BIG

February Recap
The 2024 legislative session is now underway. Below are updates on what's been happening in Albany throughout the month of February. Be sure to make your voice heard and take action on a number of the issues below.

    NYSCC Legislative Priorities
Stop Assisted Suicide in NY 
Non Public School Aid (Mandated Services Aid)  
Funding for hunger programs 
Additional resources for the state’s human services workforce

    Stop Assisted Suicide in NY
Proponents of doctor-assisted suicide are continuing to try to legalize this deadly practice in New York. There is a BIG push this year and we need your help.
Lawmakers need to hear from their constituents if we hope to avoid yet another assault on the dignity of human life. Assisted suicide is dangerous for patients, caregivers, and vulnerable populations such as the elderly and people with disabilities. Suicide is not medical care. Please tell your State Senate and Assembly representatives that you oppose this dangerous and deadly practice. Contact your state legislators now!
Assisted Suicide in the News:
Catholic News Agency –  Leading voice against euthanasia warns of pro-euthanasia efforts
Spectrum News – Members of disability rights community urge N.Y. lawmakers to reject Medical Aid in Dying Act
NC Register – Maryland Bishops Denounce Assisted-Suicide Bill
America Magazine – Physician-assisted suicide is gaining popularity. But there are better options.
Adirondack Daily Enterprise, Op-Ed – Physician assisted suicide should remain illegal in NY
Resources on Assisted Suicide:
Read our full memo of OPPOSITION here.
Learn more about physician assisted suicide from palliative care physician, Dr. Thomas Carroll in episode #14 of our podcast Capitol Compass. Listen wherever you get your podcasts, on our YouTube channel or on our website, https://www.nyscatholic.org/capitol-compass-podcast/.
Learn more about what we can learn from Canada when it comes to assisted suicide from Dr. Catherine Ferrier, a Canadian physician and president of the Physicians Alliance Against Euthanasia, in episode #28 of our podcast Capitol Compass. Listen wherever you get your podcasts, on our YouTube channel or on our website.

                Take Action

    Education Testimony
On February 1, James Cultrara, NYSCC director for education and NYS Council of Catholic Superintendents executive secretary, submitted testimony to the NYS legislative fiscal committees regarding the 2024-2025 elementary and secondary education budget.
Learn about our educational priorities in his testimony, here. 

                Read Now

    Catholic Charities Lobbying Day

                    Catholic Charities directors and staff gathered in Albany February 5th and 6th to meet with lawmakers and discuss legislative priorities. They hosted a reception that was very well attended by legislative and executive members and staff. Charities attendees also received a briefing given by Budget Director Blake Washington, where they had the opportunity to ask questions about various funding issues.

                    NYS Budget Director Blake Washington chats with Msgr. Kevin Sullivan, executive director of Catholic Charities of New York, and Shannon Kelly, CEO of Catholic Charities of Orange, Sullivan, and Ulster, NY, at the annual convening of the NYS Council of Catholic Charities Directors in Albany

    Capitol Compass

                    Capitol Compass Episode #36

                    In episode 36, Gillian chats with Bishop Emeritus Nicholas DiMarzio from the Diocese of Brooklyn. They discuss the current migrant crisis and how we can respond as Catholics. 
Listen wherever you get your podcasts or on our website, https://www.nyscatholic.org/capitol-compass-podcast/

                Listen Now

    The Catholic Conference represents Cardinal Timothy Dolan and the Bishops of New York State in public policy matters.

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