March 3, 2024 - "Virtual Catholic Advocacy Day"

On February 15, 2024, the Maryland Catholic Conference picked six issues for their virtual Catholic Advocacy Day.  I am presenting three of these items today as presented on the Maryland Catholic Conference Website
 
Funding BOOST Scholarships
 As Catholics, we believe that parents have a right to ensure the best education for their children. Here are some quick facts about this:
 
· BOOST scholarships enable those who might not otherwise be able to afford it with the means to do so.
· We also want to ensure expanded access to Catholic schools as an educational option for Maryland’s kids.
· BOOST is an important racial and economic justice program that closes the gap for low-income Maryland children.
· Parent demand for BOOST Scholarships, based on current scholarship rates, was DOUBLE ($18 million) the amount allotted in the program ($9 million).
 
Oppose Physician Assisted Suicide
 
Oppose SB 443/HB 403—Do not legalize Physician Assisted Suicide.  Here are some quick facts about this.  This attack on the dignity of human life:
 
· Puts vulnerable people, such as persons with disabilities and the elderly, at risk for abuse and coercion.
· Allows prescribing a lethal drug overdose to patients deemed to be terminally ill with less than six months to live.
· Does not require mental health evaluations and monitoring.
· Has no protection against insurance fraud or pressure.
· Does not require family notification.
· Does not require medication supervision, so if something goes wrong, like choking or a change of mind, the person is on his or her own.
· Does not have safeguards to prevent lethal or highly addictive drugs that are not used from getting out into our communities.

Support ENOUGH Act (Address Root Causes of Poverty)
 
Support SB 482/HB 694: ENOUGH Act to address root causes of poverty.  Here are some quick facts about the ENOUGH Act:
 
· Would direct fiscal resources to the most in-need Maryland communities for community organizations for community organizations, nonprofits, faith-based organizations and others to develop action plans to address local poverty.
· Emphasizes the importance of justice in addressing systemic issues that perpetuate poverty. By addressing community organizations and other key stakeholders, the legislation seeks to address root causes and promote lasting change in our communities.
 

 
· Provides an opportunity for Catholic parishes and nonprofits to collaborate with other community stakeholders, leveraging their resources and expertise to develop innovative solutions to poverty in their own communities.
· Fosters solidarity by bringing together diverse stakeholders to work toward a common goal of alleviating poverty.  This collaborative approach reflects the Catholic belief in the interconnectedness of all people and the responsibility to care for the marginalized and vulnerable members of society.
 
To be continued next week,
Fr. John