People trying to keep up with the impact of the Minnesota Legislature’s latest lawmaking session can tune into the “Practicing Catholic” radio show debuting at 9 p.m. June 16 on Relevant Radio 1330 AM.
The Minnesota Catholic Conference’s executive director and general counsel, Jason Adkins, reflects on the session that ended May 22 in three segments across the hour-long program. He is joined by Rebecca Omastiak, news editor of The Catholic Spirit.
Adkins explores the impact of placing a right to abortion, for any reason and without limit on viability, into state law. At the same time, he notes positive moves by lawmakers, including instituting a nation-leading state child tax credit that allocates $400 million a year in tax relief to low-income families.
A key part of the MCC’s Families First Project, the tax credit could reduce childhood poverty in the state by 25-30%, Adkins said.
Also, to protect families, the conference advocated for legislation allowing undocumented people in Minnesota to apply for state driver’s licenses, Adkins said. Gov. Tim Walz signed that measure into law March 7.
Adkins also explains new gender laws and the legalization of recreational marijuana in Minnesota, which the state’s Catholic bishops — and their public policy arm, the MCC — have long opposed.
In addition, Adkins points out assistance the Legislature is now giving to affordable housing efforts, and restoration of the right to vote for people who have committed certain crimes but served their time. The Clean Slate Act also allows for easier and automatic expungements of certain convictions from a criminal record to help people gain access to jobs, housing and other basic needs.
To learn more about these initiatives tune into “Practicing Catholic,” which is produced by Relevant Radio and the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. The show also repeats at 1 p.m. June 17 and 2 p.m. June 18. In addition, people seeking details can turn to the June 8 print edition of The Catholic Spirit and online at TheCatholicSpirit.com.
Listen to “Practicing Catholic” interviews after they have aired at PracticingCatholicShow.com or choose a streaming platform at anchor.fm/practicing-catholic-show.
