U.S. Bishops Call for

Healthcare Conscience Rights

In the wake of the continuing debate over the HHS contraceptive mandate and ongoing threats to the conscience rights of healthcare workers, the U.S. bishops are calling for passage of federal law to protect those rights. H.R. 940, a bill filed in the U.S. House of Representatives, would do just that. It is a bill that would provide much needed conscience protections by amending the Affordable Care Act and providing those aggrieved by violations of conscience a way to enforce those rights. For more information on the need for such a federal law, click here.

Illinois Puts Brake on Same-Sex Marriage 

Governor Nixon Vetoes Tax Cut Bill 

In a strongly worded veto message Governor Jay Nixon this week vetoed HB 253, a broad based tax cut measure that was the cornerstone of the GOP legislative agenda this year. In his veto message, Governor Nixon called the legislation an "ill-conceived, fiscally irresponsible experiment " that would inject "far -reaching uncertainty into our economy." The MCC took no position on the legislation. 

 

The main provision of HB 253 was a 50 percent tax cut, phased in over five years for businesses that "pass-through" their income to the owner's personal return. The bill would also lower the top personal income tax rate by one-half of a percentage point to 5.5 percent. Also the corporate tax rate would drop by 3 percentage points to 3.25 percent. These cuts would be phased in over 10 years. A trigger mechanism in the bill prevents the tax cuts from going into effect for a certain year if state revenues haven't increased by a specific amount in the previous year.

 

Supporters of the measure saw the bill as a way to help create jobs and put more money back into the hands of working taxpayers in Missouri. Many felt the bill would make Missouri more competitive with the neighboring states of Kansas and Oklahoma, which recently reduced their income taxes.

 

Opponents claimed that the bill could reduce state revenue by more than $700 million when fully implemented. Such cuts would result in Missouri reducing services, especially for public education.

Governor Nixon's veto message also highlighted an apparent mistake in the legislation that would have removed a sales tax exemption for prescription drugs, resulting in an approximate $200 million tax increase for Missourians who need prescription medications.

 

The governor's actions sets up a potential override in the veto session this fall. The Republicans currently have the two-thirds majority in both chambers needed to override a veto without any help from the Democrats.  

Expanding Medicaid Best Option for States

Bishops' Initiative on Environmental Justice

Environmental Refugees -  

A Past and Present Challenge

Take the St. Francis Pledge!

As a first step toward working on environmental justice, consider taking the St. Francis Pledge. "The St. Francis Pledge is a promise and a commitment by Catholic individuals, families, parishes, organizations and institutions to live our faith by protecting God's Creation and advocating on behalf of people in poverty who face the harshest impacts of global climate change." Visit the St. Francis Pledge website to take the pledge and get involved.  

Ordinary Time

Now that the Easter season has ended, we are in the longest period of "ordinary time" on the church calendar that lasts until the new liturgical year begins with Advent. Want to check out the Roman Catholic liturgical calendar, or understand more fully the structure of the Mass? Visit the U.S. bishops' Faith and Worship website.  

The Wisdom of St. Francis

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God" (Matthew 5:9). The true peacemakers are those who preserve peace of mind and body for love of our Lord Jesus Christ, despite what they suffer in this world.

Missouri Catholic Conference

Missouri House 

Missouri Senate