Adkins identified two themes — fighting the commodification of the human person and caring for “our common home” — that will shape the crux of the MCC’s work this session.
The final omnibus bills demonstrated concessions from both major parties, but they were “geared to reach certain electoral constituencies or serving special interests,” Adkins said, pointing the finger at both sides of the aisle.
“Most Catholics don’t know who their state legislators are, so what we’re really trying to do here is not just to go and tell legislators what the Church thinks about an issue, but really help Catholics — on whatever issue they’re concerned about — be better public servants and faithful citizens," Adkins said.
After a contentious U.S. presidential campaign that highlighted the nation’s deep political divisions, the Minnesota Catholic Conference is hoping that state Republicans and Democrats can rise above partisan differences to pass legislation consistent with the conference’s 2017 public policy priorities.
On Dec. 8, lawmakers passed a measure to ban abortions in the state after 20 weeks, or five months of pregnancy. On Dec. 6, they approved legislation that would ban abortions when a fetal heartbeat can be detected, which is usually at about the sixth week of pregnancy.
Bipartisan cooperation led to the passage of several pieces of MCC-backed legislation, including one establishing a surrogacy commission, which the MCC listed as a top priority at the beginning of the session.
For Minnesota’s bishops, a recent day of meetings with Gov. Mark Dayton and state legislators in St. Paul was an opportunity to build relationships and discuss the church’s public policy priorities.
As Pope Francis says, a good Catholic meddles in politics. We’re called to be good citizens not just of the next life as Catholics, but good citizens of this life. We’re called to try to bring about what’s going to serve the good of the person, the dignity of the person.
In a Jan. 8 letter to the subcommitte, the Minnesota Catholic Conference expressed opposition to the painting’s removal because it represents an important moment in the history of Christianity in the state.
The Minnesota Legislature reconvenes March 8 for its 2016 session, scheduled to end May 23. For the Minnesota Catholic Conference, a shorter session than last year’s means focusing on a few key priorities, said Jason Adkins, MCC director.
Leaders from Catholic and private schools in the Twin Cities area attended a Jan. 26 meeting at St. Pascal Baylon School in St. Paul to learn about a relatively new coalition and its efforts to win legislative approval for several school choice initiatives.
Two Catholic entities paying close attention to the state legislature see elements in Gov. Mark Dayton’s budget proposal that could aid their missions in promoting just and dignified living and working conditions for Minnesotans.
