March 2, 2020 — Annapolis, MD

DOZENS TESTIFY, TURNOUT IN OPPOSITION TO PHYSICIAN-ASSISTED SUICIDE

Dozens of people wearing nearly every shade of green crammed into the Judicial Proceedings wing of the Miller Senate building in Annapolis on Friday, Feb. 28 to oppose the proposed physician-assisted suicide bill (SB 701), also known as the "End of Life Options Act."

More than 40 people testified against the bill, expressing opposition to the risks posed by legalizing assisted suicide, the bill's lack of safeguards for vulnerable populations, its direct affront to medical ethics, and more. Dozens more attended the hearing to stand in solidarity with the many communities who the bill puts at grave risk — including those with disabilities, veterans, the elderly and those struggling with prescription drug addiction — in opposition to its advancing.

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STATE TO START ACCEPTING BOOST SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS AS EARLY AS THIS WEEK

As soon as this week, the Maryland Department of Education will start accepting applications for BOOST Scholarships (Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today Scholarship Program) for the 2020-21 school year.

Each year, the state gives about 6 weeks for families to apply for a BOOST Scholarship for the coming school year. Last year, the state started accepting applications in February.

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MARYLAND CATHOLIC CONFERENCE SUPPORTS BILL TO PROTECT FOREIGN WORKERS

The Maryland Catholic Conference has again supported legislation that would protect foreign laborers who come to our state from trafficking and exploitation, offering testimony in support of SB 742, the "Fair Recruitment and Transparency Act."

Every year thousands of workers with what are known as "H-2 visas" arrive in Maryland to do everything from farm work, to crab-picking and landscaping. Those workers often face abuse, fraud and coercion from recruiters and others who put them at risk for trafficking and exploitation. 

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CENSUS MATERIALS COMING SOON!

Every 10 years the people of the United States are counted, as required by the U.S. Constitution via a process called the Census. While the Census is an important component of American democracy, the challenge is always making sure people participate. 

The Catholic Church has a rich tradition of caring for the most vulnerable in society.  While individual Catholics and Catholic organization have a responsibility to address local needs, government programs and funding also play a role in combatting poverty, educating children, and providing support for the vulnerable. 

The Maryland Catholic Conference will soon be distributing resources on the 2020 Census through our website and our Catholic parishes. Be on the lookout for more information on how you can participate in the Census soon!


JOIN STUDENTS FROM ST. MARY'S HIGH SCHOOL IN ANNAPOLIS IN PRAYER FOR MARYLAND'S ELECTED LEADERS

In honor of the start of Women's History Month, this week's prayer for Maryland's elected officials is led by three young women from St. Mary's High School in Annapolis, MD.

The Conference encourages everyone to join us each Monday in prayer. To pray along this week with Bishop Malooly, visit our Facebook page. Share the post and use the hashtag #WeAreCatholic.

To access the prayer: CLICK HERE.


GET INVOLVED

JOIN THE CATHOLIC ADVOCACY NETWORK

Learn more about the Catholic Advocacy Network and how you can take action on important issues in Maryland: CLICK HERE. 

VOLUNTEER WITH US!

The Maryland Catholic Conference is still looking for volunteers to serve as Parish Legislative Ambassadors for some parishes. If you are passionate about the work we do and want to help us speak up on important issues in Maryland, please sign up to volunteer!

To sign-up to volunteer CLICK HERE. 


IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES

April 6, 2020: Sine Die (last day of 2020 legislative session)

April 22, 2020: Human trafficking presentation in Pasadena


 

STAY CONNECTED WITH US!

 

             

Maryland Catholic Conference · 10 Francis St, Annapolis, MD 21401, United States
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