As regular readers know, the Iowa Catholic Conference not only represents bishops at the State Capitol, but also calls upon Catholics to form their consciences and engage in political life. Each of us is called to participate in society in light of our faith.
The Iowa Catholic Conference, as well as the U.S. bishops’ conference, makes it super easy for you to contact your governor, president, legislator or member of Congress by email through our websites even if we don’t provide information on a particular issue. It’s so important for lawmakers to hear your viewpoint, whether it’s in-person, through social media or in an email.
You can find our Action Centers at:
For good or bad, many important issues are being considered these days. Our world has its challenges, but we have the Good News on our side. As Mother Teresa said, “We are called upon not to be successful, but to be faithful.”
First deadline approaches
It’s been a very busy time at the Capitol with the first “funnel” deadline approaching on Friday, March 7. According to the rules of the Iowa Legislature, bills must pass a committee by that date to remain eligible for consideration. Budget and tax legislation is not subject to the deadline.
The ICC has posted an action alert and sample messages to legislators in opposition to HF 572, related to human smuggling, at https://www.votervoice.net/ICC/Campaigns/122479/Respond, although it seems unlikely that there will any floor debate in the House this week. The bill seems unnecessary as it is already against federal and state law to traffic in humans. Secondly, there is concern that the bill could be interpreted by overzealous officials to criminalize providing basic charity to immigrants.
A few bills passed their first committee last week with the support of the ICC, including:
SF 220, conscience protections for medical personnel
HSB 186, informed consent for medication abortions
SF 473 forbids HHS from rejecting prospective foster care/adoptive parents simply on the basis of their beliefs related to sexual orientation or identity. - placements must still be made in the best interests of the child.
HF 278 requires social media companies to obtain permission from parents before allowing a minor to the ability to obtain an account
HF 623 and SF 445 are the governor’s preschool/child care “continuum of care” bills. Private preschools may apply directly to the Department of Education to participate in the statewide program as well as providing grants for partnerships between child care agencies and preschools
A bill was introduced Thursday in the Iowa House to create work requirements for some recipients of Medicaid. HSB 248 would affect the 180,000 members of the Iowa Health and Wellness Plan, which covers them with Medicaid health insurance.
The Catholic Church certainly values the dignity of work. Currently about 75% of Iowa’s Medicaid recipients are already working. Those who are not often face barriers such as lack of education, struggles with mental health, substance abuse, or a criminal conviction. These same Iowans would likely have difficulty navigating the new reporting requirements. The bill also adds these requirements to the SNAP (food stamps) program.
HSB 248 also provides that if the federal government does not allow the requirements, the Medicaid expansion program would end. We were told that a Senate bill, SF 363, will be amended to match HSB 248. The ICC has registered in opposition to the bills.
SF 320, reinstating the death penalty for the murder of a police officer, passed a Senate subcommittee last week. We will be advocating that the Senate Judiciary Committee doesn’t pass the bill this week.
HF 463, supported by the ICC, passed a House subcommittee. It would create two new units in the state Department of Justice to fight human trafficking. Trafficking in humans is modern-day slavery and this bill could help make Iowa a safer place to live by giving the department more resources to find and prosecute people who are the ringleaders of labor and sex trafficking.
There were several bills supported by the ICC introduced late last week, although it may be difficult to advance through a committee by the deadline.
HF 662 – provide $2.5 million in support for refugee resettlement services
HF 627 – limit payday loans to 36% interest
HF 676 – pregnancy accommodations
The ICC often informs Catholics about tax proposals and invites you to contact your legislators with your opinion. In the spirit of “Laudato Si,” a proposal that might be of interest is SJR 6, a bill proposing a constitutional amendment to repeal the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund. In 2010, Iowans passed a constitutional amendment providing that if there was ever a state sales tax increase, the first 3/8 of a penny would go to the Trust Fund.
Under SJR 6, part of the funds generated by any sales tax increase would instead be used to replace property taxes used to fund public schools. The bill has passed a Senate subcommittee and is not subject to legislative deadlines.
To be sure, there is nothing stopping legislators from setting aside other money for the purposes of the Trust Fund.
For more information on acting to protect our common home, go to https://catholicclimatecovenant.org.
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