CONNECTICUT CATHOLIC ADVOCACY NETWORK
NEWSLETTER 01/04/2008
This newsletter is a summary of various church, state and national news
items of interest to Catholics throughout
Connecticut. The newsletter is
produced by the
Connecticut Catholic Conference and is published on a
weekly basis.
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The 2008 Legislative Session Begins Soon
February 6th Through May 7th
Watch Your Advocacy Alerts and Newsletters To Stay
Informed on Various Issues
--- SAVE THE DATE - Catholic Awareness Day at the Capitol - March 12, 2008
The Connecticut Catholic Conference will hold a Catholic Awareness Day at the State Capitol on March 12th. This day has previously been called Catholic Concerns Day. However, not only the name is changing, but also the format for the day. Watch your email and church bulletins for further details. Plan to join other concerned Catholics and Connecticut's Bishops at the Capitol on that day. Work with people in your parish to come as a group and meet with you elected officials.
--- LEGISLATIVE ISSUES - Some of the issues the Connecticut Catholic Conference will be watching, and in some instances endorsing or opposing, are listed below.
The legislative agenda of the Catholic Conference represents the full spectrum of Catholic moral and social teaching. The list below is subject to change based on how issues develop during the legislative session.
Legislative Priorities 2008
Pro-Active Issues -
A. Earned Income Tax Credit - Continue support for this legislation. Widely supported by Democrats, but opposed by Republicans and the Governor. A study to examine the fiscal impact on the state is currently being completed.
B. Parental Notification of a Minor's Abortion - Following a successful informational hearing last year before the Select Committee on Children, enactment of related legislation will be pursued.
C. Health Care Reform
1. Support expansion of health care coverage to the uninsured.
2. Support expansion of the Money Follows the Person Program.
D. Housing - Support housing initiatives that provide more affordable and
supportive housing in
Connecticut.
E. Immigration - Monitor and possibly endorse legislation related to
immigrants.
Issues to Monitor -
A. Same-sex Marriage - activity on this issue will vary based on the outcome of
the Connecticut Supreme Court decision.
1. Court rules against same-sex marriage - Supporters of same-sex
marriage have publicly stated they will launch a strong lobbying effort in 2008 to have the legislature adopt same-sex marriage. The Conference will have to strongly lobby against this effort.
2. Court rules in favor of same-sex marriage - In November of 2008 a question will appear on the ballots in the state asking if a constitutional convention should be called for modifying the State Constitution. Urge people to vote "yes" on this question. This will open up the opportunity for a constitutional amendment defining marriage. Also, lobby for legislation clearly granting conscious protection to religious organizations and individuals.
B. Gender Identity - This legislation grants legal protections for transsexuals.
Last session the Conference had an exemption for religious organizations placed into the bill. The legislation passed the Senate, but died in the House. We would seek the same protection this year.
C. Statutes of Limitation for sexual abuse - Oppose this legislation. The current 30 year limitation in the law provides abuse victims sufficient time to file claims in civil court.
D. Adoption Information - The Conference will continue to oppose efforts for
adopted children to obtain birth parent information, if the legislation is
retroactive and does not require consent of the birth mother. Most states do
not allow this information to be given to adopted children. The privacy of the
birth mother is of major concern. The only true method of privacy when
dealing with an unplanned pregnancy would be abortion, if this legislation
was adopted. The Conference worked to defeat this legislation in past years.
