Inside the Capitol

Legalizing sports betting, already a prominent topic of legislative discussion, has been pushed to the front of the 2022 session chatter, with both Republicans and Democrats signaling their support, and Representative Zack Stephenson’s (DFL-Champlin) announcement that he would lead a bill in 2022 to legalize sports betting. His decision matters because he can give the bill momentum as the Chair of the House Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over gambling and gaming laws.

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“Watch out, stay alert; for you do not know when the appointed time is.” (Mark 13:33) St. Mark reminds us in his Gospel that we know not when the Son of Man will return. We can apply this to our call to be faithful citizens – our call to be advocates for life, dignity, and the common good does not rest. As faithful Catholic citizens, we need to be that alert voice who has been building relationships with their legislators in order to be credible witnesses at any appointed time.

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Adequate shelter is a basic human need, as housing is a cornerstone of family stability and child development and traditionally is one the best avenues for building economic stability and generational wealth. As MCC considers a long-term policy agenda to provision the family and promote family economic security, we are more closely examining issues surrounding housing policies.

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Minnesotans deserve good policies which will naturally strengthen families. Instead, our current payday lending laws allow lenders to charge sky-high interest rates that become a debt trap for borrowers. Pope Francis denounces this modern-day usuary because it takes advantage of people in desperate financial situations. He warns that weakening the family, “poses a threat to the mature growth of individuals, the cultivation of community values, and the moral progress of cities and countries.”

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This past session, the Minnesota Catholic Conference engaged on policy proposals in both the House and Senate even though we knew that finding bi-partisan support on a given issue could be difficult.  The principles of our faith provide the proper footing to avoid falling into today’s deeply partisan trenches while also building bridges across those trenches to bring people together.

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Catholics are back at the Capitol making their voices heard in-person now that the doors of “the people’s house” have reopened to the public. A 15-month closure amid the pandemic shifted most legislative business and public advocacy online.

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Recess is no time for rest

The legislature is in recess now that the 2021 regular session came to its constitutionally mandated end on Monday, May 17^th. However, this “recess” is not a time for rest and relaxation. In fact, the clock is ticking again.

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In these final days before regular session ends on May 17^th, Catholic laity continue advocating to uphold life, dignity, and the common good. But not only are people in the pews speaking out, so are our shepherds.

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