ICC board approves legislative concerns for 2026 The board of the Iowa Catholic Conference met recently and approved its list of legislative principles and concerns for 2026 . Among the topics of discussions with legislators this fall have been maintaining access to SNAP and Medicaid to those in need, black market abortion pill regulation, preschool funding, conscience rights for medical professionals, and advocating for just treatment of immigrants and refugees. U.S. bishops issue special...

Bishops ask for end to government shutdown   In the midst of the federal government shutdown, Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), has issued a plea for lawmakers and the Administration to work in a bipartisan way to ensure funding of lifesaving programs and an end to the government shutdown.   The U.S. bishops are deeply alarmed that essential programs that support the common good, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program...

Federal shutdown affects SNAP   SNAP benefits are scheduled to be delayed in November while the government shutdown continues. Iowa Health and Human Services has been directed by Gov. Reynolds to convene regular calls with Iowa’s food banks and review the state’s food insecurity response plan used during the COVID-19 pandemic.   Des Moines Catholic Charities Executive Director Mike Sheehy spoke at a news conference sponsored by DMARC on Oct. 23, saying he expects an increase in demand at its...