Jan. 19, 2021 — Annapolis, MD



Legislative Session is Underway



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The 442nd session of the Maryland General Assembly opened on Jan. 13 as one of the most unusual sessions in history. Pandemic precautions mean much of the business of the General Assembly is being conducted virtually, including hearings and meetings. Votes, however, will be in person, which is required under the Maryland Constitution.



“Nearly 800 bills were pre-filed this year, which is four times the normal number,” said Jenny Kraska, executive director of the Maryland Catholic Conference. “Not surprisingly, many bills so far deal with the budget, COVID relief, and police reform. The legislature also is expected to vote on overriding the governor’s veto of the Kirwan Commission, the major education funding bill that was passed by the General Assembly last year.”



COVID precautions also mean written testimony can no longer be dropped off, but must be submitted online during a five-hour window, two days prior to a scheduled hearing. Limits have been placed on the number of people who can testify orally, as well.



“While this is very different than last year, we have quickly adapted,” said Kraska. “As many as 3,000 bills can be introduced in a session. We review each to see how it may relate to the Church and our priorities of life, social and economic justice, and education, and our staff works closely with legislators and other advocates. This year, that means a lot of time videoconferencing.”



“More than ever,” she added, “we need parishioners to be involved. Delegates and Senators need to hear from their constituents. I really encourage everyone to sign up for our Catholic Advocacy Network so they can get text and email alerts, and to join our statewide Catholic Advocacy Day on Feb. 16, which will be all virtual this year.”



Read about the Maryland Catholic Conference take on the General Assembly session in the Catholic Review <[link removed]> and The Dialog <[link removed]>.



Watch the General Assembly Online



Maryland residents can follow the General Assembly’s activities via a new Twitter account (@mdgahearings <[link removed]>) that announces the hearing schedule and an online calendar <[link removed]> with links to watch hearings.



Three Tips to Make a Difference



- Pray. Every Monday, join a different guest from the Church in Maryland to pray for our elected officials. This week, Cardinal Wilton D. Gregory, Archbishop of Washington, leads our video prayer.



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(download the prayer in English and Spanish here <[link removed]>)





- Learn. Follow our testimony to see the issues on which the Conference is working. We post our testimony online <[link removed]> throughout the session, along with a link to the bill, so you can track the legislation in which you are interested.

- Advocate. Join the Catholic Advocacy Network <[link removed]> and get text and/or email alerts, plus participate in our virtual Catholic Advocacy Day on Feb. 16. Details are below. (To sign up for text alerts, text CATHOLIC to 443-764-8765. You will receive a reply asking for your name, and then your zip code so we can tailor alerts to your legislators.)



Maryland Bishops’ Statement for Martin Luther King Jr. Day









The Catholic bishops of Maryland issued a joint statement to mark Martin Luther King Jr. Day:



"As we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day today, we do so with heavy hearts, yet also with hope.



"The racism, strife, violence, and inequity that have marked our nation over the past year sadly show that we still are a nation divided. We have not yet achieved the promise of unity and peace envisioned by Reverend King and longed for by so many throughout our nation’s history.



"This must change. We must continue to work for unity, dignity, and respect for every person no matter who they are. We must truly listen to each other, to seek to understand the experiences and the pain suffered by our brothers and sisters and to commit to understanding and to change. We must see Christ in every person and to be Christ in our own actions.



Read more <[link removed]>



Save the Date! Catholic Advocacy Day







We may not be able to travel to Annapolis, but we can be #CatholicStrong! Make your voice heard and join thousands of Catholics statewide on Tuesday, Feb. 16, to stand up for hope and justice. We will prepare the action alerts. All you have to do is send them! Learn more and use our parish tool kit <[link removed]> to invite friends and fellow parishioners to join you on Catholic Advocacy Day!



Prayers







Prayers for Legislators



Please keep in prayer the response of the soul of former Maryland Senate President Mike Miller <[link removed]> who died after a long battle with cancer on Jan. 15, and for his family; U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin and his family, who recently suffered the tragic loss of their son, Tommy; and Delegate Anne Healey (D-22), who announced this week that she was diagnosed with breast cancer a few months ago.



Prayer for the Inauguration



As our nation prepares for the inauguration of our new President, may we join in prayer for him and for each other:



Almighty and eternal God,

you have revealed your glory to all nations.

God of power and might, wisdom and justice,

through you authority is rightly administered,

laws are enacted, and judgment is decreed.



Assist with your spirit of counsel and fortitude

the President of these United States,

that his administration may be conducted in righteousness,

and be eminently useful to your people over whom he/she presides.

May he encourage due respect for virtue and religion.

May he execute the laws with justice and mercy.

May he seek to restrain crime, vice, and immorality.



We likewise commend to your unbounded mercy

all citizens of the United States,

that we be blessed in the knowledge and sanctified in the observance of your holy law.

May we be preserved in union and that peace which the world cannot give;

and, after enjoying the blessings of this life,

be admitted to those which are eternal.



We pray to you, who are Lord and God,

for ever and ever. Amen.



JOIN THE CATHOLIC ADVOCACY NETWORK



The Catholic Advocacy Network gives you a voice on important issues in Maryland. Learn more and join our network. <[link removed]>



STAY CONNECTED WITH US!



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