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2016 FCCB Legislative Bill Report Now Available
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The 2016 Florida Legislative Session begins January 12, 2016, but pre-session legislative committee meetings have been occurring since September 2015. The FCCB has released the Legislative Bill Report on its website. Bills of particular interest that have already seen committee movement include:
- SB 248 (Garcia)/HB 89 (Diaz, J.): FCCB Supports. Under current law, immigrant children are forced to wait five years before becoming eligible for Florida KidCare, our state's health insurance program for children from low-income families. This measure establishes immediate eligibility for qualified, lawfully-residing immigrant children. Undocumented immigrants are excluded from the program. SB 248 has passed two of its three committees of reference, Health Policy (7-0) and Appropriations Subcommittee on Health & Human Services (8-0). HB 89 waits to be heard by its first committee of reference.
- SB 672 (Gaetz, D.)/HB 7011 (Education Appropriations Subcommittee): FCCB Supports. These bills expand the Personal Learning Account Program to include eligibility for students with autism spectrum disorder and muscular dystrophy. The program was created by lawmakers during the 2014 session to allow students with disabilities the option to apply for scholarship funds to cover a wide range of education-related costs such as tuition and fees at private schools, instructional materials or tutoring services. SB 672 passed Education Pre-K-12 (10-1) and is on the agenda for its final committee of reference, Appropriations, 12/02/15, 10:00 am. HB 7011 has been referred to the Education Committee.
- SB 118 (Hutson)/HB 9 (Trujillo): FCCB Opposes. This proposal creates a state level felony and increases the penalty for the illegal reentry of undocumented persons. The FCCB advocates for comprehensive immigration reform at the federal level and keeping local policing separate from immigration enforcement as a means to promote family unity and human dignity. Michael Sheedy, FCCB executive director, sent a letter to Chairman Carlos Trujillo, the bill's sponsor, expressing FCCB's concerns. HB 9 passed the Civil Justice Subcommittee (9-4). Its Senate companion, SB 118, has yet to be heard in committee.
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Take Action to Ensure Conscience Rights for Health Care Providers
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The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Office of Pro-Life Activities, in cooperation with its partner organization the National Committee for a Human Life Amendment (NCHLA), is urging all U.S. Catholics to contact their federal lawmakers in support of the Abortion Non-Discrimination Act (ANDA). Due to "loopholes and legal weaknesses," current federal laws leave health care workers vulnerable when they decline to violate their religious beliefs in their capacities as health care providers.
The next two to three weeks are critical. Congress reconvenes next week on November 30. Let's make sure our elected officials hear from their constituents urging them to stand up for the cherished right of freedom of conscience.
NCHLA has made it easy to contact your members of Congress; simply click here to send an email message. |
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Activity from U.S. Bishops' Annual General Assembly
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Several items of significance resulted from the Bishops' annual General Assembly held in Baltimore, November 16-19.
- The bishops approved an official statement on pornography. Create in Me a Clean Heart: A Pastoral Response to Pornography was developed by the Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth and was approved by the full body of bishops. Explaining that pornography harms individuals and society, the bishops reiterate the immoral nature of pornography in all its forms, "It is a grave matter by its object. It is a mortal sin if it is committed with full knowledge and deliberate consent." The full text of the statement and other resources on the topic are available here.
- The bishops approved a new introductory note and limited changes to Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, their quadrennial statement on political responsibility. The full, revised document is available to read here.
- Bishop Frank J. Dewane of the Diocese of Venice was named chairman-elect of the Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development. Bishop Dewane will serve for one year as chairman-elect before succeeding the current chair, Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski of Miami. The newly-elected treasurer-elect and chairmen-elect of six committees are identified here.
- Bishop Gregory Parkes of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee provided a consultation on the canonization cause of Antonio Cuipa and Companions, the Martyrs of La Florida, in which he explained to his brother bishops that the cause includes 86 men and women, including nine children. Of the 86, 61 are Native American. Relating several moving histories, Bishop Parkes referred to the group as "martyrs of evangelization who gave their lives to share and live the Gospel in colonial Florida." His brother bishops voiced their unanimous approval of the cause. To view a video of Bishop Parkes' presentation, click here (begins at 33:51).
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Cities for Life Events Held November 30 to Promote Abolition of the Death Penalty
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On November 30, dioceses in Florida will participate in an international project spearheaded by the lay Catholic community of Sant'Egidio. Each year, about 2,000 cities in more than 80 different countries celebrate the International Day of Cities for Life, Cities against the Death penalty. Most cities take part in the initiative by illuminating their major historical or civic monuments to become symbols underlining a commitment to a world without the death penalty. The Coliseum in Rome, lit up in special colors, has become a universal symbol of this abolitionist battle, offering international visibility to places in the world which have taken major steps on the path to abolition or a lasting moratorium.
A video commemorating the 10-year anniversary of the movement in 2012 provides a sense of the history and international dimension of the project.
Check with your parish or diocese to find out Cities for Life events in your local area. |
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Opportunity to Assist FCCB: SHORT Survey on Candidate Questionnaire Project
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Each election cycle, the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops conducts the Candidate Questionnaire Project (CQP) to assist Catholics and the broader community with the obligation to become informed voters.
In an effort to evaluate the usefulness of the CQP as a tool for Catholic voters, the FCCB is seeking your input. If you have not yet had the opportunity to respond, please do so by clicking here. |
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Join Us for Catholic Days at the Capitol, February 16-17, 2016
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Catholic Days at the Capitol provides the opportunity to put your faith into action and effect positive change in Florida's laws. Help strengthen the presence of Catholic values in the public square by joining with Floridians from across the state to advocate for laws that protect and defend human life and dignity. Your participation in this event can give a voice to some of the most vulnerable and marginalized populations in our state and help promote the common good for all of Florida's residents.
Catholic Days activities include:
- A legislative briefing on policy issues affecting human life and dignity
- Pre-scheduled meetings with lawmakers
- A luncheon for Catholic Days participants, Florida's bishops and legislators
- Group photos of each diocesan delegation with their bishop
- Tours of the current and historic capitol buildings
- 41st Annual Red Mass of the Holy Spirit celebrated by the bishops of Florida to pray for those working in the legislative, judicial and executive branches of government
Registration forms and contact information for diocesan coordinators are available on the FCCB website at www.flaccb.org/cdac. Pre-Registration is required.
Make the trip. Make a Difference. |
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November 25, 2015
Follow Us On
     
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Words of Wisdom
"As a great nation, the United States must show leadership during this crisis and bring nations together to protect those in danger and bring an end to the conflicts in the Middle East."
-- Statement on Syrian Refugees and the Attacks in Paris, USCCB,
Nov. 17, 2015
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