ARIZONA ROMAN CATHOLIC BISHOPS' STATEMENT ON
U.S. DISTRICT COURT JUDGE SUSAN BOLTON'S RULING ON SB 1070
JULY 28, 2010
 

We, the Roman Catholic Bishops in Arizona, commend Judge Susan Bolton for enjoining some of the
more problematic provisions of SB 1070.
 
We hope that reaction to her ruling will be expressed only in peaceful and legal ways.
 
As Bishops in our respective dioceses, we know that in practically every parish there are families that
have been living with the fear and anxiety generated by SB 1070 that they might be torn apart. The
situation of these families might be that one parent is a citizen and that the other is not in our country
legally. Or, the situation might be that some children in the family are citizens and that a brother or sister
is not here legally.
 
Our hearts go out to these families. We know them to be good people who work hard and who contribute
to the economy and to the quality of life of their communities.
 
We will continue our advocacy against the provisions of SB 1070 and will monitor the implementation of
the provisions allowed by the ruling.
 
We will continue to advocate for comprehensive reform of our nation's immigration laws.
 
Our advocacy is predicated on our beliefs that:

• Illegal immigration is bad for our nation. It is not good for us to not know who is entering ourcountry.

• Our international borders need to be secured and we need to be protected from drug smuggling,weapons smuggling, human trafficking and violence.

• There must be a process - but not amnesty - for persons who have entered our country illegally to pursue legal status. This process must have proportionate consequences for the act of illegal entry, consequences that would include fines, learning English, and going to the "back of the line" to seek citizenship.

• Our nation needs a program that would allow needed workers to enter the country legally. This program must include protection of worker rights.

Take Action!

Take Action Now!
 
 

ARIZONA CATHOLIC CONFERENCE
ACTION ALERT (04/19/10)
 
Ask Governor Brewer to Veto SB 1070
 

SB 1070 is a problematic anti-immigrant bill that will soon reach Governor Brewer's desk.  While finding meaningful solutions to immigration issues is a worthwhile endeavor, SB 1070 raises many serious concerns and could have a potentially negative impact on our great state.
 
SB 1070 is not a legitimate solution to solving serious crimes at the border, or anywhere else, and actually may inadvertently reduce public safety.  The reason for this concern is based on testimony that occurred during legislative debate where it was noted that SB1070 may compel local police, far removed from the border, to ignore more serious crimes because of language requiring that they enforce federal immigration laws to the "full extent permitted by federal law."
 
Additionally, SB 1070 has been improved so that it is at least up to the police officer's discretion as to whether crime victims and witnesses will be turned over on immigration charges.  It would be much better, however, if victims and witnesses could come forward knowing for certain that they will not be deported.
 
If people are at all afraid to come forward and report serious crime, public safety is threatened in all of our communities. 
 
Finally, SB 1070 makes Arizona the first state in the nation to create its own crime for people who are merely present in the country without proper paperwork.  The status of this new crime goes from a high misdemeanor for a first offense to a felony for a second offense.
 
Supporters of this bill claim that the provision would be narrowly enforced so that it would allow local police to hold onto undocumented immigrants who are suspects in crimes.  The reality, however, is that the bill itself does not limit the enforcement of this provision to these situations.
 
This bill could make felons, not only out of dangerous criminals (as is warranted), but also the many undocumented immigrants who have come to this country at a very young age and have no familiarity with any other country but the United States.  These children may have a mother and a father one of whom is a citizen and the other of whom would now be considered a criminal.
 
For the reasons above, and others, please take a minute to respectfully ask Governor Brewer to vote no on SB 1070 by following the "Take Action" link and then following the very easy instructions.

• Biography of Sister Monica Kostielney, RSM
• Interview with Detroit Free Press

• enables IowaCare patients to receive care at a clinic closer to home (not just Des Moines and Iowa City as is currently the case)
• provides some reimbursement to Iowa hospitals for emergency care of IowaCare patients
• sets up a web information portal on health insurance options in Iowa.

ARIZONA CATHOLIC CONFERENCE
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE (02/26/10)
 
ACC Takes Defensive Action on Several Bills\
 

This week was the last week for bills to receive committee hearings in their house of origin.  Consequently, there was a flurry of activity as sponsors attempted to get their measures heard so that they could stay alive.
 
Fortunately, the Arizona Catholic Conference (ACC) can report that its efforts to defeat extremely problematic measures relating to both assisted suicide (SB 1298) and the provision of morning after pills (HB 2737) were successful when they were both denied a hearing.
 
Other problematic bills, however, did receive committee hearings, including a bill (HB 2597) that would have put a sunset on all tax credits.  Following testimony from the ACC opposing the bill because of its impact on both the tuition tax credits and the charitable organization tax credit, the House Ways and Means Committee defeated the bill.
 
Meanwhile, yet another bill of concern (HB 2632) was heard in the House Military Affairs and Public Safety Committee.  HB 2632 is a parallel measure to SB 1070 (which has passed the Senate) and pertains to local police enforcing immigration laws.
 
The ACC testified in opposition to this bill primarily out of concerns for public safety and the fact that crime victims and witnesses who are in the country unlawfully may not come forward and report crimes unless they have clear assurances that they will not be deported for doing so.  Although the bill was significantly improved by an amendment, concerns remain over public safety and the creation of a new crime of criminal trespass for those merely present in the country unlawfully.
 
Despite all of the defensive action taken on bills this week, there was also positive movement to report on bills supported by the ACC.  The most significant development in this regard was the passage by the full House of a measure (HB 2148) to provide a preference for married couples in public adoptions.
 
There are no committee hearings scheduled for next week as both the House and Senate focus their energies on the budget.  Nonetheless, it is expected that both chambers will take action on a number of bills that are ready for the floor. 

ARIZONA CATHOLIC CONFERENCE
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE (02/04/10)
 
Big Week for Catholic Schools
 

The Catholic Schools Rally was a huge success at the Capitol yesterday.  Despite predictions of rain, the weather was perfect and the large crowd of Catholic students, teachers, and parents were treated to a great day of fun and learning. 
 
The rally was not the only thing happening at the Capitol this week, however, as movement occurred on some very positive pieces of legislation relating to school choice.  In particular, the Senate Education Committee yesterday approved legislation that would allow donors to wait until April 15th of the following year to make their tuition tax credit contributions.
 
Additionally, it was announced that two important bills relating to tuition tax credits (HB 2663 and HB 2664) will be heard in the House Ways and Means Committee next Monday at 2:00 p.m..  Both of these bills are meaningful efforts that will improve an already beneficial tax credit program by providing additional transparency and accountability.   HB 2664 also would increase the tuition tax credit limits to $750 for individuals and $1,500 for married couples.
 
Other positive news came this week when the House Health and Human Services Committee approved a measure (HB 2148) that would provide a preference for married couples in public adoptions.  A similar measure failed to pass in the Senate a few years ago, but there is more optimism for this year's bill.
 
Finally, there was not much movement on immigration bills this week, but SB 1070 is an anti-immigrant measure that may make it to the Senate Floor next week.  There are many concerns with SB 1070, including the fact that it likely would deter crime victims and witnesses from coming forward out of a fear of being reported to immigration authorities.  The bill also creates a felony trespass crime for those who are merely present in the country unlawfully.
 
For more information on these bills, and many others, please make sure that you are signed up to receive these free updates at www.azcatholicconference.org.

• Governor’s budget message
• Regulation of payday loans
• Iowa Workforce Opportunities Act
• Technology for nonpublic school students
• Marriage amendment
• Health care reform – national and state
• Pro-life rally
• Medicaid Family Planning Waiver
• Woman’s Right to Know Act

The Eighth Annual Catholic Schools Rally will be held on the Senate lawn on Wednesday, February 3rd from noon until 1:00 p.m.  You are encouraged to join the Catholic Bishops, Governor Jan Brewer, and nearly 1,000 students, teachers, and parents who will be on hand to show our support for Catholic Schools and school choice legislation.

 
Also, next week the Bishops of the Arizona Catholic Conference (ACC) will make their annual trip to the State Capitol.  As part of these meetings, they will meet privately with Governor Brewer along with key legislators as part of an effort to build relationships and discuss important issues facing our State.
 
Most of the discussion at the Legislature remains around the roughly $5 billion deficit that exists for the remainder of this fiscal year and the one to follow.  Additionally, there are a number of other issues relating to pro-life matters, pro-family issues, school choice, immigration, and other important topics that are going to receive a lot more attention in the coming weeks and months.
 
Please make sure that you are signed up to continue receiving important updates and action alerts on all of these matters by going to www.azcatholicconference.org.  In the meantime, I hope to see you at the rally!

• MCC Letter in Detroit News Regarding Embryo Research Legislation
• June 18, 2009 Press Release: “MCC Offers Support for Embryo Research Transparency Legislation”

• This week’s preview
• “Race to the Top”
• Governor delivers Condition of the State message
• Marriage and pro-life bills introduced
• State health care commission makes legislative recommendations
• Upcoming dates
• Help for Haiti

• The launch of a nationwide postcard campaign under the Justice for Immigrants campaign, with 1.5 million postcards already ordered;
• The launch of  two Web sites, a new Justice for Immigrants website with tools for parishes (www.justiceforimmigrants.org), and the National Migration Week website, which provides other resources (www.usccb.org/mrs/nmw/index.shtml); and
• A nationwide action alert asking for Congress to enact immigration reform as soon as possible. The alert is located on the Justice for Immigrants website.

• February 2009: “MCC to Legislators: Stand With the Working Poor by Protecting EITC”
• January 2008: “MEITC to Benefit Over 600,000 Working Families”
• September 2006: “MCC Hails New State EITC as Best Piece of Legislation Passed This Year”
• October 2002: Anderson Economic Group Report: A Hand Up for Michigan Workers: Creating a State Earned Income Tax Credit

• MCC/MLHS Clothing Allowance Op/Ed

Round One
 

The first round in defending Arizona's new abortion laws was fought in both federal and state courts today.
 
While the federal court issued a 23 page opinion denying the abortion industry's request for a preliminary injunction, the state court issued a short minute entry that effectively blocked the immediate implementation of many of the provisions contained in the new abortion laws.
 
At this point in time the good news is that the state ban on partial birth abortions has not been challenged and will now become law, along with new statutory provisions codifying the procedures a minor must follow in order to obtain a judicial bypass for an abortion.
 
The state court injunction, however, blocks implementation of important provisions that would prohibit non-physicians from performing surgical abortions as well as the enhancements to Arizona's rights of conscience statute that were initiated by the Arizona Catholic Conference.
 
It appears that the 24 hour waiting period requirement before a woman can obtain an abortion will still become effective, but the state court's preliminary injunction sets aside the provision that the woman actually sees a doctor 24 hours before the procedure and receives the informed consent orally and in person.
 
Additionally, the new parental consent language requiring notarized signatures was set aside until the Secretary of State can meet certain standards set out by the court.
 
Despite the setbacks today, the litigation surrounding Arizona's new abortion laws is far from over and will continue for years to come.  Accordingly, the Arizona Catholic Conference will continue to closely monitor these developments and take whatever actions are necessary to defend these important laws protecting women, children and the civil rights of health care workers.
 
We are especially grateful to the Alliance Defense Fund, the Center for Arizona Policy and the Bioethics Defense Fund for working very closely with us in these efforts and assisting us in our efforts to intervene in both cases.
 
As important developments occur, we will keep you posted.  In the meantime, your prayers and support are always appreciated.
 

• MCC Action Alert: State Programs Assisting the Poor in Great Danger
• AP (9/16): “Process in Place for Budget Deal but Hurdles Still Ahead”
• Detroit News (9/15): “Bishop Says He, Dillon Working on State Budget Deal”
• Detroit News (9/15): State House Pitches Budget Cuts

• Focus (March 2008): Poverty in Michigan: Grief, Anxiety and Suffering on the Rise

• Human Services Letter to Legislature
• Detroit Free Press: “Agencies Protest Proposed Cuts in Programs for Poor”
• Detroit News: “Faith, service groups decry funding cuts affecting Michigan’s poor”
• Photos from Press Conference

• “A Hand Up for Michigan’s Workers: Michigan’s State Earned Income Tax Credit”
• “2008 Press Release: Michigan Earned Income Tax Credit to Benefit Over 600,000 Working Families”
• Photo Gallery: MCC Press Conference Supporting EITC
• Associated Press: Groups Rally to Keep EITC in Place

Summary of State Budget
The State Senate and Assembly passed the Conference Committee version of the state budget on June 26, 2009.  After amending the bill by veto, the Governor signed the budget into law on June 29.  The following summarizes issues of interest to the WCC. 
 
CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
 
Foster Care and Kinship Care.  Increases foster care rates by 2.5% for relatives and by 5% for non-relatives beginning on January 1, 2011.  Fully funds kinship care benefits.
 
Foster Parent Training.  Funds a statewide foster parent training program.
 
Child Care Rating System.  Directs the Department of Children and Families to return to the Joint Finance Committee with a specific plan for establishing a state-wide quality rating system for child care providers receiving Wisconsin Shares subsidy payments.
 
EDUCATION
 
Contracts for School Busing.  Permits Milwaukee Public Schools when withdrawing busing services for families that have two or more children attending the same nonpublic school building to offer each family a single transportation contract instead.
 
Milwaukee Parental Choice Program (MPCP).  Increases regulation and accountability in the MPCP, including imposing new testing requirements.  Requires MPCP schools to comply with school records laws, but allows for transfer of Catholic school records to the Archdiocese if parents agree to this arrangement.  Requires bachelor's degrees for MPCP teachers, but allows those teachers who have 5 years of continuous service to apply for a waiver that will allow them to continue to teach while obtaining a degree. 
 
Four-Year-Old Kindergarten Grants.  Provides funding for 4K programs, including start-up funding and grant preference for "community approaches" to four-year-old kindergarten. 
 
HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES
 
BadgerCare Plus Coverage of Childless Adults.  Supports expansion of coverage for childless adults statewide beginning on July 1, 2009. 
 
BadgerCare Plus Program Eligibility.  Deletes the term "unborn child" from parts of the statute pertaining to program eligibility.
 
Family Planning Waiver for Men.  Expands eligibility for contraceptive services to men ages 15-44 who meet the specified qualifications of the Medical Assistance family planning waiver program. 
 
Children's Long-Term Support Program.  Increases funding for Medicaid-eligible children with disabilities or severe emotional disturbances with at-home or community-based care. 
 
Mental Health and Substance Abuse.  Increases funding for community-based mental health and substance abuse treatment for low-income persons.
 
WISCONSIN WORKS PROGRAM (W-2)
 
W-2 Eligibility for Pregnant Women.  Extends eligibility for a monthly cash benefit payment to women with no other children who are in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy and are not able to work because of a medically verified at-risk pregnancy. 
 
IMMIGRATION
 
Instate Tuition for Undocumented Students.  Provides that a person who is a citizen of another country is exempt from nonresident tuition if that person meets certain requirements. 
 
CORRECTIONS
 
Criminal Justice Reform Initiative.  Redirects prison spending by reducing the time spent in prison for certain non-violent offenders and by increasing the use of community corrections. 
 
OTHER
 
Tax-Exempt Housing.  Allows certain non-profit providers of low-income housing and housing for the aged to use rent income for multiple purposes and to retain tax-exempt status.  Requires that eligible homes for the aged be owned by "benevolent" organizations. 
 
Domestic Partnership Registry and Benefits.  Directs counties to permit same sex couples to register as domestic partners and receive selected benefits.
 
Pharmacy Contraception Mandate.  Mandates that all pharmacies have a duty to dispense and deliver lawfully prescribed contraceptives to a patient without delay when presented with a valid prescription.  No exemption exists for religious health care institutions.
 
Insurance Contraception Mandate.  Mandates that certain employee health insurance policies include contraceptive coverage.  No exemption exists for religious institutions.
 
Upcoming Hearings of Interest
(N.B.  Only bills of interest are flagged.  In most cases, committees will be considering other bills as well.)
 
Senate Committee on Education
11am, Thu., July 9, 201 SE
SB-41. School Environmental Quality (Sullivan) Directs DPI to create Indoor Environmental Quality in Schools Task Force to make recommendations for development of a model management for maintaining indoor environmental quality in public and private schools.
SB-154.  School Safety (Legislative Council) School safety plans, pupil records and school bullying.