The Winter 2009 edition of Viewpoint outlines PCC’s comprehensive list of legislative priorities. Issues cover a wide range of categories: Catholic Education, Religious Liberty,Life and the Dignity of the Human Person, Marriage and Family, Social Justice, Health Care, and more.
This time of year, it is fitting to look back – to check the mirrors, so to speak, before looking ahead.In 2007, these issues grabbed headlines. Health Care Perhaps the most emotionally charged issue of 2007 was HB 288, the Compassionate Assistance for Rape Emergencies Act. The
I admit it. I read obituaries in the newspaper, not out of morbid curiosity, but because I’m reminded that every single human life matters. Some died tragically in their youth; others lived lengthy and apparently fulfilling lives, including a remarkable number who make it past 1
Life and physical health are precious gifts entrusted to us by God. We must take reasonable care of them, taking into account the needs of others and the common good. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, No. 2288) Health care reform is a hot topic in Harrisburg and Washington, DC. There
Another two-year legislative session is ending in Harrisburg. Hundreds of public policy proposals were discussed and done, or left undone by the Pennsylvania General Assembly. The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference (PCC) and the Pennsylvania Catholic Health Association (PCHA) tracked an
In Harrisburg, a legislative mandate for hospitals to provide emergency contraception (EC) to victims of sexual assault is being considered. This drug treatment is confusing. How does it work? Where does the Catholic Church stand? Why should citizens care? EC is a high dose of birth c
Health insurance tops the list of concerns for many if not most Pennsylvania families. As the cost of coverage rises faster than most incomes, some working families are finding themselves in a crisis situation. How will they afford insurance coverage, especially for their children? Cu
Last month Governor Ed Rendell proposed a $54.2 billion spending plan for the fiscal year 2006-2007. State legislators will debate and discuss the dollar figures and policy implications of each line item over the next several months. Ideally, a final bill will pass the House of Repres