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.
Read more...
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.
Read more...
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.
Read more...
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!
  
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