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Iowa Catholic Conference News Update, Jan. 17, 2025

Writer's picture: Iowa Catholic ConferenceIowa Catholic Conference

Bills of interest introduced

 

With the beginning of the legislative session comes a flurry of new bills. There is a subcommittee hearing scheduled next week for HSB 15, which would create a new state crime of the “smuggling of persons.” HSB 15 is similar to legislation that passed the House last year but not by the Senate.

 

The bishops are concerned the bill could be interpreted to criminalize providing basic charity to immigrants, although there is clarifying language in the bill to lessen that possibility. The bill is duplicative in the sense that it is already against federal and state law to traffic in humans.

 

The ICC supports SSB 1012, which would allocate a million dollars to support “Double Up Food Bucks.” This would provide matching funds for SNAP (food stamp) benefits spent on fruits and vegetables.

 

A Zoom webinar from the Iowa Catholic Conference, “Advocating for Justice 2025,” will feature ICC and diocesan staff updating participants on current issues of interest. The event is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 30 at 7 p.m. You can register here.

 

Governor outlines priorities

 

Gov. Reynolds delivered the Condition of the State message last week. On some issues of interest, the governor:

 

  • recommends grants to collaborations between preschool and child care programs to provide transportation and other services.

  • will propose legislation to ensure children who are struggling in math will receive personalized help they need.

  • announced that nearly 28,000 students are receiving an Education Savings Account scholarship this year to help pay for nonpublic school tuition, and that more than 43,000 students are using the “open enrollment” option to attend a public school outside of their home district. Lots of opportunities for parents!

  • said that HHS will apply for a waiver from the federal government to institute work requirements for able-bodied adults to receive Medicaid.

  • proposed a $9.4 billion budget which would use about $700 million from the state’s surplus and Taxpayer Relief Fund.

 

Debate continues on immigration issues

 

As the discussion about immigration continues in Congress and the state legislature, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has published a resource called “Catholic Elements of Immigration Reform.” The bishops say that safeguarding American communities and upholding the rule of law are laudable goals. At the same time, a country’s rights to regulate its borders and enforce its immigration laws must be balanced with its responsibilities to uphold the sanctity of human life, respect the God-given dignity of all persons, and enact policies that further the common good.

 

The USCCB document, grounded in Catholic social teaching, includes six elements:

  • enforcement efforts should be targeted, proportional, and humane

  • humanitarian protections and due process should be ensured

  • long-time residents should have an earned pathway to citizenship

  • family unity should remain a cornerstone of the U.S. system

  • legal pathways should be expanded, reliable, and efficient

  • the root causes of forced migration should be addressed

 

Take time to pray for life

 

Catholics across the country are invited to observe a nationwide prayer vigil on Thursday and Friday to pray for an end to abortion and a greater respect for all human life.

 

Here in Iowa, don’t forget that next Monday, Jan. 27, is the Prayer for Life event at the State Capitol. At 10 a.m., the documentary “Final Flaws” will be shown in Room 305. It highlights the dangers of euthanasia and assisted suicide. The prayer event will be held in the rotunda at noon. Father Jason Lee from Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart Church in Ankeny is scheduled to offer the concluding prayer.

 

Dr. King’s message impacts our lives today

 

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” These words remind us that we are connected and responsible for each other as we seek to fulfill the dream and build a more just society for all God’s children, said Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

 

Referencing the words of the late civil rights leader whose life and legacy are commemorated on Jan. 20, Archbishop Broglio also said: “Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. challenged all to live out the principle of solidarity and human dignity. As we commemorate what would have been his 96th birthday, Dr. King’s message continues to have an impact on our lives today. … In reflecting on the continuing realities of racial injustice, immigrant families seeking welcome, and economic disparity, (his) words remind us that we are connected and responsible for each other as we seek to fulfill the dream.”

 

And finally,

 

Jan. 20 is Inauguration Day when Donald Trump is scheduled to take the oath of office and begin another term as president. The ceremony begins at 11 a.m. 


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