2019 Legislative Session Resources

The 2019 legislative session is underway in Minnesota. The Legislature convened on January 8 and is scheduled to adjourn no later than May 20.

MCC aims to equip Catholics across Minnesota to be a part of the political process. The following resources will help you:

• understand the legislative process
• learn the bishops’ positions and priorities
• keep up-to-date on developments
• and take action on legislation that will have an impact on life and dignity in Minnesota.

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The most effective way to stand up for human dignity and the common good during this legislative session is to join the Catholic Advocacy Network. As a member of the network, you will receive timely updates from the Capitol, and will also be provided with simple, concrete ways to promote life and dignity for all right here in Minnesota.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CATHOLIC ADVOCACY NETWORK.

(And if you’re already a member of the network, please tell your friends and family about it!)

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One-page Informational Handouts on the issues:

You can print out these PDFs on various issues to take with you when meeting or speaking with legislators.

• First 1,000 Days of Life
• Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit
• Immigrant Driver’s License
• Commercial Surrogacy
  • Surrogacy Abuse Prevention Act
  • Baby Marketplace
  • Commercial Surrogacy Misconceptions & Realities

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UNDERSTAND THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS

• How a Bill Becomes a Law – illustrates steps involved in the legislative process
• Frequently Asked Questions about the Minnesota Legislature – helpful information on our legislative body, including sections on:
  • Bills
  • Citizen Participation
  • and Legislative Sessions
• Find Your Legislator – identify the elected officials who represent you

LEARN THE BISHOPS’ POSITIONS AND PRIORITIES

• Legislative Principles – the principles and Catholic social teaching tenets guiding MCC’s advocacy at the Capitol
• Positions on Key Legislation – a regularly-updated list of bills that MCC supports and opposes
• Legislative Preview – article previewing MCC’s legislative priorities for the 2019 session

KEEP UP-TO-DATE ON DEVELOPMENTS

• Catholic Advocacy Network Emails – MCC initiative that provides informative eUpdates and timely Action Alerts on key legislation
• Legislative Electronic Notification Services – receive email updates on legislative proceedings based on your preferences
• Legislative Webcasts – live-stream legislative hearings and votes
• MCC Facebook and Twitter – social media accounts keep you informed about MCC’s work and important issues in Minnesota

TAKE ACTION ON LEGISLATION

• Catholic Advocacy Network Action Center – provides simple, concrete ways to make an impact on critical legislation in Minnesota
• Faithful Citizens Advocacy Guide (color PDF) (black and white PDF) – an informative resource for being an effective advocate when engaging with legislators
• Guideline for Parish and Church Organization Political Activity – important background on the types of political activity churches and non-profits legally can and cannot do