill. S. 2205 does NOT contain a provision permitting states to more easily offer in-state tuition to undocumented students (this provision was included in earlier versions of the bill)
National Catholic Rural Life Conference Seeks Director
The nonprofit, membership-based National Catholic Rural Life Conference (NCRLC) is seeking an Executive Director. Applications are invited immediately. The Executive Director has overall management responsibility for NCRLC and its four pillars of advocacy, outreach, education and spirituality. NCRLC is based in Des Moines, Iowa and currently has a staff of four. The executive director is expected to have experience in rural pastoral life, sustainable agriculture and food policy. Fundraising and program development are important elements. He/she reports to a national Board of Directors. Full job description at www.ncrlc.com.
Send a cover letter, your resume and salary history by November 12, 2007 to:
Sr. Christine Pratt, NCRLC Search Committee, 537 Lime St., Fremont, OH 43420
Or email to cpratt@toledodiocese.org
SCHIP Position
Since the vote on whether to override the President's veto is a federal matter, the North Dakota Catholic Conference will take direction, if any, on the matter from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB.) USCCB has historically supported SCHIP and has been involved in discussions regarding the renewal of the program. At this time, however, it has not expressed a position on the vote on whether to override the President's veto.
Since some abortion proponents attempted to include abortion funding in SCHIP and to prohibit states from including unborn children as “children” under the law, some persons are under the impression that USCCB opposes the current legislation. This is not true. Those efforts were defeated and the bill sent to President Bush retain the current law's prohibitions on using SCHIP for abortion.
For further clarification, the Catholic Health Association and Catholic Charities – USA supported the SCHIP legislation passed by Congress and which the President vetoed.
Letter on Farm Bill
Respect Life Program Part II
Column for August/September Posted
Inevitably, someone, looking at another state, will ask, “Why don't we do that?” What works or is possible in one state, however, may not work or be possible in another state. Here is a look at some laws in other states that have not been embraced in North Dakota. (Read More . . .)
USCCB Migration Chair Expresses Concern About Debate
“The immigration reform debate, while provoking informed analysis and thoughtful discussion, also has generated harsh rhetoric against migrants in this country, particularly those without legal status,” said Bishop Barnes. “Fanned by talk radio and anti-immigrant organizations, this rhetoric has inflamed fears and misunderstanding among some portions of the American public, leading to a polarized and vitriolic atmosphere.”
Bishop Barnes also said that the increase in enforcement initiatives at the federal and local levels will not solve the issue of illegal immigration but will drive immigrants further into the shadows and create fear in immigrant communities. Bishop Barnes pointed to enforcement raids, state and local enforcement initiatives, and other administrative actions as examples of an immigration system that needs reform.
“We reaffirm our view that enforcement-only measures at any jurisdictional level will further drive undocumented migrant workers into a hidden underclass and create more fear and suspicion in immigrant communities,” Bishop Barnes said.
“The U.S. bishops acknowledge the right of our country to secure our borders and enforce immigration law. Such enforcement, however, must respect human rights and dignity and minimize the separation of families.”
Bishop Barnes urged Congress to return to the consideration of comprehensive immigration reform as soon as possible. “We call upon Catholics and all Americans to work together constructively to ensure a positive outcome to this vital national debate.”
Vatican Answers Questions on Nutrition and Hydration
WASHINGTON—In response to a request by the U. S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has reaffirmed the Catholic Church’s teaching on providing nutrition and hydration to patients in a persistent “vegetative state.”
The bishops presented two questions in a formal manner, known as a “dubium,” to the Congregation. The reply, which was approved by Pope Benedict XVI.
The responses reaffirm the church position that patients in a “vegetative state” are living human beings with inherent dignity and deserve the same basic care as other patients. This basic care would include nutrition and hydration, even when provided through artificial assistance.
“The administration of food and water even by artificial means is, in principle, an ordinary and proportionate means of preserving life,” according to the Congregation’s response. “It is therefore obligatory to the extent to which, and for as long as, it is shown to accomplish its proper finality, which is the hydration and nourishment of the patient. In this way suffering and death by starvation and dehydration are prevented.”
The bishops also asked for clarification as to whether nutrition and hydration could be removed if physicians determined that the patient would never recover consciousness. The Congregation affirmed that the patient must receive “ordinary and proportionate care which includes, in principle, the administration of water and food even by artificial means” regardless of the prognosis of recovery of consciousness.
A Vatican commentary noted some possible exceptions.
“When stating that the administration of food and water is morally obligatory in principle, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith does not exclude the possibility that, in very remote places or in situations of extreme poverty, the artificial provision of food and water may be physically impossible,” it said.
“Nor is the possibility excluded that, due to emerging complications, a patient may be unable to assimilate food and liquids, so that their provision becomes altogether useless. Finally, the possibility is not absolutely excluded that, in some rare cases, artificial nourishment and hydration may be excessively burdensome for the patient or may cause significant physical discomfort, for example resulting from complications in the use of the means employed.”
“These exceptional cases, however, take nothing away from the general ethical criterion, according to which the provision of water and food, even by artificial means, always represents a natural means for preserving life, and is not a therapeutic treatment. Its use should therefore be considered ordinary and proportionate, even when the “vegetative state” is prolonged,” it added.
The bishops asked the Holy See for clarification of the Church’s teaching after Pope John Paul II’s address on March 20, 2004, to an international congress sponsored by the Pontifical Academy for Life and the World Federation of Catholic Medical Associations.
“We are grateful that the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith responded to our request with such a thorough investigation and explanation,” Bishop William E. Lori of Bridgeport, Connecticut, chair of the U.S. bishops’ Committee for Doctrine, said in introducing the Response. “We hope the Church’s documents on this issue will provide help and guidance to pastors, ethicists, doctors, nurses and families involved in the care of those diagnosed as being in a persistent ‘vegetative state.’”
The responses from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) ( www.usccb.org/comm/hydrationletter.doc ), a CDF commentary ( www.usccb.org/comm/hydrationcommentary.doc ), approved by Cardinal William Levada and bishop members of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, and a Q&A from the USCCB Committee on Doctrine and Committee on Pro-Life Activities ( www.usccb.org/comm/hydrationq&a.doc ) can be found on the Web.
Climate Change
To find out more about what you can do, check out:
The Climate Change Justice and Health Initiative - a project of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
The Catholic Coalition on Climate Change
The Prairie Climate Stewardship Network
Senate Votes on Two Internation Abortion Issues
On September 6, the Senate voted 48-to-45 to approve an amendment by Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS) to restore the “Kemp-Kasten Amendment” deleted from the bill in committee. Since 1985, this provision has denied U.S. funds to any organization or program that, as determined by the President, “supports or participates in the management of a program of coercive abortion or involuntary sterilization.”
“I commend the Senate for refusing to participate in such atrocities against vulnerable women and their children in the developing world,” Ms. McQuade said. “At the same time, it is disconcerting to think that this was considered debatable at all – and that the vote was so close. By a vote of 53 to 41, the Senate also passed an amendment by Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) to negate the Mexico City Policy. An amendment offered by Senator Brownback to reinstate the policy was defeated by the same margin.
“After witnessing their good sense on the Kemp-Kasten provision, I am extremely disheartened to see our Senators reject the Mexico City Policy,” Ms. McQuade said.
In a letter sent to all Senators before the votes, Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia and chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee for Pro-Life Activities, had urged Senators to preserve both the Mexico City and Kemp-Kasten policies. Without the Mexico City policy, he said, “abortion-promoting organizations will exploit their status as the conduits for U.S. aid to promote abortion to vulnerable women in the Third World.”
Before the votes, President George W. Bush also reaffirmed his pledge to veto any appropriations bill that “weakens current Federal policies and laws on abortion.” Deirdre McQuade expressed her appreciation for the President’s veto pledge: “We are very grateful to the President for his commitment to these basic, long-standing policies protecting both mother and child. We hope and expect that due to his pledge, and the pledge by many members of Congress to uphold such a veto, the Mexico City Policy will be preserved in law this year.”
The full text of Cardinal Rigali’s letter to the Senate can be found at: www.usccb.org/prolife/issues/abortion/foreignops2008.pdf
North Dakota 101
An Orientation to
the Northern Plains for Clergy from
All Denominations
October 8 - 9, 2007
Maryvale at Valley City
Sponsored by the eleven member denominations of the
North Dakota Conference of
Churches
For
All
New or Experienced Clergy, Church Workers, and Their
Spouses
Effective ministry in any setting requires a
knowledge of the people and the place — the
history, culture and realities of life in the area.
Whether you are new to the ministry or have years of
experience, North Dakota 101 is designed to help you
gain a greater understanding of North Dakota, its
people, and life on the Northern Plains. Speakers
include representatives from a variety of fields and
veteran pastors who will share their knowledge of
North Dakota. This annual event is an enlightening
experience and opportunity to meet others from around
the state who face similar challenges.
For more information, download the brochure
or contact the North
Dakota Conference of Churches at: 701-226-8037;
exe_sec.ndcc@yahoo.com.
Tribune Letter on Emergency Contraception -- With Study Citations
Planned Parenthood's Amy Jacobson accuses pro-life groups of falsely claiming that emergency contraception is an abortifacient. Maybe we could quibble about the definition of “abortifacient,” but the fact remains that both the FDA and the pill's manufacturer admit that emergency contraception may prevent implantation of a newly formed embryo. [Concerning the definition of what is an embryo, see http://www.usccb.org/prolife/issues/bioethic/fact298.shtml.] Call it what you will, but in those cases where fertilization has occurred, emergency “contraception” works only because it prevents the embryo from attaching to the uterine wall. [According to the FDA, "EC pills ... act by delaying or inhibiting ovulation, and/or altering tubal transport of sperm and/or ova (thereby inhibiting fertilization), and/or altering the endometrium (thereby inhibiting implantation)" (FDA Notice, 62 Fed. Reg. 861 [Feb. 25, 1997]).]
Ms. Jacobson also claims that greater access to contraception and emergency contraception will reduce unintended pregnancies and abortions. A report from Planned Parenthood's own research arm, however, shows that states that most aggressively promote contraceptives have some of the highest abortion rates in the country. States that do not, such as Kansas and the Dakotas, have the lowest abortion rates. [Data available from Guttmacher Institute's "Contraception Counts: Ranking State Efforts" (http://www.guttmacher.org/pubs/2006/02/28/IB2006n1.pdf) and "Abortion in Women's Lives" (http://www.guttmacher.org/pubs/2006/05/04/AiWL.pdf); for analysis of the data, see: Response to Guttmacher Institute’s Claims On Contraception and Abortion Policy and Latest Guttmacher Institute Report At Odds With Itself.]
Studies from other countries also show that contraceptive programs do not reduce abortion rates. [A. Glasier et al., “Advanced provision of emergency contraception does not reduce abortion rates," Contraception 69 (May 2004): 361-6 (www.cwfa.org/images/content/scotland0905.pdf; visited Feb. 14, 2007).T. Raine et al., “Direct Access to Emergency Contraception Through Pharmacies and Effect on Unintended Pregnancy and STIs,” Journal of the American Medical Association 293 (2005): 54-62 (www.dph.sf.ca.us/sfcityclinic/providers/Directaccesscontraception.pdf; visited Feb. 14, 2007).Xiaoyu Hu et al., “Advanced provision of emergency contraception to postnatal women in China makes no difference in abortion rates: a randomized controlled trial,” Contraception 72 (2005): 111-6.S. Girma and D. Paton, "Matching Estimates of the Impact of Over-the-Counter Emergency Birth Control on Teenage Pregnancy," University of Nottingham School of Business Occasional Paper Series, No. 2005-15 (October 2005) (www.nottingham.ac.uk/%7Elizecon/RePEc/pdf/matching.pdf; visited Feb. 14, 2007; Anna Glasier, Editorial, “Emergency Contraception: Is it worth all the fuss?”, British Medical Journal 333 (2006): 560-1; A. Williams, "The Morning-After Pill," Scottish Council of Human Bioethics (Nov. 2005) (www.schb.org.uk, click on "Publications" then "Sexual Health;" T. Tyden et al., “No reduced number of abortions despite easily available emergency contraceptive pills,” Lakartidningen 99 (2002): 4730-2, 4735 (abstract at www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12523048&dopt=Citation; visited Feb. 14, 2007; J. Gardner et al., “Increasing Access to Emergency Contraception Through Community Pharmacies: Lessons from Washington State,” Family Planning Perspectives 33 (2001): 172-5 (www.guttmacher.org/pubs/journals/3317201.pdf; visited Feb. 14, 2007).]
In fact, says one recent overview: “Most studies that have been conducted during the past 20 years have indicated that improving access to contraception did not significantly increase contraceptive use or decrease teen pregnancy.” [Douglas Kirby, “Reflections on Two Decades of Research on Teen Sexual Behavior and Pregnancy,” Journal of School Health 69.3 (March 1999).]
The same is true with emergency contraceptives. When leading experts who favor emergency contraception programs recently summarized 23 studies gauging the effect of such programs, they had to admit that not one of the 23 found a reduction in unintended pregnancies or abortions. [E. Raymond et al., “Population Effect of Increased Access to Emergency Contraceptive Pills,” Obstetrics & Gynecology 109 (2007): 181-8.]
Labor Day Statement
2007-2008 Respect Life Program
Once a month, we will post one of the articles on this web site.
To start us out, here is The Person with Mental Illness: Bearing God's Image by Rev. Richard Gill, L.C.
Life Issues Workshop October 27
Morning presentations on beginning-of-life issues include: “Prenatal Testing and Perinatal Hospice” by Dr. Richard Vetter and “Women’s Health Issues” by Dr. Mary W. Martin, FACOG.
Afternoon workshops will focus on end-of-life care. Presentations include “Ethical Approach to End-of-Life Care Decisions” by Fr. Dale Kinzler, “The Catholic Health Care Directive” by Christopher Dodson, and “Catholic Funerals and Cremation” by Fr. Brian Moen.
Parish nurses, health care providers and interested persons are encouraged to attend. Contact hours will be available for nurses. Cost is $10/person. Lunch will be provided. Registration is required. For more information contact Rachelle, 701-356-7910, e-mail: rachelle.sauvageau@fargodiocese.org.
Click here for a registration form.
Nation's Bishops Decry Amnesty International Decision to Support Abortion
The statement follows.
A Statement of the President of the United States
Conference of Catholic Bishops
Bishop William S. Skylstad, Bishop
of Spokane
August 23, 2007
After nearly a year of dialogue
with leaders of Amnesty International (AI), the
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops strongly
protests the recent action of AI’s
International Council to promote worldwide access to
abortion. This basic policy change undermines
Amnesty’s longstanding moral credibility and
unnecessarily diverts its mission. In promoting
abortion, Amnesty divides its own members (many of
whom are Catholics and others who defend the rights
of unborn children) and jeopardizes its support by
people in many nations, cultures and religions who
share a consistent commitment to all human
rights.
Amnesty International's action will lead many people
of conscience to seek alternative means to end grave
human rights abuses, fight injustice, and promote
freedom of conscience and expression. The
essential work of protecting human life and promoting
human dignity must
carry on. We must continue to
oppose the use of the death penalty and the crushing
effects of dehumanizing poverty. We must continue to
stand with prisoners of conscience, refugees and
migrants, and other oppressed peoples. But we will
seek to do so in authentic ways, working most closely
with organizations who do not oppose the fundamental
right to life from conception to natural
death.
To some,
the action of Amnesty International may appear to be
a compassionate response to women in difficult
situations of pregnancy, but this is a false
compassion. True commitment to women's rights
puts us in solidarity with women and their unborn
children. It does not pit one against the other
but calls us to advocate on behalf of both. As
our Conference has argued, a far more compassionate
response is to provide support and services for
pregnant women, advance their educational and
economic standing in society, and resist all forms of
violence and stigmatization against women. The
Catholic Church provides these services to many women
around the world and will continue to do
so.
We call upon Amnesty International
once again to act in accord with its noblest
principles, reconsider its error, and reverse its
policy on abortion.
Conrad Farm Bill Meetings
Hillsboro Farm Bill Meeting
Where:
Lynn Kritzberger Farm
¾ of a mile west of the 104 Interchange off I29
When:
Tuesday, August 28 at 2 p.m
Mandan Farm Bill Meeting
Where:
Kevin and Yvonne Schmidt Farm
5105 Hwy 1806, Mandan
When:
Wednesday, August 29 at 10 a.m
Earthquake in Peru
First, Father Jack Davis, a priest from the Fargo Diocese serving in Peru has notified the diocese that he and the visitors helping with the mission are fine.
Second, below is information from Catholic Relief Services on their activities and how you can help.
Catholic Relief Services Responds to Deadly
Earthquake in Peru
CRS
field teams poised to deliver emergency medical care,
shelter
Baltimore,
MD, August 16, 2007 – Catholic
Relief Services (CRS) staff in Peru are rushing to
assist survivors of the country’s worst
earthquake in more than 30 years. More than 450
people are reported dead, and over 1,500 others
injured.
Last
night’s powerful 8.0 magnitude earthquake
toppled homes, churches and buildings from the
temblor’s epicenter in the Department of Ica to
the capitol city Lima, over 100 miles away. Powerful
aftershocks, registering as high as 6.0 are expected
to continue, putting people already affected by
extreme winter weather at even greater
risk.
Initial
reports from Ica say bodies remain buried in the
rubble, and hospitals are struggling to provide
care. Thousands of victims, now homeless, are
seeking shelter.
The
Pan American Highway, the only thoroughfare on the
coast of Peru, is severely damaged, making what is
normally a 2.5-hour journey into one of more than 8
hours. And the destruction of phone lines and
cellular towers has further hampered relief
efforts.
CRS
field staff are identifying critical needs and
coordinating the delivery of life-saving supplies.
Based on past CRS disaster relief efforts, medical
equipment, food, shelter, blankets and other
essential materials will be critical over the next
several days.
The
government of Peru has declared a state of emergency,
and countries such as Mexico and Panama have pledged
aid.
CRS
staff on the ground in Peru available for interviews.
Please contact Robyn Fieser at 410-951-7341 or e-mail
her at rfieser@crs.org. Biographical material
is available upon request.
How
to Help:
Donate
online: www.crs.org
Donate
via phone: 1-877-HELP-CRS
Mail a
check:
Catholic
Relief Services
P.O.
Box 17090
Baltimore,
Maryland 21203-7090
Memo
section of check: Peru Earthquake
Fund
Parish Social Ministry Training Opportunity
Parish Social Ministry Regional Trainings are an opportunity for people in parishes, dioceses and Catholic Charities agencies to gain practical hands on experience and to share best practices in a convening rooted in prayer and community.
Highlights of this Parish Social Ministry Regional Training will include:
• an opportunity to learn new skills;
• a prophetic vision of church in our world today;
• the fundamental call we share to be church to each other and the stranger;
• a spiritually renewing and encouraging atmosphere.
Download a brochure and registration form.
For more information, contact:
Kathy Langer
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud
(320) 229-6020 or 1-800-830-8254 ext 2020
klanger@gw.stcdio.org
Story on SCHIP and North Dakota
Dodson Responds to Omdahl Column
Ten Commandments Monument
Restore Justice Web Site Revised
Organ Donation Conference -- Registration Form Now On-Line
U.S. House of Representatives Passes Historic Farm Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. House of Representatives today passed a new Farm Bill that makes historic investments in fruit and vegetable production, conservation, nutrition and renewable energy while maintaining a strong safety net for America's farmers and ranchers.
"This Farm Bill is about much more than farms. It is about the food we eat, the clothes we wear, and increasingly the fuel we will use. It assures that we will have a safe, strong food supply now and for years to come," Chairman Peterson said.
"I am proud of the balanced and forward-looking Farm Bill that we have passed supporting conservation, nutrition, rural, renewable energy, labor, and farm country."
Important highlights of the Farm Bill (H.R. 2419) include:
. Investing more than $1.6 billion in priorities to strengthen and support the fruit and vegetable industry in the United States. A new section for Horticulture and Organic Agriculture includes nutrition, research, pest management and trade promotion programs.
. Implementing Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling for fruit, vegetables and meat after years of delay.
. Expanding the USDA Snack Program, which helps schools provide healthy snacks to students during after-school activities to all 50 states and continuing the DOD Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, which provides a variety of fresh produce to schools.
. Strengthening and enhancing the food stamp program by reforming benefit rules to improve coverage of food costs and expand access to the program with additional funding support.
. Including key provisions that invest in rural communities nationwide, including economic development programs and access to broadband telecommunication services.
. Providing farmers participating in commodity programs with a choice between traditional price protection and new market-oriented revenue coverage payments.
. Strengthening payment limits to ensure that people making more than $1 million a year (adjusted gross income) can't collect conservation and farm program payments and closing loopholes that allow people to avoid payment limits by receiving money through multiple business units.
. Extending and making significant new investments in popular conservation programs, including the Conservation Reserve Program, Wetlands Reserve Program, Environmental Quality Incentive Program, Farm and Ranchland Protection Program, and many others.
. Making important new investments in renewable energy research, development and production in rural America.
. Rebalancing loan rates and target prices among commodities, achieving greater regional equity.
. Establishing a new National Agriculture Research Program Office to coordinate the programs and activities of USDA's research
agencies to minimize duplication and maximize coordination at all levels and creates a competitive grants program.
. Protecting and sustaining our nation's forest resources.
The House of Representatives passed the 2007 Farm Bill (H.R. 2419) by a vote of 231-191. The Senate must now consider the Farm Bill.
The 2002 Farm Bill expires on September 30, 2007.
CHA Brings 30 Diverse Organizations Together To Support SCHIP Reauthorization and Oppose the President's Veto Threat
Health Care Conference on Organ Donation
Check back for more information.
ND Conference of Churches to Host Conference with NCRLC Speaker
FAITHFUL STEWARDSHIP: CLIMATE & ENERGY
MEDINA - “Faithful Stewardship: Climate & Energy” will be the topic of the annual Rural Life Convocation to be held on August 19 – 20, sponsored by the Rural Life Committee of the North Dakota Conference of Churches.
Tim Kautza, a science and environmental specialist with the National Catholic Rural Life Conference (NCRLC) will lead the convocation. Kautza, who was recently named NCRLC’s interim executive director, brings 30 years of natural science experience with a masters degree in education to faith issues and parish ministry. Kautza will lead discussions of the principles of faithful stewardship and energy, and personal, community and societal stewardship opportunities.
Also serving as a resource person for the event will be Renee Gopal of Ashley, ND, who is the Project Coordinator of the Prairie Climate Stewardship Network. She will introduce the work of the newly formed non-profit organization in the state which is seeking to build public and private support for climate stewardship initiatives in the Northern Plains and to increase public understanding of global climate change. Gopal is the former executive secretary of the North Dakota Conference of Churches.
The Rural Life Convocation which is conducted annually by the Rural Life Committee of the North Dakota Conference of Churches, focuses on issues of concern to the rural faith community. “No matter how we understand the issues of energy and the global climate, we recognize that this is a matter of stewardship for the faith community,” according to Pastor Karl Limvere of Medina, who chairs the Rural Life Committee. “As stewards of creation, we have a responsibility to both better understand our impact upon the global environment and to take appropriate actions so that future generations will be able to enjoy the fullness of the creation we have been given.”
The event will be hosted by the Zion United Church of Christ in Medina. Persons interested in participating in the Rural Life Convocation are asked to contact: Lisa Jacobson, Executive Secretary, NDCC,. PO Box 123, Mandan, ND 58554. Telephone 701-226-8037 exe_sec.ndcc@yahoo.com. Registration forms will also be available from many local churches. A $50 registration fee covers meals, room, and materials.
NEWS CONTACT:
Karl Limvere, Chair
Rural Life Committee, NDCC
PO Box 725, Medina, ND 58467
701-486-3369 zionucc@daktel.com
Undocumented immigrants not same as criminals, says Vatican official
By Catholic News Service
BRUSSELS, Belgium (CNS) -- Being an undocumented immigrant is not the same thing as being a criminal, a Vatican official told the Global Forum on Migration and Development.
"Independently of their legal status," migrants are human beings with rights that must be respected, said Archbishop Agostino Marchetto, secretary of the Pontifical Council for Migrants and Travelers.
The archbishop spoke July 9 at the opening of the global forum, a gathering of nongovernmental and faith-inspired organizations, labor unions and researchers convoked by the Belgian government to come up with concrete proposals for improved international policies on migration and development.
While people have a right to live at peace and with dignity in their home countries, they also have a right to migrate when those needs are not met, Archbishop Marchetto told the forum.
"An irregular migration status, in fact, does not mean criminality," he said.
The international community must find more effective means to promote peace and development throughout the world so that people do not feel forced to leave their homelands and to increase channels for legal migration, he said.
Migration is prompted not only by war or poverty in the developing world, but also by the need of the world's richer countries for laborers, he said.
"Thus, migrants contribute to their host country's well-being," he said.
No matter what migrants' legal status is, he said, "their human dignity must be respected and their freedoms guaranteed: the right to a dignified life; to fair treatment at work; to have access to education, health and other social benefits; to grow in competence and develop humanly; (and) to freely manifest their culture and practice their religion."
At the same time, the archbishop said, migrants have the obligation to respect the laws of their host country and to "strive for proper integration (not assimilation) into the host society and learn its language. They are to foster esteem and respect for their host country, even to the point of loving and defending it."
Health Care Directives Pages Revised
South Dakota Scheduled Execution and Feast of Maria Goretti
Notably, today, in a sense the eve of the week, is the Feast of Saint Maria Goretti. Goretti was murdered after she refused her attacker's sexual advances. The killer, Alsessandro Serenelli, eventually confessed, repented, and testified for Goretti's beatification cause. He spent the rest of his life at a Capuchin monastery serving the Lord.
Elijah Page, who is only 25, will not have the opportunity for such a conversion and life. Sadly, his execution comes becomes he has waived all appeals. Essentially, the state of South Dakota is assisting Page's suicide.
Catholic Bishops Urge Amnesty International To Restore Its Neutral Position On Abortion
WASHINGTON—The U.S. bishops have joined persons urging Amnesty International to restore its neutral position on abortion and to reverse a recent decision by its executive council to take a pro-abortion stand.
The bishops’ position was outlined in a July 2 statement from Bishop William S. Skylstad, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. He urged Amnesty International to reverse the decision when its International Council meets in Mexico in August.
“The action of the Executive Council undermines Amnesty’s longstanding moral credibility, diverts its mission, divides its own members (many of whom are Catholic or defend the rights of unborn children), and jeopardizes Amnesty’s support by people in many nations, cultures and religion,” Bishop Skylstad said.
Bishop Skylstad noted the words of Cardinal Renato Martino, president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, who recently said that “if in fact Amnesty International persists in this course of action, individuals and Catholic organizations must withdraw their support, because, in deciding to promote abortion rights, AI has betrayed its mission.”
Amnesty International was founded by a Catholic layman, Peter Benenson, and has been a beacon of hope to thousands of prisoners of conscience and victims of abuse and torture.
“AI has been a source of inspiration to millions of supporters, including the many Catholics who are members,” Bishop Skylstad said. “Much more urgent work remains, work which we believe will be harmed by this unprecedented and unnecessary involvement in the abortion debate.
“While the proposed action by Amnesty International may appear to some to support women’s freedom or provide a compassionate response to women in difficult situations of pregnancy, abortion injures the health and dignity of women at the same time that it ends the life of the unborn child,” Bishop Skylstad added. “A far more compassionate response is to provide support and services for pregnant women, advance their educational and economic standing in society, and resist all forms of violence and stigmatization against them. The Catholic Church provides these services to many women around the world and commits itself to continuing to do so.
“Based on this commitment to women, the Church does not object to AI’s stand against criminal penalties for women who have undergone abortion. In fact, the Catholic Church has long held that these women need compassion and healing, not punishment. However, AI’s policy also exempts abortion practitioners from meaningful penalties and thereby trivializes the harm done by abortion. AI’s new policy appears to apply to every stage of pregnancy and has already led AI-USA to oppose laws against the killing of partially-delivered children. Similarly, the policy of advancing access to abortion to preserve women’s ‘health,’ a word left undefined by AI, has not confined the practice to narrow circumstances, but in American law has led to abortion on demand.”
The complete statement follows.
A Plea to Amnesty International
Members
A
Statement of the President of the United States
Conference of Catholic Bishops
Bishop
William S. Skylstad, Bishop of
Spokane
July 2,
2007
It is
deeply disappointing that the Executive Council of
Amnesty International (AI) recently abandoned Amnesty
International’s neutral stance on abortion to
take a pro-abortion position. The U.S.
Conference of Catholic Bishops has been among those
urging Amnesty to reject this proposed change when
its International Council meets in August; however,
action by Amnesty’s Executive Council in April
2007 preempted this process. I call upon the
members of Amnesty’s International Council to
reverse this decision.
The
action of the Executive Council undermines
Amnesty’s longstanding moral credibility,
diverts its mission, divides its own members (many of
whom are Catholic or defend the rights of unborn
children), and jeopardizes Amnesty’s support by
people in many nations, cultures and religions.
As Cardinal Renato Martino, president of the
Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, recently
said, “if in fact Amnesty International
persists in this course of action, individuals and
Catholic organizations must withdraw their support,
because, in deciding to promote abortion rights, AI
has betrayed its
mission.”
For many years, the Catholic community in the United
States and elsewhere has admired and worked with
Amnesty International in its efforts to advance the
cause of universal human rights. Founded by a
Catholic layman, Peter Benenson, Amnesty
International has been a beacon of hope to thousands
of prisoners of conscience and victims of abuse and
torture. In this regard AI has been a source of
inspiration to millions of supporters, including the
many Catholics who are members. Much more
urgent work remains, work which we believe will be
harmed by this unprecedented and unnecessary
involvement in the abortion debate.
While the proposed action by Amnesty International
may appear to some to support women’s freedom
or provide a compassionate response to women in
difficult situations of pregnancy, abortion injures
the health and dignity of women at the same time that
it ends the life of the unborn child. A
far more compassionate response is to provide support
and services for pregnant women, advance their
educational and economic standing in society, and
resist all forms of violence and stigmatization
against them. The Catholic Church provides
these services to many women around the world and
commits itself to continuing to do so.
Based on this commitment to women, the Church does
not object to AI’s stand against criminal
penalties for women who have undergone
abortion. In fact, the Catholic Church has long
held that these women need compassion and healing,
not punishment. However, AI’s policy also
exempts abortion practitioners from meaningful
penalties and thereby trivializes the harm done by
abortion. AI’s new policy appears to
apply to every stage of pregnancy and has already led
AI-USA to oppose laws against the killing of
partially-delivered children. Similarly, the
policy of advancing access to abortion to preserve
women’s “health,” a word left
undefined by AI, has not confined the practice to
narrow circumstances, but in American law has led to
abortion on demand.
I urge the members of the International Council of
Amnesty International, when they meet in Mexico in
August, to reconsider and rescind this new
policy. It is never too late to seek justice
for all vulnerable and oppressed members of the human
family.
Catholic Charities USA on Failed Immigration Bill
Rev. Larry Snyder, president of Catholic Charities USA, issued the following statement on the Senate pulling the immigration bill from the floor.
“The Senate’s inability to pass fair and comprehensive immigration reform is a monumental failure for our country.
“Our nation needs its leaders to find compromise solutions to solve our toughest challenges. Today’s action to give up on the bill leaves in place the status quo – a deeply flawed, untenable, and much-criticized immigration system that is desperate need of reform.
“Sadly, just as our nation prepares to celebrate its birthday, the U.S. Senate has turned its back on Lady Liberty and the 12 million immigrants living in fear who yearn to breathe free and achieve the American dream.
“This must not be the end of the efforts by Congress this year to reform our broken immigration system. This requires a humanitarian solution not partisan politics. Catholic Charities USA calls on the Senate to show leadership and try again to find agreement on comprehensive immigration bill. Too much is at stake for our country, for immigrants and their families who are seeking a better life, and for our nation’s security.”
House Votes to Fund Abortion Advocacy - Abstinence Amendment Fails - Veto Forthcoming?
Committee Bill Negated Policy
As reported to the House floor, the Fiscal Year 2008 State/Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill (H.R. 2764) contained language (Section 622) that would negate the Administration’s Mexico City Policy (MCP). The bill stated: ". . . no contract or grant which includes funding for the provision of contraceptives in developing countries, shall be denied to any nongovernmental organization solely on the basis of the policy contained in the President’s March 28, 2001, Memorandum to the Administrator of United States Agency for International Development. . . ."
In the referenced 2001 memorandum, the President restored the MCP, which provides that U.S. international family planning funds can be given only to nongovernmental organizations that do not perform or promote abortion as a method of family planning. H.R. 2764 would appropriate $441 million for global population assistance. The MCP does not reduce this funding level. It only guarantees that the monies would be used for family planning and not to support organizations that seek to export abortion on request into vulnerable poor countries.
Two Floor Amendments
Reps. Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Bart Stupak (D-MI) announced that on the floor they would offer an amendment to strike the pertinent language in Section 622 and uphold the MCP.
However, Rep. Nita Lowey (D-NY), chairwoman of the committee that produced H.R. 2764, announced that she would modify the language in Section 622. In time, it became clear that the Lowey Amendment would strike "which includes funding for the provision of contraceptives in developing countries" and substitute "for the exclusive purpose of providing donated contraceptives in developing countries." Not funding contraceptives but donating contraceptives. The rest of Section 622 remained the same, including the reference to the President’s MCP.
The Floor Votes
On June 21, during floor debate on H.R. 2764, the House approved the Lowey Amendment modifying Section 622, 223-yes, 201-no, 14-not voting (Roll Call 533). "No" was a pro-life vote. Immediately thereafter, the House rejected the Smith/Stupak Amendment, 205-yes, 218-no, 14-not voting (Roll Call 534). "Yes" was a pro-life vote. The Smith/Stupak Amendment would have struck the language in Section 622 as modified by the Lowey Amendment.
Administration Reaffirmed Veto Pledge
Two days before these votes, a Statement of Administration Policy reaffirmed the President’s intent to uphold current policies and laws on abortion. "Consistent with the President’s letter of May 3, 2007, if the President were presented a bill, such as H.R. 2764, that weakens current Federal policies and laws on abortion, he would veto the bill."
Church Support for MCP
Cardinal Justin Rigali, Chairman of the Bishops’ Committee for Pro-Life Activities, sent a letter to House Members, urging support of the Smith/Stupak Amendment. The Cardinal highlighted the origins and purpose of the MCP and, responding to those opposing the MCP and claiming to want to reduce abortion, made four observations: first, abortion does not plan a family but kills a member of the family; second, studies show that promoting contraceptives does not necessarily reduce abortions; third, when made available alongside preventive methods, abortion replaces prevention; and fourth, it is contrary to logic and common sense to say that abortions can be reduced by supporting groups dedicated to promoting abortion. For full text of the letter, see: nchla.org/docdisplay.asp?ID=164.
Responding to the House votes, Deirdre A. McQuade, Director of Planning and Information for the Bishops’ Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities, affirmed that "Exporting abortion overseas will not lower abortion rates, is resented by developing countries, and is not supported by the American people." She expressed gratitude to President Bush for his pledge to exercise his veto power to uphold the MCP.
Important Follow-Up
Thanks to all those who responded to the Action Alerts on the MCP. The vote on the Smith/Stupak Amendment demonstrates that by-and-large pro-life advocates in the House stood firm in their support of the MCP and were not swayed or confused by Rep. Lowey’s maneuvers.
Be sure to thank those Representatives who voted against the Lowey Amendment and for the Smith/Stupak Amendment. And express your disappointment to those who voted in any way to negate the MCP. To check how your Representative voted on these two Roll Call votes, see: clerk.house.gov/evs/2007/roll533.xml (Lowey Amendment, Roll Call 533) and clerk.house.gov/evs/2007/roll534.xml (Smith/Stupak Amendment, Roll Call 534).
Abstinence Amendment
In another matter of concern to the Church, Rep. Joseph Pitts (R-PA) offered an amendment to strike from H.R. 2764 language that would eliminate current policy whereby in the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) one-third of HIV and AIDS prevention funds are allocated to abstinence-before-marriage programs. Bishop Thomas Wenski, Chairman of the Bishops’ Committee on International Policy, and Ken Hackett, President of Catholic Relief Services, had sent a letter to the House urging retention of the current policy. See: nchla.org/datasource/idocuments/PEPFAR%20Funding.pdf. Unfortunately, the House rejected the Pitts Amendment, 200-yes, 226-no, 12-not voting (Roll Call 532). For how Members voted, see: clerk.house.gov/evs/2007/roll532.xml.
Action Alert on New Immigration Bill
WHAT: Today, the U.S. Senate will resume debate on immigration. Several amendments are likely to be considered to S. 1639. Our policy staff have reviewed the many amendments that are coming forth and have begun to define which we will ask Senators to support and which to oppose.
During the remainder of this week we will be asking you to take 5 minutes and contact your Senators regarding various amendments.
Join the Justice for Immigrants (JFI) Campaign in our advocacy efforts. TAKE 5 and call your Senators today!
ACTION NEEDED: Take 5 minutes to call both your Senators today and tell them about these 4 amendments we support or oppose. Call 202-224-3121 and ask for your Senators' offices now.
Ask both your Senators to:
SUPPORT FAMILY-REUNIFICATION AMENDMENTS
· Amendment # 1199 (Dodd): This would increase the number of visas that are available for parents of U.S. citizens, and would extend the number of days each year that non-immigrant parents could visit families in the United States.
· Amendment # 1317 (Menendez): This would modify the point system to give greater weight to family ties for green-card applicants. Family members could receive up to fifteen points in their application, rather than the ten points that would currently be given to family members in the base bill.
SUPPORT A WORKABLE LEGALIZATION PROGRAM
· Amendment # 1236 (Baucus-Tester): This amendment would strike provisions that make the bill’s legalization program dependent upon the systematic implementation of REAL ID documents. Several states have already passed laws rejecting to implement REAL ID; additionally, best estimates are that this program would take many years and billions of dollars to execute. This amendment would set more realistic goals and expectations for when the legalization program could take effect.
OPPOSE PROVISIONS ENDANGERING VULNERABLE IMMIGRANTS
· Amendment # 1473 (Coleman): This is a slightly modified version of an amendment that was narrowly defeated in this year’s Senate immigration debate. In spite of these changes, the amendment would still prevent local law enforcement officials from choosing to afford certain protections to vulnerable immigrants who are preyed upon by criminals.
BACKGROUND: More information is available at the Justice for Immigrants (JFI) Campaign website.
New Editorial Posted
Action Alert: No Tax Dollars for Groups Exporting Abortion Around the World
First articulated by the Reagan Administration at a U.N. population conference in Mexico City in 1984, the policy was overturned by the Clinton Administration, then reinstated in 2001 by President Bush. Since 2001, abortion advocates have tried to reverse the MCP by legislation.
The Fiscal Year 2008 State/Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill, which designates $441 million for international family planning, stipulates that federal funding for contraceptives in foreign countries shall not be denied "to any nongovernmental organization solely on the basis of the policy contained in the President’s March 28, 2001, Memorandum" to the Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The President had restored the MCP on January 22, 2001, then implemented his policy decision through this March 28 memorandum.
During House floor debate, an amendment will be offered to strike the language negating the MCP.
In NCHLA’s list of key abortion votes, the last House vote on the MCP occurred in 2001. Many Members have never cast a floor vote on the issue. Members’ votes on the MCP can be found at: nchla.org/keyvotes.asp?ID=2.
For more information on the Mexico City Policy, see "Issues" on NCHLA’s web page at: nchla.org/issues.asp?ID=2.
ACTION: Please contact your Representative by FAX letter, phone, or e-mail. Call the U.S. Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121, or call your Representative’s local office. For access to Representatives’ full contact information, see: www.house.gov.
MESSAGE: "Please vote to uphold the Mexico City Policy. U.S. tax dollars should not be given to organizations that perform or promote abortion as a method of family planning in foreign countries."
WHEN: The House could take up the Fiscal Year 2008 State/Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill on June 19 or 20. Please act today! Thanks! 6/13/07
Farm Bill Update from NCRLC
The House Agriculture Committee continues its markup of the Farm Bill and expects to complete this process before the July 4th recess. During this coming week, the House subcommittee on General Commodities and Risk Management will complete their work, followed by full committee markup scheduled for June 26-28. House Agriculture Chairman Collin Peterson (D-MN) is guaranteed floor time for the week of July 16th.
The House encourages the public to follow the development of the Farm Bill. The House Ag Committee has created a webpage (http://agriculture.house.gov/inside/2007FarmBill.html) where you can get updates on the Farm Bill process and read markups of subcommittee work.
The Senate version of the Farm Bill is expected to come to full committee during the latter part of July. Senate hearings on the Farm Bill are found at http://agriculture.senate.gov/
The National Catholic Rural Life Conference continues our effort to provide information and perspectives on farm and food policy. Visit http://www.ncrlc.com/FarmBillCampaign.html
------------------------------- FAITH GROUPS VISIT CONGRESS ABOUT FARM BILL
On June 10-12, church groups and members of Bread for the World gathered in Washington, DC to advocate for a Farm Bill that helps reduce hunger, supports family farms and protects the environment. Hundreds of advocates from around the country walked the halls of Congress to let their representatives know that it¹s time for a new farm bill.
For those unable to make it to Washington, you can still be a part of this effort. First, visit www.bread.org and learn more about their efforts to serve the needs of those who hunger. Second, visit the advocacy website of Church World Service "Sow Justice for Family Farmers -- and send letters to your representative and senators: http://capwiz.com/churchworld/issues/alert/?alertid=9872046&type=TA
Finally, stay tuned through NCRLC e-bulletins to further advocacy days in the weeks ahead, including the voice of Catholic groups involved in many aspects of the Farm Bill -- from nutrition and food aid, to commodities and trade, and on through conservation, bioenergy and rural development programs.
Some Updates from Catholic Charities USA
On June 15, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced that the Senate will resume debate on immigration. This will occur after the Senate completes its energy bill, which is expected prior to the July 4th recess. This news comes after Senate Democrat and Republican leaders announced that they had agreed on a way to revive the comprehensive immigration proposal, the “Secure Borders, Economic Opportunity and Immigration Reform Act of 2007” (S.1348). The proposal was pulled from the Senate floor last week when supporters received only 45 of the 60 votes needed to end debate and vote on the bill. Earlier in the day, President Bush called for $ 4.4 billion in spending to show that the Administration was committed to “securing this border once and for all.”
While details of the agreement are still unclear, we hear from varying sources that the Senate will consider at least 20 amendments, half from Republicans and half from Democrats. These amendments are likely to include:
- An amendment offered by Senators Mel Martinez (R-FL), Jon Kyl (R-AZ), and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) that would provide $4.4 billion in mandatory spending on border security in interior enforcement.
- A contentious amendment by Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) that would require undocumented immigrants to return to their country before applying for legal status.
Thank you for responding to the action alert asking the Senate to return to immigration reform. As you can see, your voice can make a difference. In the coming weeks, please look for additional opportunities to join in our advocacy efforts. You can also visit the Justice for Newcomers website for more resources and information on the immigration debate.
For more information, please contact Lucreda Cobbs, Director of Immigration and Special Populations Policy, at lcobbs@catholiccharitiesusa.org.
House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health, and Human Services and Education Marks Up Bill
Recently, the U.S. House of Representatives Appropriations Committee, Subcommittee on Labor, Health, and Human Services and Educations marked up its appropriations bill for fiscal year (FY) 2008. As reported last week, the proposed allocations would boost funding in the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education programs by more than $10 billion over the President’s request and $6 billion over the amount approved by Congress last year. However, the Coalition on Human Needs reports that accounting for inflation this is only a 2.6 percent increase. More details from the Coalition on Human Needs are provided below.
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) received a $500 million increase in contingency funds. The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) received a marginal 2 percent increase after inflation. In education, the Even Start program was not eliminated in contrast to the President’s proposal.
Some programs were level-funded without accounting for inflation. In regards to child welfare, several programs were level-funded. In regards to early childhood development, Head Start did not receive an increase accounting for inflation. In regards to the Workforce Investment Act, funds would drop 2 percent. In regards to the SAMHSA Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, the funding was down 1 percent counting inflation.
The full Appropriations Committee is not expected to take up this Subcommittee bill until after the July 4th recess.
Appropriations Background: Appropriations is the annual process of funding specific programs; the House and Senate Appropriations Committees are responsible for the overall funding process, and their 12 subcommittees are responsible for funding specific programs. The Appropriations Committees distribute the total amount of funding in the budget resolution (passed by Congress that sets the overall ceiling for Congressional spending) among their subcommittees. The subcommittees then hold hearings on funding bills, as well as “mark ups” where Members debate funding, consider amendments, and vote to send the bills to the full Appropriations Committees. The Appropriations Committees then hold their own mark ups before voting to send the bill to the full House or Senate for approval.
House appropriations subcommittees began work on several bills this week. Catholic Charities USA will keep you updated on specific program allotments as the appropriations process continues.
For more information, please contact Christin Driscoll, Senior Director for Policy Development and Advocacy, at cdriscoll@catholiccharitiesusa.org.
Homeless Assistance Legislation Introduced in Senate
Recently, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) introduced legislation to reauthorize the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Programs, the main source of federal funding for homeless assistance. This June marks the 20th anniversary of the McKinney-Vento Act and advocates are hopeful that the reauthorization of the Act will move forward this year.
The legislation, “The Community Partnership to End Homelessness Act of 2007” (S. 1518), is the Senate version of the reauthorization bill introduced earlier this year in the U.S. House of Representatives, the Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing (HEARTH) Act (H.R. 840).
Like the HEARTH Act, the Senate bill includes several positive provisions for reauthorization. For example, it consolidates the McKinney-Vento homeless assistance programs (excluding Emergency Shelter Grants). For the first time, homeless prevention efforts would also be eligible for funding. It also allows the new 25 percent match requirement for housing and supportive services to be met either in cash or with an in-kind contribution.
However, the Senate bill does not expand the HUD definition of homelessness to include persons living doubled-up with others or living in hotels or motels. This will impact the many homeless families and children who often live in such situations. Also, compared to the HEARTH Act, the Senate bill provides less flexibility for communities to meet their demonstrated local needs rather than priorities set by HUD. It codifies the HUD priority of committing 30 percent of homeless assistance funding to provide permanent housing to chronically homeless populations. This may conflict with demonstrated needs within communities where the homeless population may not include large numbers of chronically homeless persons.
Catholic Charities USA will continue to advocate for a McKinney-Vento reauthorization that provides for a balanced approach to preventing and ending homelessness. Look for upcoming opportunities to take action on ending homelessness in America.
For more information, please contact Candy Hill, Senior Vice President of Social Policy, at chill@catholiccharitiesusa.org.
Catholic Charities USA Kicks Off National Dialogue on the Role of Fatherhood: Poverty Campaign Highlights Family Connections in June
On June 14, Catholic Charities USA kicked off a national dialogue on the role that fathers play in helping children grow up in safe and supportive families. The kick-off event, hosted by Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago, was a conversation with low-income fathers, services providers, and community leaders to hear the challenges low-income fathers face in connecting with their children. Among those speaking were nearly a dozen fathers participating in Catholic Charities of Chicago programs, including teenagers about to become fathers, fathers who had previously been homeless, and those without employment or in low-income jobs.
These fathers spoke of their hopes and dreams for their children and the impact their fathers or a father figure had in their lives. They spoke about policies that would help dads be better fathers, such as better employment opportunities, livable wages, safe housing, and a fresh start for ex-offenders. The comments from these fathers will be utilized to bolster Catholic Charities USA’s federal advocacy efforts for policies and programs that support fathers and strengthen family connections.
If we truly want to cut poverty in half by 2020, building strong family connections—especially through providing more support for low-income fathers—must be part of the solution. Our nation’s public policies and programs have often left fathers out of the resources that have been made available to families. By supporting low-income men and fathers in a more comprehensive way, we can reduce many of the challenges that cause families to fall apart and children to fall into poverty.
Click here to read a press release on the kick-off event and Catholic Charities USA’s positions on policies that strengthen family connections.
North Dakota Catholic Health Care Provider Named to National Review Board
Dr. Kenney is an adult, child and adolescent psychiatrist at Prairie St. John’s, a Catholic health care organization offering psychiatric and chemical dependency services in Fargo, North Dakota. He has worked at Prairie St. John’s since 1996. He is a graduate of Creighton University
School of Medicine. He is an executive council member of the Northern Lights Council of the Boy Scouts of America and a member of the board of directors of the Dorothy Day House, Moorhead, Minnesota; and the Fargo Catholic Schools Network Council.
The National Review Board was established by the USCCB in June, 2002, when the bishops adopted their Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. The board’s purpose is to collaborate with the USCCB to prevent sexual abuse of minors by persons in the service of the Church in the United States.
Action Alert - Abstinence Education
ACTION NEEDED: Send a message to all of our North Dakota delegation. Ask them to:
- WHEN: Now.
Cardinal Urges Congress To Continue Funding Abstinence Programs
Amendment Offered to Exclude Catholic Church from Housing Program
The House is debating H.R. 1427, the Federal Housing Reform Act of 2007, with a final vote coming as early as Tuesday, May 22. While the USCCB has no position on H.R. 1427, which establishes new regulations for Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Federal Home Loan Banks, there are two issues the USCCB is following:
(1) HR 1427 includes a provision reserving some $500,000,000 a year as a dedicated source of funding for an affordable housing trust fund. The Catholic bishops have long supported the creation of a national housing trust fund as one way to meet our nation’s promise of a decent home for every American family.
A National Housing Trust Fund would serve as a source of revenue for the production of new housing, and the preservation or rehabilitation of existing housing that is affordable for low income people.
The lack of affordable housing in our nation threatens the well-being of families and the economic life of our communities. The lack of housing in our communities affects economic development—businesses simply will not locate in communities where their workers cannot live.
(2) An amendment has been offered (Mr. Hensarling AMENDMENT NO. 28) that would have the effect of excluding the Catholic Church and other religious organizations from using the housing trust funds to help low-income families gain the housing they desperately need.
A similar amendment was offered to a version of this bill in the last Congress. On October 3, 2005, Bishop DiMarzio wrote to then Speaker of the House J. Dennis Hastert urging the rejection of proposals to restrict eligibility for the affordable housing funds, which would have excluded most Catholic agencies.
“Proposals that would limit eligible recipients to organizations that have as their primary purpose the provision of affordable housing would effectively prevent Catholic dioceses, parishes and Catholic Charities agencies from participating in Affordable Housing Fund programs. Similarly, proposals that would prohibit recipients from engaging in voter registration and lobbying activities with their own funds during the period they are utilizing affordable housing funds would force Catholic agencies to choose between participating in Affordable Housing Fund programs or engaging in constitutionally protected voter registration and lobbying activities with their own funds.
“I urge you to oppose inclusion of these kinds of unnecessary limitations and prohibitions … as [the bill] moves to the House floor for a vote. There are ample ways to write safeguards into the legislation to prevent the diversion of affordable housing funds to uses other than what they are intended without requiring recipients to forego their constitutionally protected rights as a condition for participating in Affordable Housing Fund programs.” (Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio letter on Affordable Housing Fund, October 3, 2005)
The USCCB urges a vote against these types of Amendments.
ACTION REQUESTED:
- Call Your Representative(s) and urge them to support the inclusion of the Affordable Housing Fund in H.R. 1427.
- Ask them to oppose the Hensarling Amendment #28 whose effect would exclude the Catholic Community from using these funds to help house low income families.
- Please use this toll free number, 877-210-5351, for the congressional switchboard and ask to be connected to your Representative’s office.
Legislative Council Chooses Studies for Interim
- a study of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program;
- study how various public and private entities can cooperate with families to promote health lifestyles for children and create awareness about the interplay of healthy lifestyle choices and educational success
- study the feasibility and desirability of establishing a transition to independence program for young adults with mental illness
- study ways in which schools and school districts can train teachers, counselors, and all other school staff to better identify high-risk students and provide programs designed to reduce the incidences of high-risk behaviors that can lead to suicide attempts
Go here for a complete list of the studies chosen.
Catholic Immigration Effort Launches A Million Prayers Initiative May 20-26
The campaign, called “A Million Prayers Initiative,” asks Catholics to lobby and pray on behalf of immigrants nationwide, their families, and members of Congress. Information on the campaign can be found at http://www.usccb.org/mrs/jfi/millionprayers.shtml .
“This is a most critical time in the comprehensive immigration reform debate with legislative solutions being proposed by both the President and Congress, said School Sister of Notre Dame Jane Burke,” manager of Justice for Immigrants.
“The U.S. Senate will be considering this legislation during the next two weeks. They need our prayers and need to know that we are calling for a just and equitable immigration reform bill, one that will make a vital difference in the lives of those who will live by its mandates. Our voices are essential to the passage of this crucial legislation. There are many ways to raise our voices but two in particular are called for at this moment – advocacy and prayer.”
The week of prayer precedes Pentecost, the Church feast which celebrates the coming of the Holy Spirit.
Catholics are asked to prayer a special Justice Prayer to guide thousands of advocates as they work to influence the passage of a just and humane comprehensive immigration reform bill in the U.S. Congress. This legislation will affect millions of human lives—those working, paying taxes, strengthening communities, and enriching the moral fiber of our country with a brilliant resurgence of cultural diversity.
The campaign also calls on Catholics to call their senators and educate the public on the U. S. bishops’ five immigration principles
- To make family a priority in immigration law
- To insist the worker programs contain protection for U.S. and migrant workers
- To allow for an earned legalization program for the undocumented in the country
- To restore due process protections
- To respond to the economic, political, and social root causes of migration.
Action Alert: Immigration Reform
ACTION NEEDED: Send a message to BOTH of your Senators starting TODAY! Ask them to:
- Pass just and comprehensive immigration reform legislation that preserves families; provides a path to lawful permanent residence and citizenship for the 11-12 million undocumented in our nation; and improves the economic prospects, health, labor protections, and stability of all U.S. residents, including newcomers.
- WHERE:
- Senator Kent Conrad
- Washington: (202) 224-2043
- Bismarck: (701) 258-4648
- Toll Free: 1-800-223-4457
- Fargo: Telephone: (701) 232-8030
- Grand Forks: Telephone: (701) 775-9601
- Minot: Telephone: (701) 852-0703
- senator@conrad.senate.gov
- Senator Byron L. Dorgan
- Washington: (202) 224-2551
- Bismarck: (701) 250-4618
- Toll Free: 1-800-666-4482
- Fargo: (701) 239-5389
- Grand Forks: (701) 746-8972
- Minot: (701) 852-0703
- senator@dorgan.senate.gov
Changes at the Conference
The conference has chosen Caitlin McDonald as the new health care advocate and associate director. Caitlin was raised in Bismarck and recently returned from the University of Kansas. She represented the State Association of Nonpublic Schools during the last legislative session.
Legislature Might Study Suicide Prevention
Br. David Andrews, CSC to Step Down as National Catholic Rural Life Director
Br. David Andrews, CSC, executive director of NCRLC since 1994, has announced his resignation to the President and Board of NCRLC. He will complete his service on May 30th. During his 13 years as executive director, Br. Dave advanced the work and presence of the National Catholic Rural Life Conference to the Church, rural America and global efforts supporting family farmers and rural communities.
In his letter to the Board, Br. Dave said he deeply appreciates his many years serving within NCRLC as Executive Director, which followed ten years as a member of the Board of Directors and its committees. "I've also had the benefit of working with outstanding bishops at many levels, at the U.S. Catholic Conference of Bishops, at the Holy See, and generally in my many travels. I hope you will always convey my gratitude to our bishop leaders. I appreciate the work that has been rendered on behalf of this notable ministry of NCRLC."
Br. Dave expressed his "appreciation of the wonderful staff with whom I've been working for these past years." NCRLC currently has six staff members in the Des Moines office and a seventh member based in Baltimore, Maryland. The Board of NCRLC plans to appoint an interim director and will begin a search for a new executive director after June 1st.
Br. Dave is looking forward to a sabbatical when he formally departs at the end of May. He plans to relocate to the Chicago area and, among other activities, serve more fully as the Coordinator of Peace and Justice for his Congregation of Holy Cross. Br. Dave will also remain involved in various commissions and networks as part of his abiding commitment to sustainable livelihoods in rural and agricultural communities.
As is usual for his work as NCRLC executive director, Br. Dave has a busy travel schedule over the next few weeks. If you would like to express your appreciation for his many years of service, you can write him at ncrlc2@mchsi.com or send a letter to 4625 Beaver Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50310.
Cover the Uninsured Week - Must Visit Links
In North Dakota, out of a total population of 636,677 people, 12.2% do not have health insurance coverage. 8.6% of North Dakota's children are uninsured -- that is over 12,400 children!
Go here for more information about the uninsured in North Dakota.
Find out about the U.S. Bishops' Involvement in Cover the Uninsured Week.
Find out about the Catholic Health Association's involvement in Cover the Uninsured Week.
Visit the Cover the Uninsured Week web site.
Governor Hoeven Signs Bill Making Abortion Alternatives Permanent
Sitting left to right: Senator Aaron Krauter, Governor John Hoeven, Representative Kim Koppelman.
Standing left to right: Stacey Pfliiger, North Dakota Right to Life; Christopher Dodson, North Dakota Catholic Conference; Senator Judy Lee; Representative Jim Kerzman.
Legislative Session Finished!
Legislature Carries On
The House and the Senate continue to try work out disagreements on property tax, higher education, and other issues. Getting less attention from the press, but still very important is the Department of Human Services budget (SB 2012.) Senators refused to accept a conference committee report that reduced the total funding in the bill to a level less than even the Governor's request. After more consideration, conferees have improved the bill by providing more funding for programs assisting the developmentally disabled and allowing "continuous eligibility" for medicaid recipients.
The latest agreement now goes to the floors of both chambers for approval.
HB 1466 Updates
The Bismarck Tribune reports that Governor Hoeven will sign the bill.
ND Legislature Approves Abortion Trigger Ban -- Statement by Conference
House Bill 1466 would place in North Dakota law a ban on abortion to go into effect when it becomes constitutionally enforceable. Some have asked why the state should place a law on the books that does not immediately go into effect. We ask -- How can a state that claims to care for human life justify not having such a law? Fortunately, a large majority of legislators from both political parties understood the importance of, and wisdom in, House Bill 1466.
We now look forward to working with the legislature, state agencies, and all interested persons in preparation for the day when HB 1466 becomes effective. We all must continually work for a society in which no woman ever feels that abortion is the answer to an unexpected or crisis pregnancy.
House Passes HB 1466 - Abortion Trigger Ban
Answers to Claims Being About HB 1466
Action Alert: Contact Legislators Now on Abortion Trigger Ban!
Message for Legislators: Please vote "Yes" on HB 1466, to put North Dakota on the side of a culture of life.
When: Immediately!
Where: North Dakota Senate and House of Representatives
Legislative Hotline: 1-888-635-3447 Bismarck: 328-3373
Hearing Impaired: 1-800-366-6888
Representatives’ e-mail addresses can be found at the Legislative Assembly Web Site: http://www.legis.nd.gov/
For more information, go to: http://ndcatholic.org
Latest on Abortion Trigger Ban
When the committee acts, both the House and the Senate could act quickly on the bill. There are only a few more days left in the legislative session!
Supreme Court Upholds Ban on Partial-Birth Abortion
This morning, on a 5-to-4 vote, the Supreme Court upheld the federal ban on partial-birth abortion in Gonzales v. Carhart. As you know, we have been working toward this result for over a decade. This is the first time in 34 years the Court has upheld an actual ban on ANY kind of abortion.
There are many good and interesting things in the decision, including
- the Court's straightforward recognition of the child in the womb as a "living organism" before as well as after viability
- its forthright statement about the government's legitimate and profound interest in protecting life
- its willingness to defer to legislative fact finding in the abortion context
- its recognition of the pain and turmoil of women undergoing abortion.
New Action Alert -- Restore Abortion Trigger Ban
Tell Legislators --
Restore Intent of Abortion Trigger Ban
Last week, a slim majority of the North Dakota
Senate
hastily amended
House Bill 1466 -- the abortion "trigger" ban bill,
replacing the entire bill with a requirement that the
Legislature call a special session if the Supreme
Court changes abortion law.
The Senate's version of the bill does nothing to move
North Dakota closer to building a culture of
life.
A conference committee will meet to work out
differences between the House and Senate versions of
the bill.
Tell your legislator to restore the intent of House
Bill 1466 -- to place in law reasonable protections
for human life that would go into effect when they
become constitutional.
Message
for Legislators: Please support efforts to
restore the intent of HB 1466 – to place in
North Dakota law reasonable protections for unborn
human life. As your constituent, I am concerned about
attempts to weaken House Bill 1466 that would do
nothing to further the culture of life in North
Dakota. Thank you.
When:
Immediately. The conference committee will start work
next week.
Where:
North Dakota Senate and House of Representatives
Legislative Hotline: 1-888-635-3447 Bismarck:
328-3373
Hearing Impaired: 1-800-366-6888
Legislators' e-mail addresses can be found at the
Legislative Assembly Web Site:
http://www.legis.nd.gov/
Clicking "E-Mail Helper" will
automatically prepare a sample e-mail message
for you to send. Try revising it with your own
words. Replace
"yourlegislator@nd.gov" with your legislator's
email address. You can get that from the
Legislative
Assembly Site or contact the Catholic
Conference. Be sure to include your name and
address! They want to know that you live in their
district. Thank you. More
information.
U.S. Bishops' on Embryonic Stem Cell Research Funding Vote
WASHINGTON—An official of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) reacted to this evening’s vote by the U.S. Senate to approve legislation (S. 5) promoting the destruction of human embryos for federally funded stem cell research. The Senate voted for this bill 63 to 34. At the same time, S. 30, a bill to promote alternative ways to pursue stem cell research without harming human embryos, was also approved, 70 to 28.
Richard M. Doerflinger, Deputy Director of the USCCB Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities, said: “With enactment of S. 5, millions of taxpayers would be forced to promote attacks on innocent human life in the name of scientific progress. Americans have not been required to assist in such direct exploitation of vulnerable human life in the past. Because the President has promised to veto this bill, and opposition to it in Congress is sufficient to uphold his veto in both House and Senate, we expect that this terrible burden will not be placed on the American people now.”
“Many members of Congress remain dazzled by irresponsibly hyped promises of ‘miracle cures’ from the destruction of human embryos, although experts in the field increasingly admit that treatments from this avenue may be decades away,” said Mr. Doerflinger. “This debate continues to divert attention and resources away from the demonstrated therapeutic promise of morally sound research using adult and cord blood stem cells. Not only embryonic human beings, but suffering patients and their families, are victims of the Senate’s fixation on destructive research.”
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Prison Funding
Conference Committee to Begin Work on Human Services Budget
Poll Numbers on Abortion
In a recent Harris Interactive poll 72% of Americans said abortion should be illegal in the second three months of pregnancy, and 86% said abortion should be illegal in the last three months of pregnancy.
61% of Americans said abortion should not be permitted after the fetal heartbeat has begun. This occurs in the first month. (Zogby, 2004)
An overwhelming majority of Americans (86%) favor parental consent for minors seeking abortion (Gallup, 2005)
A similar percent (89%) favor informed consent for women seeking abortions (Gallup, 2005)
About 90% of Americans are opposed to performing abortions in the third trimester (Gallup, 2005)
More than two in three Americans (70%) favor a ban on partial-birth abortions (Gallup, 2003)
51% of women say abortion should be available only in cases of rape, incest, or if the life of the mother is endangered (Center for the Advancement of Women, 2003)
72% of 13-17 year olds believe abortion is morally wrong.
(Gallup, 2003)
60% of 18-29 year olds believe abortion should never be legal.
(Zogby, 2004)
Senate Guts Abortion Ban, Gives Pro-Life Forces Additional Opportunities
The final version adopted by the Senate removed all restrictions on abortion and replaced the bill's language with a single paragraph. That paragraph requires the Attorney General to notify the Legislative Council whenever the U.S. Supreme Court has issued a decision that would allow the state to have more restrictive abortion legislation than it has currently. At that time, the Legislative Council must call a special session.
The Senate version of the bill clearly goes against the intent of the bill. The irony is that the Senate changed HB 1466 from a "trigger" bill to a "multi-trigger" bill. It could provide pro-life forces with multiple opportunities to have legislative sessions devoted solely to pro-life legislation.
In fact, right now North Dakota could have more restrictive abortion legislation. If this version of the law were to go into effect on August 1(the day most North Dakota laws take effect), the Attorney General could notify Legislative Council on August 2 and we could have a special session to examine those possible restrictions. If the Supreme Court issues a new decision next year, we could have another special session. And so on . . .
This is probably not what either side of the issue wants out of HB 1466, but if that what comes from it, the North Dakota Catholic Conference and those who care about building a culture of life will be ready.
Response to Tribune Column
Dear Editor:
Mr. Jenkinson makes several mistakes in his column about the proposed abortion legislation. For one thing, he repeats myths about public opinion on abortion. Most Americans actually oppose abortion and would favor more restrictions on the act. In fact, a majority of Americans think that most abortions should be illegal and more women than men hold this view. (www.secondlookproject.org)
Jenkinson also errs in his assessment of HB 1466's "trigger." Conditional effective dates are not unusual in North Dakota legislation and they do not tie the hands of future legislatures.
The column's most significant flaw, however, is its failure to address the morality of abortion. Jenkinson wrote that he did not want to address the morality of abortion, but only the wisdom of the proposed legislation. By failing, however, to address the morality of abortion, he creates a "straw man" out of the proposed legislation, the unreasonableness of which is a foregone conclusion.
Any discussion of abortion should begin with a look at what is abortion and the morality of the act. If, as Jenkinson has done, a person evades the underlying issue and treats abortion as nothing more than a mere vice, it is easy to characterize the actions of pro-life advocates and legislation like House Bill 1466 as unreasonable moral posturing.
However, if a person concludes that the scientific evidence and the use of reason demonstrate that abortion is the deliberate destruction of developing human life, the actions of pro-life legislators and proposals like House Bill 1466 are reasonable and progressive. Most Americans have reached that conclusion and the proposed legislation is a reasonable step toward a better future.
Christopher Dodson
Executive Director
General Counsel
North Dakota Catholic Conference
Senate Field Hearing on Farm Bill
Mississippi Governor Signs Abortion Trigger Bill
The Senate has still not acted on HB 1466. If you have not done so, there is still time to contact your senator.
Bill Updates
HB 1466 - the abortion trigger ban, is still on the Senate floor calendar, where it has been for a week. Expect the Senate to vote on it next week.
SB 2012 - the Department of Human Services budget. The two chambers will probably appoint a conference committee to meet next week. The Senate members and House members have different priorities with regards to this budget. Working out those differences could take some time. Some of the issues: a payment increase for providers of care to nursing home residents and developmentally disabled persons, continuous eligibility for Medicaid recipients, increased Medicaid support for hospitals, and child advocacy centers.
HB 1463 - expansion of children's health insurance. A conference committee needs to be appointed, which will probably wait until the continuous eligibility issue in SB 2012 is resolved.
HB 1015 - Department of Corrections budget. The Senate restored requested funding to convert temporary positions to two full-time chaplains. The Big Question - whether to build a new prison, remodel an existing prison, or neither - is far from settled. It could be one of the last issues settled this session.
SB 2103 - Coverage of forensic exam costs for victims of sexual assault. This bill passed the House but only after it was amended. It now returns to the Senate.
HB 1472 - Presence of sexual offenders on school property. The Senate amended this bill to address, among other things, suggestions made by the Catholic Conference and the State Association of Nonpublic Schools as to how it applies to church/school property. It now goes back to the House.
Minnesota's Abortion Alternatives Program Threatened
If you have friends and relatives across the river in Minnesota, please pass on this action alert from the Minnesota Catholic Conference.
Faith-Based and Community Initiatives Moving to Department of Commerce?
This session, it looks like the legislature will move the office to the Department of Commerce and give it some funding. The changes appear in the appropriation bills for the Governor and the Deparment of Commerce.
Action Alert on HB 1466 Still in Effect
Web Site Was Down!
Position Opening
Activities of Interest - March 23-30
This is a difficult time for the general public and even experienced lobbyists to stay on top of what is happening at the legislature. We will try to post up-to-date information on the website.
Children's Health Insurance -- State Activities
However, the proposal has hit a snag due to a federal regulation and the House Appropriations Committee has removed the continuous eligibility provision in SB 2012.
It's not over yet, though. The proposal could still be salvaged. Doing so should be a top priority.
Children's Health Insurance -- National Activities
In a letter to the House and Senate Budget Committees, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), Catholic Health Association of the United States (CHA), and Catholic Charities USA urged Congress to adequately fund the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) so that all children eligible for the program get health care.
In a related action, the three national Catholic organizations, along with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, the Conference of Major Superiors of Men; Ladies of Charity United States of America; the Leadership Conference of Women Religious; and the Catholic schools of social work are mobilizing Catholics across the country to contact their U.S. representatives and senators on March 21 to support increased funding for children's health insurance coverage through reauthorization of SCHIP.
See the full story.
Human Services Budget Trimmed - Right Priorities?
Lawmaking, especially when it comes to appropriating state funds, is about prioritizing. The ultimate test of the state's budget is how it effects the least among us. The programs of the Department of Human Services serve those people, particularly those who, for no fault of their own, face unique challenges and disadvantages. We hope and pray that the final budget reflects our obligations to our neighbors most in need.
Senate Amends, Passes Deadly Force Bill
The Senate's amendments eliminate most of all the concerns. The new bill is mostly a restatement of the existing law. The bill now goes to the House, which must decide whether to concur with the changes.
Action Alert! Tell Senate: Vote Yes on Abortion "Trigger" Bill
Tell Senate
Vote Yes on HB 1466 –
Vote Yes to Life
House Bill 1466 would put a ban on abortion in North
Dakota law. The ban would be “triggered”
by Supreme Court or other action that would make the
ban constitutional. The bill would firmly place North
Dakota in support of human life.
Message
for Senator:
Please vote "Yes" on HB 1466, the abortion
“trigger” ban.
When:
Immediately. The Senate could vote on the bill early
next week.
Where:
North Dakota Senate
Legislative Hotline: 1-888-635-3447 Bismarck:
328-3373
Hearing Impaired: 1-800-366-6888
Senator’s e-mail addresses can be found at the
Legislative Assembly Web Site:
http://www.legis.nd.gov/
Download the Bulletin
Insert!
Clicking "E-Mail Helper" will
automatically prepare a sample e-mail message
for you to send. Try revising it with your own
words. Replace
"yourlegislator@nd.gov" with your legislator's
email address. You can get that from the
Legislative
Assembly Site or contact the Catholic
Conference. Be sure to include your name and
address! They want to know that you live in their
district. Thank you. More
information.
National Call-In Day for Children’s Health Care Wednesday, March 21st
Catholic Charities USA, the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops, the Catholic Health Association and other Catholic organizations will be hosting in a national advocacy call-in day on Wednesday, March 21st. You can participate by calling your members of Congress at the toll-free number below.
Action Needed: Call your Senators and Representatives toll-free at 1-877-509-KIDS. When you call, tell your member of Congress:
• Please make meeting the needs of poor and vulnerable people at home and abroad a top budget priority.
• Today, SCHIP provides high quality, vital health coverage to more than 4 million children in great need. The program reaches children whose families would otherwise be unable to afford health insurance.
• Congress must provide adequate funding so the millions of children currently enrolled in SCHIP can continue to get heath care.
• Congress must expand health care access to the millions of children still uninsured, who are eligible for SCHIP or Medicaid but not enrolled. To do this, states will need approximately $60 billion in new federal funds over the next five years.
Background: The Catholic community has consistently worked for access to affordable health care for all. The United States Catholic Conference of Bishops, Catholic Charities USA and the Catholic Health Association have written to the House and Senate Budget Committees asking them to include funding in the FY 2008 budget resolution to maintain and expand health insurance coverage for children.
Hearings of Interest - March 19 - 23
03/19/07 9:00 AM SB 2103 -- Forensic exam costs for sexual assault victims. House Conference Room
03/19/07 10:00 AM HCR3004 -- Study child custody, visitation, and child support in this state. Red River Room
03/19/07 10:00 AM SCR4019 -- A concurrent resolution urging Congress to reauthorize the state children's health insurance program. Fort Union Room
03/19/07 10:00 AM SCR4028 -- study the feasibility and desirability of establishing a paternity registry. Fort Union Room
03/19/07 10:00 AM SCR4029 -- study the feasibility and desirability of transferring the facilities and property of the State Hospital from the Department of Human Services to the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Fort Union Room
03/19/07 11:30 AM SB 2187 -- funding to emergency shelter programs and for providing funding for planning administrative costs associated with the housing and urban development's continuum of care homeless assistance program. House Conference Room
03/19/07 3:00 PM HB 1404 -- creating a legislative council medical assistance committee. Harvest Room
03/19/07 4:00 PM SB 2070 -- Aging and disability resource center Roughrider Room
03/20/07 8:00 AM SB 2302 -- grants to domestic violence sexual assault organizations. Roughrider Room
03/20/07 9:00 AM SCR4008 -- study issues affecting the delivery of child welfare services in the state. Fort Union Room
03/20/07 9:00 AM SCR4018 -- expressing support for long-term care choices, including home and community-based services, for North Dakotans with disabilities and older adults. Fort Union Room
03/20/07 9:00 AM SCR4025 -- study funding a program to provide services to youth in foster care who are preparing to transition to adulthood and for youth between 18 and 21 years of age who have left foster care and need assistance. Fort Union Room
03/20/07 10:30 AM HCR3041 -- study the trends and correlations of property tax revenue in relation to funding human service delivery in individual counties. Red River Room
03/21/07 7:00 AM SB 2012 -- DHS Appropriation Roughrider Room
03/21/07 9:30 AM HCR3046 -- study ways in which various public and private entities can cooperate to promote healthy lifestyles for children. Red River Room
03/22/07 10:00 AM SCR4022 -- urging Congress and the President to continue to pursue peace in Iraq and Afghanistan. Fort Union Room
Conference Testifies on Deadly Force Bill
An excerpt from the conference's testimony:
When and how much force an individual can use against another is ultimately a moral issue. Each lawmaker must evaluate House Bill 1319 according to whether it moves us closer to or further from fundamental moral principles found in Sacred Scripture and knowable by reason that have served as a foundation of civil society for thousands of years.
Go here for the full testimony. Go here or here for a related column appearing in the diocesan newspapers.
New Testimonies On-Line
Abortion Alternatives Bill Passes House!
Thank you to everyone who contacted their legislators in support of this important program.
Conference Testifies in Support of Abortion Ban
The Senate Judiciary will now consider the bill.
If your senator is on the committee, please contact him or her and ask the senator to support a "Do Pass" recommendation from the committee.
Senate Judiciary Committee
Dave Nething (District 12)
Stan Lyson (District 1)
Tom Fiebiger (District 45)
Richard Marcellais (District 9)
Carolyn Nelson (District 21)
Curtis Olafson (District 10)
Clicking on the senator's name will automatically prepare a sample e-mail message for you to send. Try personalize it with your own words. Be sure to include your name! Clicking on the district name will open a map of that legislative district.
Action Alert: Abortion Alternatives
Senate Bill 2312 would reauthorize a successful program that helps those agencies and organizations that provide alternative-to-abortion services, such as pregnancy resource centers, adoption agencies, and maternity homes. Helping women is an essential part of building a culture of life where no woman ever feels that abortion is a “best” or only option.
A vote for Senate Bill 2312 is a vote for hope. Go here for more information on SB 2312.
Hearings of Interest - March 12-16
03/12/07 8:30 AM SB 2012 - Department of Human Services Appropriation. Roughrider Room
03/12/07 8:30 AM SB 2309 - Relating to high school coursework requirements. Pioneer Room
03/12/07 10:30 AM HB 1136 - Immunizations and waiver of immunization requirements. Red River Room
03/12/07 11:00 AM HB 1435 - Child immunizations. Red River Room
03/12/07 2:45 PM SB 2012 - Department of Human Services Appropriation. Roughrider Room
03/13/07 9:00 AM SB 2181 - Consent by minors for prenatal care. Fort Union Room
03/13/07 9:00 AM HB 1472 - Presence near schools of certain sexual offenders. Fort Lincoln Room
03/13/07 10:30 AM HB 1466 - prohibition of the performance of abortions. Fort Lincoln Room
03/14/07 9:00 AM HCR3012 - study the determination of the cost of elementary and secondary education. Missouri River Room
03/14/07 9:00 AM SCR4032 - study ways in which schools and school districts can better identify high-risk students and provide programs designed to reduce the incidences of high-risk behaviors that can lead to suicide attempts. Pioneer Room
03/14/07 9:00 AM SB 2212 - Relating to health care directives. Fort Union Room
03/14/07 9:00 AM SB 2308 - Health care directives and capacity. Fort Union Room
03/15/07 8:30 AM SB 2278 - County and township zoning regulation of concentrated animal feeding operations and a repository for zoning regulations. Peace Garden Room
03/15/07 8:30 AM HB 1463 - Relating to eligibility under the state children's health insurance program -- Appropriation hearing. Harvest Room
03/15/07 9:30 AM HB 1420 - Relating to zoning by counties and townships. Roosevelt Park Room
03/15/07 9:45 AM HB 1471 - Relating to state department of health programs to educate about the human papilloma virus; and to provide an appropriation. Harvest Room
03/15/07 2:30 PM HCR3061 - study the financial and environmental impact of confined animal feeding operations on individual property owners and local communities and develop clear, concise, and consistent laws governing the siting and regulation of confined animal feeding operations. Roosevelt Park Room
03/15/07 3:15 PM SB 2121 - Department of Labor name change to Department of Labor and Human Rights. Fort Union Room
3/16/07 9:00 AM HB 1319 - Use of and liability for deadly force. Fort Lincoln Room
Action Alert: Help Adults Adopting Special Kids
Action Alert: Prison Chaplains
Please contact the committee members and ask them to restore the requested chaplaincy funding. Constitutionally and morally, inmates do not lose their religious liberties after they enter prison. Chaplains ensure that inmates are able, to the extent possible, to exercise their religious liberties and are, therefore, an essential part of corrections system.
New Features Added to Help You Contact Your Legislator
Also: Check out the Action Alerts page for a list of current action alerts.
Bill to Provide Health Care to Uninsured Children Gets Committee Approval
Catholic Charities Calls for Additional Funding for Adoption Program
Currently, the AASK Program is involved with 160 additional children in various stages of permanency planning, known as concurrent planning. In addition, the program is actively working to place 85 waiting children for adoption, 15 of whom do not have an identified adoptive family. There are roughly 26 children in adoptive placement awaiting the legal finalization of their adoption. This reflects a total number of 271 children receiving AASK services. Furthermore, the program is actively working with 97 families, providing adoption preparation, assessment or placement supervision services. The program is aware of 84 additional families throughout the state who are awaiting services. These families have attended the required pre-service training and are awaiting an adoptive home assessment. It is estimated that at least half of these families are ready to move to the next step of the process, but program staffing limitations are hindering more active involvement. The program has utilized the services of a contract provider to help meet this need; however, this has not been a solution to the greater problem. Children and families are still waiting.
On Wednesday, March 1, Leanne Johnson testified before the House Resources Division of the House Appropriations Committee asking that the committee included the needed additional funding in the Department of Human Services Appropriation Bill (SB 2012.)
Please contact the members of the committee and ask them to include the “Adoption Pay Points" optional request in SB 2012.
Bill Would Help Fund School Nurses
Farm Bill Town Meetings
March 12
• 9:00 am Lisbon --Eagles 6410 Highway 32, Lisbon, ND
• 3:00 pm Napoleon -- Downtowner Steakhouse 310 Main, Napoleon, ND
March 13
• 10:00 am Mohall -- American Legion Hall 807 Highway 5 E, Mohall, ND
• 4:00 pm Parshall -- Legion Hall Main Street, Parshall, ND
March 14
• 9:00 am Dickinson -- Gate City Bank Community Room, 204 Sims, Dickinson, ND
• 4:00 pm (3:00 pm MST) Flasher -- 21 Club 110 6th Avenue West, Flasher, ND
March 15
• 9:00 am New Rockford -- Dakota Roadhouse 381 1st St S, New Rockford, ND
• 3:00 pm Drake -- KC Hall Cedar Street, Drake, ND
March 16
• 9:00 am Park River -- Legion Hall 820 5th Street, Park River, ND
• 3:00 pm Portland -- KT Hall 719 Bennett Avenue, Portland, ND
I was in prison and you visited me . . .
The North Dakota Catholic Conference hopes that the Senate will restore the funding ($64,000.) Constitutionally and morally, inmates do not lose their religious liberties after they enter prison. Chaplains ensure that inmates are able, to the extent possible, to exercise their religious liberties and are, therefore, an essential part of corrections system.
House Committee Hearing Testimony on Human Service Budget
The state's budget, particularly the Department of Human Service appropriation, is moral statement about the state's priorities and its commitment to assisting those most in need. The Department funds many worthwhile programs. A few programs of particular interest to the North Dakota Catholic Conference which are in need of additional funding are:
- reimbursement for most Medicaid providers at an additional 5% per year;
- Medicaid reimbursement for hospitals up to the Medicare reimbursement level;
- additional funding for the Adults Adopting Special Kids program;
- adequate funding for Medicaid and S-CHIP to cover more children who are presently uninsured.
Please contact the committee members and ask them to support these needed additions to Senate Bill 2012.
Hearings of Interest - March 5 - 9
03/05/07 9:00 AM - HB 1015 Department of Corrections Appropriations. Harvest Room
03/05/07 9:00 AM - SB 2313 grants to school districts for automated external defibrillators. Fort Union Room
03/05/07 9:30 AM - SB 2302 grants to domestic violence sexual assault organizations. Fort Union Room
03/05/07 10:30 AM - HB 1463 Relating to eligibility under the state children's health insurance program. Red River Room
03/05/07 10:45 AM - SB 2252 Relating to health insurance coverage of suicide-related medical services. Fort Union Room
03/05/07 11:15 AM - HB 1471 Relating to state department of health programs to educate about the human papilloma virus. Red River Room
03/05/07 2:00 PM - SB 2012 DHS Appropriation. Roughrider Room
03/06/07 8:30 AM - SB 2012 DHS Appropriation. Roughrider Room
03/06/07 8:30 AM - SB 2103 Forensic exam costs for victims of sexual assault. Prairie Room
03/06/07 9:45 AM - HB 1404 legislative council medical assistance committee. Red River Room
03/06/07 10:00 AM - SB 2303 creation of a health information technology steering committee. Fort Union Room
03/06/07 10:30 AM - SB 2012 DHS Appropriation. Roughrider Room
03/06/07 10:30 AM - HB 1452 limitations on the civil liability of a charitable organization. Fort Lincoln Room
03/06/07 2:30 PM - SB 2012 DHS Appropriation. Roughrider Room
03/07/07 8:00 AM - SB 2256 Relating to sex offenders on school property. Prairie Room
03/07/07 8:30 AM - SB 2012 DHS Appropriation. Roughrider Room
03/07/07 10:30 AM - SB 2163 Uniform Anatomical Gift Act. Fort Union Room
03/07/07 11:00 AM - HC R3056 study the search for and identification of missing persons. Fort Lincoln Room
03/07/07 2:00 PM SB 2243 community service supervision grants. Roughrider Room
03/07/07 2:30 PM HCR3008 study the issues of fairness, equity, and the best interests of children as they relate to issues of child custody and visitation. Fort Lincoln Room
03/08/07 8:30 AM - SB 2014 Protection and Advocacy Appropriation. Roughrider Room
3/09/07 9:00 AM - HB 1474 county or city property tax levy for support of services of nonprofit organizations eligible for grants from the domestic violence and sexual assault prevention fund. Red River Room
3/09/07 9:30 AM - HB 1390 Relating to liability insurance coverage for damage caused by foster children. Harvest Room
Abortion Alternatives Bill Gets Approval from Committee
Listen to Homily at Mass for Legislators
Or download this mp3 file to save it to your hard drive.
HPV Vaccine and Coal Fired Energy - Two Statements from Texas Bishops
The controversy over the HPV vaccine has gained national attention as some state legislatures consider making the vaccination mandatory. Texas has been the center of the controversy and the state's bishops have issued a useful statement on the HPV vaccine matter. The North Dakota legislature is not considering any vaccination program. House Bill 1471, however, would appropriate funds to the Department of Health for education about the vaccine.
At the same time, the Texas bishops released a statement on the construction of new coal-fired energy plants. The statement gives principles for guidance drawn from Catholic social teaching. Since North Dakota is also an energy producing state looking at expanding coal-based energy, the statement should be of interest to North Dakotans.
Montana May Abolish Death Penalty
The Bismarck Tribune has posted an AP story on Montana's actions.
See also the Catholic Campaign to End the Use of the Death Penalty.
Hearings of Interest -- Feb. 26 - March 2
02/26/07 8:00 AM - SB 2074 Housing discrimination investigation -- Prairie Room
02/26/07 8:00 AM - SB 2075 Definition of discrimination -- Prairie Room
02/26/07 8:00 AM - SB 2076 Department of Labor investigations -- Prairie Room
02/26/07 9:30 AM - SB 2041 premarital counseling and marriage license fee -- Fort Union Room
02/26/07 9:30 AM HB 1023 indigent defense program-- Harvest Room
02/26/07 9:45 AM - SB 2078 family Care income tax credit -- Fort Totten Room
02/26/07 10:30 AM - SB 2312 alternatives-to-abortion services program -- Fort Union Room
02/26/07 11:00 AM - SB 2070 Aging and disability resource center -- Fort Union Room
02/26/07 11:15 AM - SB 2134 Medicaid Prescription Drug Monitoring Program -- Roughrider Room
02/26/07 2:30 PM - SCR4024 study universal health care for North Dakotans -- Roosevelt Park Room
02/26/07 3:00 PM - SB 2012 DHS Appropriation -- Roughrider Room
02/27/07 8:30 AM - SB 2138 Relating to sexual offense medical testing; relating to an individual's living arrangements -- Prairie Room
02/27/07 8:30 AM - SB 2012 DHS Appropriation -- Roughrider Room
02/27/07 9:00 AM - SB 2187 emergency shelter programs -- Fort Union Room
02/27/07 9:00 AM - SB 2326 Relating to medical assistance and other health coverage for families of children with disabilities -- Fort Union Room
02/27/07 9:30 AM HB 1155 Relating to the comprehensive health association of North Dakota -- Red River Room
02/27/07 9:30 AM - SB 2012 DHS Appropriation -- Roughrider Room
02/27/07 10:00 AM - HB 1232 provide for umbilical cord blood donation -- Red River Room
02/27/07 10:15 AM - HB 1172 Relating to a requirement for North Dakota studies --Missouri River Room
02/27/07 10:15 AM - HB 1172 Relating to a requirement for North Dakota studies --Missouri River Room
02/27/07 10:30 AM - SB 2186 early childhood care workforce development and department of human services establishment of a quality improvement rating system for early childhood care facilities -- Fort Union Room
02/27/07 11:00 AM - SB 2354 instruction in physical education --Pioneer Room
02/27/07 2:45 PM - SB 2012 DHS Appropriation -- Roughrider Room
02/27/07 3:00 PM - SB 2359 Relating to maternity homes -- Fort Union Room
02/28/07 8:30 AM - SB 2012 DHS Appropriation Public Testimony -- Roughrider Room
02/28/07 9:00 AM - SB 2371 home education by grandparents --Pioneer Room
02/28/07 9:00 AM - SB 2215 income tax credit for dependent care expenses --Fort Totten Room
02/28/07 10:30 AM HB 1390 Relating to liability insurance coverage for damage caused by foster children -- Red River Room
02/28/07 10:30 AM - SB 2363 Relating to an individual or corporate income tax credit for planned gifts to nonprofit organizations and contributions to qualified endowments -- Fort Totten Room
02/28/07 11:00 AM - SB 2385 school district nursing services grant program --Pioneer Room
02/28/07 2:00 PM - SB 2012 DHS Appropriation Public Testimony -- Roughrider Room
02/28/07 2:00 PM - SB 2276 prevention and advisory council -- Fort Union Room
03/01/07 8:30 AM - SB 2012 DHS Appropriation -- Roughrider Room
03/01/07 2:45 PM - SB 2012 DHS Appropriation -- Roughrider Room
3/02/07 8:30 AM - SB 2012 DHS Appropriation -- Roughrider Room
3/02/07 9:30 AM - SB 2012 DHS Appropriation -- Roughrider Room
Presentation on Human Trafficking
U.S. Attorney General Launches Religious Freedom Initiative
The project's web site contains useful information about our religious liberties.
Bishop Zipfel to Legislators: Lead People to Truth and to the Demands of Truth
Crossover Break
The break is a good time to contact your legislators while they are back in their districts.
Hearings of Interest - February 21 - 23
02/21/07 9:00 AM SB 2012 DHS Appropriation. Roughrider Room
02/21/07 9:00 AM SCR4008 study issues affecting the delivery of child welfare services. Red River Room
02/21/07 10:30 AM SB 2130 Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities for Children. Fort Union Room
02/21/07 2:00 PM SB 2012 DHS Appropriation. Roughrider Room
02/22/07 8:30 AM SB 2012 DHS Appropriation. Roughrider Room
02/22/07 10:30 AM SCR4022 urging Congress and the President to pursue peace in Iraq and disengage American combat forces from Iraq duty. Red River Room
02/22/07 2:00 PM SB 2012 DHS Appropriation. Roughrider Room
02/23/07 8:30 AM SB 2012 DHS Appropriation. Roughrider Room
Bishop Aquila's Homily Now a Column
For more information, see the post below.
Bishop Aquila: Catholic Politicians Must Act Upon the Truth of the Inherent Dignity of the Human Person
In his diocesan newspaper column posted today on the Diocese of Fargo Web site, Most Rev. Samuel J. Aquila, bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Fargo, reminds Catholic politicians of their responsibility to ensure that their actions reflect their Catholic faith.
“Every act of violence that attacks an innocent human person from the moment of conception to natural death is against the will of God and rejects the inherent dignity of the human person,” the bishop wrote. “Every Catholic politician must recognize and act upon this truth to be a faithful Catholic.”
The column is an edited version of the homily Bishop Aquila presented at the Jan. 18 Legislative Mass celebrated at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Bismarck. It will appear in New Earth, the newspaper for the Diocese of Fargo, which will be printed Feb. 15.
“We cannot leave God at the door when we walk into the legislature,” the bishop reminds Catholic politicians, “but rather we must allow the truth of God and the truth of the dignity of the human person to guide us in every decision we make. With each law or bill we consider, we must be, first, a people who recognize that there is the inherent dignity of human life that is bestowed by God and that can never be violated.”
He continues, “Once we begin to be the ones who determine what is good or what is evil, once we begin to be the ones who determine which human person has dignity and which one doesn’t, we will see…what happens to a society.” Bishop Aquila refers to the movie “Blood Diamond,” saying, “In that society the lust for power, the lust for money, the lust for control overtakes and guides the human heart, with the result that violence and murder govern the society.”
In addition to the unborn, the column addresses the dignity of illegal aliens and those sentenced to the death penalty. The bishop questions how people who believe in God can express hatred for illegal aliens or “cheer when a capital punishment sentence is given.” He notes what offenses against life are most grave. “As faithful Catholics, we acknowledge that the gravest attacks against the dignity of human life are those that destroy innocent human life, as in abortion, euthanasia and genocide.”
Medicare Part D: 4000 Not Signed-Up
Anyone with questions about Part D or people who think they may qualify for the Low Income Subsidy should contact the Insurance Department’s Senior Health Insurance Counseling (SHIC) program at (888) 575-6611 for assistance.
Tribune: Homeless are Almost Invisible
Senate Approves Changes to Health Care Directives
Go here for more information on health care directives.
Crossover Approaches -- What Remains
Here are some bills that still need final action before crossover:
SB 2400 -- State policy on childbirth and abortion. The Senate Human Services committee is looking over some proposed amendments. The North Dakota Catholic Conference supports the bill's intent and is waiting to see what comes out of the committee.
HB 1463 -- Expands health care coverage for low income children. To express your support, contact the members of the Human Resources Division of the House Appropriations Committee.
SB 2012 -- The Department of Human Services Appropriations bill. The Senate Appropriations Committee will finish work on this bill this week.
HB 1420 SB 2331 -- The bills addressing the ability of local government bodies to regulate animal feedlot operations. For how the principle of subsidiarity impacts this discussion, go here.
SB 2371 -- Allows grandparents to provide home education, clarifies and revises some language concerning home education. The bill received a Do Pass recommendation from the committee and is headed to the Senate floor.
House Defeats Tax Credit for School Contributions and Tuition Payments
Aquinas on Use of Deadly Force in Self-Defense
To opponents, it is a "shoot first" bill, since, in addition to removing the duty to retreat, it would create a presumption in certain cases that the person using the deadly force was in reasonably fear of imminent death or bodily injury.
How much force a private individual -- not the government -- can use to defend himself or herself is something moral theologians have pondered for centuries. Thomas Aquinas' treatment of the issue is probably the most definitive. Warning: Aquinas can be difficult to understand for the novice. Aquinas in a nutshell: (1) A private individual cannot intend to kill a person in self-defense. (2) A private individual cannot use more force than necessary to repel the aggressor. (3) The use of force is only justified if it is necessary for self-defense. If protection of the self or others can be achieved without the use of force, the use of force is not justified.
The Judiciary Committee gave House Bill 1319 a Do Not Pass recommendation by a 7 to 6 vote. The full House will vote on the bill next week.
Minimum Wage Proposals - One Passed, One Rejected, Two Pending
The Associated Press has a summary of the bills and their status here.
Senate Passes Department of Labor Name Change
Catholic Disabilities Group on Ashley's Case
Minimum Wage Bills in Senate Committee
Who Can Home Educate?
Bill Recognizing Unborn Children Heard
Budget Forecast on Tuesday
The forecast will be released on Tuesday, February 6 at 8:00 a.m.
The Year to Shore-up and Expand Health Care for the Poor? Children in Need
The Year to Shore-up and Expand Health Care for the Poor? Medicaid Reimbursement
A study commissioned by the North Dakota Legislature concluded that the state’s reimbursement rate is both inadequate and much lower than surrounding states. Hopefully, the North Dakota legislature will give hospitals and other health care providers the boost in reimbursements needed to sustain the state's commitment to the poor and needy.
The editorial board of the Bismarck Tribune apparently agrees.
Attorney General Issues Opinion on Home Education
The opinion will likely impact deliberations on Senate Bill 2371. That bill would allow, in addition to parents, grandparents and foster care providers to provide home education. The bill also changes some language in the existing law to indicate that the person providing home education can act in a supervisory role. The Senate Education Committee will hear the bill on Tuesday, February 6 at 10:15 a.m., in the Missouri River Room.
Hearings of Interest - February 5-9
02/26/07 8:00 AM - SB 2074 -- Housing discrimination investigation -- -- Prairie Room
02/26/07 8:00 AM - SB 2075 -- Definition of discrimination -- -- Prairie Room
02/26/07 8:00 AM - SB 2076 Department of Labor investigations -- Prairie Room
02/26/07 9:30 AM - SB 2041 marriage license fee discount for premarital counseling -- Fort Union Room
02/26/07 9:30 AM HB 1023 Indigent Defense Appropriation --Harvest Room
02/26/07 9:45 AM - SB 2078 Family Care income tax credit -- Fort Totten Room
02/26/07 10:30 AM - SB 2312 alternatives-to-abortion services program -- Fort Union Room
02/26/07 11:15 AM - SB 2134 Medicaid Prescription Drug Monitoring Program -- Roughrider Room
02/26/07 2:30 PM - SCR4024 study universal health care for North Dakotans -- Roosevelt Park Room
02/26/07 3:00 PM - SB 2012 DHS Appropriation -- Roughrider Room
02/27/07 8:30 AM - SB 2138 Relating to sexual offense medical testing; relating to an individual's living arrangements -- Prairie Room
02/27/07 8:30 AM - SB 2012 DHS Appropriation -- Roughrider Room
02/27/07 9:00 AM - SB 2187 emergency shelter programs -- Fort Union Room
02/27/07 9:00 AM - SB 2326 medical assistance and other health coverage for families of children with disabilities -- Fort Union Room
02/27/07 9:30 AM HB 1155 Relating to the comprehensive health association of North Dakota -- Red River Room
02/27/07 9:30 AM - SB 2012 DHS Appropriation -- Roughrider Room
02/27/07 10:00 AM - HB 1232 provide for umbilical cord blood donation -- Red River Room
02/27/07 10:15 AM - HB 1172 Relating to a requirement for North Dakota studies --Missouri River Room
02/27/07 10:30 AM - SB 2186 early childhood care workforce development and department of human services establishment of a quality improvement rating system for early childhood care facilities -- Fort Union Room
02/27/07 11:00 AM - SB 2354 instruction in physical education --Pioneer Room
02/27/07 2:45 PM - SB 2012 DHS Appropriation -- Roughrider Room
02/27/07 3:00 PM - SB 2359 Relating to maternity homes -- Fort Union Room
02/28/07 8:30 AM - SB 2012 DHS Appropriation Public Testimony -- Roughrider Room
02/28/07 9:00 AM - SB 2371 home education by grandparents -- Pioneer Room
02/28/07 9:00 AM - SB 2215 income tax credit for dependent care expenses -- Fort Totten Room
02/28/07 10:30 AM HB 1390 liability insurance coverage for damage caused by foster children -- Red River Room
02/28/07 10:30 AM - SB 2363 individual or corporate income tax credit for planned gifts to nonprofit organizations and contributions to qualified endowments held by nonprofit organizations -- Fort Totten Room
02/28/07 11:00 AM - SB 2385 school district nursing services grant program --Pioneer Room
02/28/07 2:00 PM - SB 2012 DHS Appropriation Public Testimony -- Roughrider Room
02/28/07 2:00 PM - SB 2276 prevention and advisory council -- Fort Union Room
03/01/07 8:30 AM - SB 2012 DHS Appropriation -- Roughrider Room
03/01/07 2:45 PM - SB 2012 DHS Appropriation -- Roughrider Room
3/02/07 8:30 AM - SB 2012 DHS Appropriation -- Roughrider Room
3/02/07 9:30 AM - SB 2012 DHS Appropriation -- Roughrider Room
Senate Passes Alternatives to Abortion Bill
More Students in Nonpublic Schools
Senate Passes Premarital Counseling Bill
More on Voter Turnout
Find Out How Your Legislator Voted
Testimonies On-Line
Education Tax Credits
Smoking, Feedlots, Zoning, and Taxes -- Questions About Subsidiarity
Mixed Result on Abortion Bills
HB 1466 - Abortion Prohibition Bill
HB 1466 would prohibit abortions in North Dakota, except to save the life of the mother. The law would not go immediately into effect. It would only become effective when the attorney general of North Dakota certifies that as a result of new decisions by the Supreme Court of the United States, it is reasonably probable that this law would be upheld as constitutional.
The North Dakota Catholic Conference supported this bill and it passed 61-26.
HB 1464 - Pro-Life Law Enhancement Bill
This bill would have made moderate changes to the state's existing laws on abortion. Most of the bill's provisions already exist and the new language would have clarified and emphasized certain existing policies. Some legislators mistakenly thought the bill would have outlawed the use of abortion drugs and prevented abortions in a multifetal pregnancy. Neither claim was true.
The bill failed, 39-49.
HB 1489 - Immediate Abortion Ban
The North Dakota Catholic Conference testified in support of HB 1489, with the understanding that the bill was not intended to penalize the woman. The committee did not amend the bill to clarify questions regarding a penalty for the woman. The conference supported the intent of the bill although final support for the bill was contingent upon clarification that the law would not penalize the woman. The bill failed, 20-69.
HB 1494 - Limitation on Funding for Prenatal Genetic Testing
This bill would have prohibited state funding and group insurance coverage for prenatal genetic testing unless it is a precursor to treatment for the woman or unborn child. Concerns about the scope of the prohibition and insurance issues were raised in committee. The North Dakota Catholic Conference supported amending the bill to (1) remove any language about insurance coverage and (2) limit the prohibition to tests where the sole purpose is to determine the existence of a condition or disease that is not treatable. The committee, however, did not have a chance to consider these amendments and the bill failed 14-74.
Hearings of Interest - January 29 - February 2
01/29/07 9:00 AM - SB 2184 school calendars and compulsory attendance - Harvest Room
01/29/07 9:15 AM - SB 2313 grants to school districts for automated external defibrillators - Missouri River Room
01/29/07 10:00 AM - SB 2414 tax credit for taxpayers who provide home education for their children - Lewis and Clark Room
01/29/07 10:30 AM - SB 2385 school district nursing services grant program - Red River Room
01/29/07 11:00 AM - HB 1292 education of English language learners; per student payments for English language learners - Pioneer Room
01/29/07 11:00 AM - SB 2309 high school coursework requirements; high school graduation requirements and student proficiency - Missouri River Room
01/29/07 2:30 PM - HB 1194 exemptions from high school instruction programs; basic, standard, and advanced programs of high school instruction; goals 2000 and school-to-work programs - Pioneer Room
01/29/07 2:30 PM - HB 1435 child immunizations - Fort Union Room
01/30/07 8:30 AM - HB 1319 use of and liability for deadly force; the use of deadly force - Prairie Room
01/30/07 9:00 AM - SB 2308 health care directive and capacity - Fort Lincoln Room
01/30/07 9:45 AM - SB 2041 marriage license fee - Appropriation Hearing - Harvest Room
01/30/07 10:15 AM - SB 2403 exemptions to the moratoriums on the expansion of basic care bed capacity and long-term care bed capacity - Red River Room
01/31/07 9:45 AM - SB 2393 student loan reduction for certain residents - Missouri River Room
02/01/07 8:30 AM - SB 2312 alternatives-to-abortion services program - Appropriation Hearing - Harvest Room
02/02/07 8:00 AM - HB 1510 expansion of the uniform group insurance program - Fort Union Room
02/02/07 9:00 AM - SB 2211 appropriation to the department of human services for assistive technology services - Harvest Room
02/02/07 9:00 AM - HB 1474 a county or city property tax levy for support of services of nonprofit organizations eligible for grants from the domestic violence and sexual assault prevention fund - Prairie Room
Update on Pro-Life Bills
Here is an Action Alert that you can print and distribute this weekend.
House Bill 1466 may still come to a vote as early as tomorrow.
Action Alert! HB 1464 - Pro-Life Law Enhancement Bill
House Bill 1464 makes improvements to the state's laws on:
- Parental Consent for Minors Seeking Abortions
- A Woman's Right to Know/Informed Consent Requirement
- The Right Not to be Forced to Perform or Participate in an Abortion
Contact your Representatives today and ask them to Vote Yes on HB 1464.
Message: Please vote "Yes" on HB 1464, to affirm and strengthen our state's laws protecting unborn life, women, and families.
When: Immediately. The House could vote on HB 1464 as early as Thursday, January 25!
Where: North Dakota House of Representatives
Legislative Hotline 1-888-635-3447 --- Bismarck 328-3373
Hearing Impaired: 1-800-366-6888
E-mail addresses can be found at the Legislative Council Site
Action Alert! HB 1466 - Abortion Prohibition
HB 1466 would prohibit the performance of abortions in North Dakota, except to save the life of the mother. The law would not go immediately into effect, but only become effective when the attorney general of North Dakota certifies that as a result of new decisions by the Supreme Court of the United States, it is reasonably probable that this Act would be upheld as constitutional.
Contact your Representatives today and ask them to Vote Yes on HB 1466.
Message: Please vote "Yes" on HB 1466.
When: Immediately. The House could vote on HB 1466 as early as Thursday, January 25!
Where: North Dakota House of Representatives
Legislative Hotline 1-888-635-3447 --- Bismarck 328-3373
Hearing Impaired: 1-800-366-6888
E-mail addresses can be found at the Legislative Council Site
Judiciary Committee Hears Abortion Bills
House Bill 1494 would prohibit funding for prenatal genetic testing, when the sole purpose of the test is to determine the existence of a condition or disease that is not treatable. The committee is also likely to consider amendments to this bill.
House Bill 1464 would update and clean up some provisions of the state's laws on abortion. The committee has not acted on this bill.
Organ and Tissue Donation
The Catholic Church supports organ and tissue donation. Nevertheless, many Catholics do not donate their organs and tissue because they think doing so is against Church teaching. Perhaps it would help to know that Pope Benedict XVI is a registered organ donor.
In 1999, then Cardinal Ratzinger, gave this interview with ZENIT explaining why he is a registered donor and why doing so is an "act of love."
Minimum Wage
Meanwhile, the U.S. Senate plans to begin debate next week on raising the federal minimum wage. To help, check out this action alert from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Go here to learn more about what Catholic social teaching has to say about a minumum wage.
Alternatives to Abortion Reauthorization
The Senate Human Services Committee will hear the bill on Tuesday, January 23, in the Red River Room.
Help for Schools, Parents, and Benefactors
How Frightening is a Name Change?
Why then, is a name change important? For one thing, the majority of the work now done by the Department of Labor concerns human rights enforcement. A name that reflects the department's actual work makes sense and gives the public an immediately recognizable place to ask about possible human rights violations.
More importantly, an accurate name says something about the state's commitment to protecting basic human rights. The Catholic Church sees the recognition of these rights and their defense as an essential way of recognizing the human dignity inscribed by God on all human persons. See, e.g. Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, paragraphs 152 - 159. Refusal to make a simple name change dismisses, rather than affirms, these basic human rights.
Contact the Senate Industry, Business, and Labor Committee and ask them to give a "Do Pass" recommendation on Senate Bill 2121.
The committee members are:
Chairman Jerry Klein, jklein@nd.gov
Vice Chairman Nicholas Hacker, nhacker@nd.gov
Senator John Andrist, jandrist@nd.gov
Senator Terry Wanzek, tmwanzek@nd.gov
Senator Joel Heitkamp, jheitkamp@nd.gov
Senator Tracy Potter, tpotter@nd.gov
Senator Arthur Behm, abehm@nd.gov
Funding Restriction on Prenatal Testing for Abortion
The prohibitions, however, do not extend to funds used to pay for prenatal genetic testing that has no other purpose but to counsel for abortion. HB 1494 would fix that by extending the prohibitions to prenatal genetic testing that is not a precursor to treatment for the woman or unborn child. The most known example would be testing for Down's Syndrome. There presently is nothing that can be done to address Down's Syndrome in the womb, so the only medical purpose in testing for it would be as a precursor to deciding whether or not to abort the unborn child.
HB 1494 would not prohibit such testing. It only would ensure that North Dakota citizens are not compelled to fund such tests with their tax or insurance premium dollars.
HB 1494 will be heard in the House Judiciary Committee on the morning of January 22.
For a mother's perspective on the call for more prenatal testing for Down's Syndrome, check out this recent column from WashingtonPostOnline.
Abortion Law Revision Bill
Whether or not an abortion ban passes or is upheld, HB 1464 is needed to ensure that North Dakota has the best laws possible to protect women, parental rights, and unborn human life.
Four Abortion Bills Set for Anniversary of Roe v. Wade -- Two Bans
Both HB 1466 and HB 1489 would prohibit abortion in North Dakota, though the bills are written differently. The most significant difference between them is that HB 1466 would not go into effect until the state Attorney General certifies that as a result of decisions by the Supreme Court, the act would probably be upheld as constitutional.
Unlike bills introduced in previous legislative sessions, these bills do not punish the woman. As such the North Dakota Catholic Conference supports the intent of both bills and is willing to work with legislators to fashion the best bill possible.
Special Event Vendors Bill Amended
The amendments would make the reporting requirement apply only to events that have ten or more vendors and not at all to events where all the proceeds go to a nonprofit.
Hearings of Interest - January 22 - 26
01/22/07 8:30 AM* - HB 1489 protection of a preborn child - Prairie Room
01/22/07 9:00 AM* - HB 1494 Restrict funding for prenatal genetic testing used for abortion counseling - Prairie Room
01/22/07 10:00 AM* - HB 1464 Revisions to Abortion Restrictions - Prairie Room
*Note: The Judiciary Committee takes will hear a bill as soon as the previous hearing is finished. The times listed are estimates.
01/22/07 9:00 AM - HB 1438 the commencement of the elementary and secondary school year - Pioneer Room
01/22/07 9:00 AM - SB 2304 coordinators of English language learner services - Missouri River Room
01/22/07 9:00 AM - HB 1040 disorderly conduct at funeral - Fort Lincoln Room
01/22/07 10:00 AM - HB 1512 postgraduate residency training programs to provide primary health care to the uninsured and underinsured - Fort Union Room
01/22/07 10:15 AM - SB 2243 an appropriation to the department of corrections and rehabilitation to provide funding for community service supervision grants - Harvest Room
01/22/07 10:15 AM - SB 2252 health insurance coverage of suicide-related medical services - Red River Room
01/22/07 10:30 AM - HB 1436 income tax credit for employers for child care programs - Fort Totten Room
01/22/07 11:00 AM HB 1478 income tax credit for contributions to school districts of nonpublic elementary and secondary schools in this state Fort Totten Room
01/22/07 11:00 AM - SB 2326 Medical assistance and other health coverage for families of children with disabilities - Red River Room
01/22/07 2:00 PM - HB 1463 eligibility under the state children's health insurance program - Fort Union Room
01/23/07 8:00 AM - HB 1226 for limitations on for-profit activities of nonprofit organizations - Peace Garden Room
01/23/07 8:00 AM - HB 1337 the state minimum wage - Peace Garden Room
01/23/07 8:30 AM - HB 1390 liability insurance coverage for damage caused by foster children - Fort Union Room
01/23/07 8:30 AM - HB 1452 limitations on the civil liability of a charitable organization - Prairie Room
01/23/07 9:00 AM - SB 2276 prevention and advisory council - Red River Room
01/23/07 9:30 AM - HB 1467 for nursing facility assessments - Fort Union Room
01/23/07 9:30 AM - SB 2302 grants to domestic violence sexual assault organizations - Red River Room
01/23/07 10:00 AM - SB 2312 Alternatives-to-abortion services program - Red River Room
01/23/07 10:30 AM - SB 2303 Health information steering committee - Red River Room
01/24/07 8:00 AM - HB 1454 Minimum wage/collective bargaining - Peace Garden Room
01/24/07 9:00 AM - HB 1150 reduction of the marriage penalty under the individual income tax - Fort Totten Room
01/24/07 9:00 AM - SB 2207 assistance to parents in resolution of disputes in cases involving custody and support of children - Red River Room
01/24/07 9:00 AM - SB 2256 sex offenders on school property - Fort Lincoln Room
01/24/07 10:00 AM - HB 1482 health care for chronically or terminally ill offenders - Fort Union Room
01/24/07 10:15 AM - SB 2211 an appropriation to the department of human services for assistive technology services - Red River Room
01/24/07 10:45 AM - SB 2279 special education payments - Missouri River Room
01/24/07 11:00 AM - SB 2212 health care directives - Red River Room
01/25/07 9:00 AM - HB 1420 zoning by counties and townships - Peace Garden Room
01/25/07 9:30 AM - HB 1421 the humane treatment of animals - Peace Garden Room
Emergency Contraception
Dear Editor:
From Virginia Dolajak’s letter regarding my statements on emergency contraception at Catholic hospitals, it appears that my comments and the teachings of the Catholic Church need some explanation.
When I stated that Catholic hospitals could provide emergency contraception once it has been determined that ovulation has not occurred, it was in the context of discussing the Catholic Conference’s opposition to any legislation forcing Catholic hospitals to dispense emergency contraception. The conference opposes such mandates because, as Virginia Dolajek rightly states, such treatment can act as an abortifacient.
What I tried to convey with the statement was that, although Catholic facilities will not provide an abortifacient drug, they can provide victims of sexual assault with what is commonly called “emergency contraception” if it has been determined that the treatment will not act as an abortifacient.
The guiding instruction to Catholic facilities on this issue is set forth in the “Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services,” which was approved by the Vatican and is binding on all Catholic health care facilities in the country. It states:
