An Important Advocacy Request from Fr. Chuck, the USCCB, and Catholic Relief Services
Fr. Chuck is making this ask of all parishioners, "In conjunction with the US Conference of Catholic Bishops and Catholic Relief Services, I am encouraging you to write or email your elected representatives in opposition to legislation being considered in the Senate that would effectively end critical U.S. programs designed to fight global hunger and build communities’ resilience."
At a time when nearly 800 million people face chronic hunger—including 45 million children who suffer from acute malnutrition—here are three reasons we must advocate against this bill:
It would leave 3 million people without assistance, pushing them closer to extreme hunger.
Its approval would make it impossible to implement resilience-building programs through Food for Peace Title II that help communities feed themselves and overcome future crises like droughts.
The legislation would prohibit these programs from using local products, which would hurt the development of strong local markets, making communities less stable and more dependent on future aid.
Hunger is on the rise, but through our united prayer and action, we can reverse this trend and build a world in which all people have enough nutritious food to thrive.
Prayerfully,
Catholic Relief Services and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
Lilian Chanchavac cooks while carrying her youngest son, Marcos. Lilian and her husband Raúl participated in programs authorized by the Farm Bill, enabling them to improve their farm and provide food for their family and community.
Photo by Erick Josue Hernández for CRS
Find My Representatives
Advocacy begins with knowing who to contact. Use the button below to find your representatives' contact information. It's as easy as typing your address. The next step is simple: pick up your phone, keyboard, or pen to deliver your message. Your voice makes an important difference!
Workers across Texas are regularly exposed to extreme environmental heat on the job. In these types of working conditions, basic safety provisions such as rest breaks, protective equipment, clean drinking water, and emergency first aid are critical provisions to ensure safe workplaces. For a significant portion of the state’s workforce, these protections remain out of reach.
Currently, no state or federal law protects workers laboring in extreme weather conditions or gives them the right to take a break when they need to drink water or rest for a moment in the shade. In response, Texas cities implemented protections. Cruelly, these local rules were rescinded on Sept. 1 as a result of HB 2127, putting more workers in danger.
At least 42 construction workers died in Texas between 2011 and 2021 from environmental heat exposure, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Multiple workers have died from heat exposure in Texas this summer alone. All of these deaths were preventable. Even though Texas workers are dying and we had record-breaking heat this summer, political leaders in Texas have chosen to ignore calls to address statewide protections. Workers' lives remain at risk because of this inaction.
As members of a faith community that cares about the life and dignity of every person, we demand that our state act NOW and add legislation that requires rest and water breaks to the next special session call – because no worker deserves to die on the job. Sign the petition below to get just conditions for workers on the agenda for Texas' next special legislative session call.
Concerns about Border Security Issues & TCCB Report on the Regular Session
Border Security
This special session has a very narrow call to address property tax reduction through compression, and border security by increased penalties for human smuggling. The Texas bishops are not taking positions on property tax issues, but do have strong concerns about border security issues. The church supports the right of a sovereign nation to control its borders and we want the federal government to enact effective and humane border management as part of a framework of comprehensive immigration reforms. Immigration enforcement should be exercised in a way that is targeted, proportional, and humane.
The TCCB is working on changes to the proportionality of punishments for undocumented families in HB 2 and SB 5 and hope to make improvements to these bills. SB 2 would create a new offense of improper entry from a foreign nation, denying the right to asylum for those legitimately seeking it. SB 2 fails to account for the years-long asylum process and makes state crimes of a person’s presence in the United States while pursuing legal federal processes. TCCB is concerned that this bill is not properly targeted nor is it proportional. However, it is highly unlikely this bill will pass in this session.
TCCB Report on the Regular Session
As they do at the end of every session, the Texas Conference of Catholic Bishops TTCCB) has developed a comprehensive report of the outcomes of the most notable bills we supported and opposed. This year, they have added an additional Advocacy Day outcomes report so the 5,000 Catholics who joined us in Austin see the direct impact of their work. Our efforts were very successful – only 16% of bills filed make it to final passage, but our success rate on Advocacy Day was 67%! Great work Texas Catholics!
June 4, 2023
No Rest for the Weary Just Yet
The 88th Texas Legislative Session ended Monday, May 29 and has already reconvened for a special session. The first special session focuses on boarder security. Check out this KUT article for more details.
The May 30 edition of the Texas Catholic Voice shares how the regular session of the 88th Texas Legislature wrapped up and what's been going on since regarding items on the Texas bishops' agenda.
May 28, 2023
Parental Choice in Education, Life Affirming Care, and Immigration Updates
Parental Choice in Education: the Bill is Dead, the Issue is Not
Jennifer Allmon, the executive director of the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops (TCCB), recently testified on SB 8 along with Pamela Jarvis, the learning specialist coordinator for Catholic schools in the Diocese of Fort Worth. They made a cogent and persuasive case for parental choice when questioned by the committee, and after the hearing Jennifer Allmon was somewhat surprised by the positive feedback from strong opponents of school choice.
Like all hot button issues, it’s difficult to wade through the political nonsense and absurd sound bites and this hearing provided an opportunity to engage in a legitimate debate.
Unfortunately, SB 8 was not voted out of committee, but the TCCB has made a great deal of progress in clarifying the benefits of parental choice. The bill may be dead, but the issue is not. The governor is likely to call a special session and the TCCB will continue their advocacy efforts and calls to action.
Great News for Life Affirming Care
SB 24 passed to third reading in the House. SB 24 was drafted to improve the responsiveness of services for at-risk children and their families. The bill narrows the focus of the Department of Family and Protective Services to investigating abuse and neglect and caring for the children in the state’s conservatorship.
The Alternatives to Abortion program, otherwise known as A2A, will be codified into law when the bill lands on the governor’s desk. The need for life-affirming services for women and their families is just as critical now as it was before the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.
In other good news, HB 12 passed the Senate unanimously. HB 12 extends Medicaid eligibility to new mothers in Texas for a year after the delivery of their child. In 2019, 118 women died of causes related to pregnancy and childbirth in our state. Data indicates 90% of those deaths were preventable. This bill will save lives and preserve families.
House and Senate Bills on Immigration Look Different
The Senate committee heard a drastically different version of HB 7 than the House did. It would establish the Texas Border Force in the Texas Rangers Division of DPS, with no limitation on Border Force authority by local governments. The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops opposes the Senate version of HB 7 because it creates a state crime of a person’s presence in the United States while pursuing legal federal processes, including the years-long asylum process. Additionally, the scale and scope of the Texas Border Force is overly broad with little oversight and significant due process concerns. HB 7 was placed on the Senate calendar for debate, and the TCCB will remain in dialogue with the bill authors to try to reduce the harm of the bill as it is drafted.
The TCCB also opposes the stand alone bill SB 2424 because it creates a new offense of improper entry from a foreign nation, including those seeking asylum or brought here as minors by their parents.
May 21, 2023
Immigration & Parental Choice Updates, Act to Protect Mothers
Immigration Updates
The migrant shelter bill, HB 5000, is dead as it was voted on too late to be set on the House calendar and it lacks a Senate companion. Last week HB 20 died on a point of order. The Texas Conference of Catholic Bishops opposed HB 20 because it does not recognize the responsibility of the government to morally ascertain the difference among traffickers, victims, and legitimate refugees, and it allows for civilian activity in law enforcement.
HB 7, the border community support bill (on which the TCCB shifted its stance to neutral after it was corrected in committee) was amended on the floor with some of the provisions of HB 20. The final version of HB 7 that passed the House contained more amendments to lessen the negative impact of the HB 20 amendment. The TCCB is still reviewing HB 7 to determine its impact at the border, but there are provisions included to provide economic assistance to the cities and counties whose resources are strained by the surge of migrants as Title 42 ends.
Our border bishops reminded us on May 13, “Daily, we witness the human consequences of migration, both its blessings and its challenges. As pastors of border communities, we minister to migrants and native-born persons alike. Our congregations include asylum seekers, enforcement officers, landowners, and elected officials, who come together, not as strangers or adversaries but as sisters and brothers, equal in dignity and worth before the Lord.” In our evaluation of immigration legislation this session we are mindful of the importance of the duty and responsibility for collaboration for the common good. Our humanitarian ministry will continue in full cooperation with local, state, and federal officials during this challenging time at the border and in our communities.
Parental Choice in Education Update
There was a failed motion to suspend the rules for House Public Education Committee to meet to vote out SB 8. Rep. Ernest Bailes objected to the meeting because the committee substitute for SB 8 was substantially different from the bill heard in the Senate and he demanded a hearing. Some very strong school choice supporters voted against the suspension based on the precedent it sets and their concerns about transparency and process.
The committee posted a hearing notice on SB 8 with invited testimony only for Monday, May 15 at 8 a.m., which indicates the strong push for leadership to get this bill across the finish line.
As of May 17, this bill is pending in committee. Sign up for the Texas Catholic Voice newsletter if you have not already, so you can get the most up to date information on this and other bills on Monday morning.
Act to Protect Mothers
Please call Calendars Committee to ask them to set SB 24. SB 24 protects the nation’s largest maternal assistance fund in perpetuity. SB 24 ensures that Texas continues to set the bar high when it comes to caring for vulnerable mothers and their families in a post Dobbs world. In addition, it ensures better integration of services for at-risk families.
May 14, 2023
House Bill Deadlines Have Passed ~ Shifting our Advocacy Work to the Senate
Starting this weekend, House bill reporting and calendar deadlines have passed. The House is now only able to act on Senate bills and local bills. If a House bill has still not been voted out of House committee, it’s dead. For bills the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops still want to pass, such as those for parental choice, all hope is not lost as Senate bills can still move. Senate deadlines are more flexible so there is still time for action there.
Immigration Bills
HB 7 and HB 800 have moved to the Senate. After reviewing the committee sub, the Texas Conference of Catholic Bishops is withdrawing opposition to HB 7, which has been altered to limit it to creating funding mechanisms to support border communities in recovering the costs of the increased migration flows. The committee sub has substantially changed the bill to something that can assist border communities financially without harming migrants.
As of Monday, May 8, the TCCB was hopeful for amendments to improve HB 800 as well. We will get an update from them on Monday, May 15 about this bill.
Payday Lending Bill
Unfortunately, HB 3827, the wage access bill (aka payday lending expansion) passed the House on Friday, May 5 on a vote of 91 to 52, which moves it to the Senate.
The TCCB opposes HB 3727 because without explicit consumer protections, this will just be another avenue for taking advantage of the poor in their time of need.
**Please join Outreach and SVDP volunteers in advocating AGAINST this bill in the Senate.**
Advance Directives Reform Bill
HB 3162, which reforms the Texas Advance Directives Act, also moved to the Senate this week.
This bill substantially improves the dispute resolution process for addressing conflicts between families and healthcare providers regarding end-of-life care. Advance directives exist to prevent close family members from second guessing these heart wrenching decisions. The lack of clarity in the current law undermines that noble goal.
This reform provides greater protection of the rights of both the patient and the healthcare provider when there are disagreements. It also corrects deficiencies in several areas, including increased transparency regarding the ethics committee meeting, timely communication between healthcare providers and patients’ families, and the circumstances under which interventions may be withheld or withdrawn.
While we cherish every second of earthly life, there will come a time for all of us in which we watch our loved ones enter into eternal life with Christ. This bills seeks to bring more peace to the hour of our death. More details on the bill can be found at this link.
May 7, 2023
Updates on the Texas Bishops' Major Legislative Issues
Bad Immigration-Related Bills
The Texas Conference of Catholic Bishops (TCCB) is disappointed that several bad immigration-related bills were voted out of the House Committee on State Affairs last Thursday night. We were hopeful they would not hold any committee votes but it seems there is momentum for these bills. Please call the House Calendars Committee and urge them not to set the following bills (deadline is Monday, May 8):
HB 7 establishes a border court, a compensation fund for property damage at the border, and grants for universities to offer programs to recruit, train, and retain professionals in border safety. It funds border facilities and physical barriers, including walls and fences, and establishes a border safety oversight committee. The TCCB opposes this bill because the Border Protection Court Program has a very vague scope and unclear due process provisions.
HB 20 amends the powers and duties of the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to add the defense and security of the Texas air, maritime and land borders. It also adds a new division within DPS called "The Border Protection Unit," with a chief appointed by the governor whose responsibilities would include oversight and governance over civilian enforcement. Additionally, it authorizes the unit to construct a wall. In the event of a “state of invasion,” the unit chief would be authorized to deter and repel persons attempting to enter the state illegally and return all aliens to Mexico, including by use of force. The TCCB opposes this bill because it does not recognize the responsibility of the government to morally ascertain the difference among traffickers, victims, and migrants with a legitimate claim for asylum, and it allows for civilian activity in law enforcement.
HB 82 gives the governor authority to coordinate, develop, and execute an interstate compact for border security among interested states with or without approval of the US Congress. The TCCB opposes this bill because it encroaches on the federal government’s jurisdiction over matters of immigration.
Payday Lending Bills of Concern
Please urge the Calendars Committee NOT to set these concerning payday lending bills as well (deadline is Monday, May 8). As Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller said, “These bills would make licensed loans look more like payday loans, taking Texas in the opposite direction we need to go. We have been working over the past decade to curtail high-cost lending abuses in support of human dignity and the common good. Supporting alternative financial products, such as St. Vincent de Paul’s Mini Loan Program and payday conversion loans, and Catholic Charities’ financial assistance programs, are much better options.”
HB 225 broadens the number of loans subject to the acquisition charge and installment account handling charge in cash advances, enabling lenders to make larger loans at the very high rates of 80-100% APR. The TCCB opposes this bill because it would unfairly harm the poor.
HB 3827 gives free rein to new wage advance products, with no fee caps, no affordability standards, and no real protections for consumers. The TCCB opposes this bill because it would unfairly harm the poor.
**Please join Outreach and SVDP volunteers in advocating AGAINST these bills that would remove limits to predatory lending and further harm the people we serve in these ministries. See also March 19 and April 9 below for similar bills we are opposing.**
Supporting Parental Choice in Education
The parental choice bills heard a few weeks ago in the House Committee on Public Education are still awaiting a vote. If they don’t make the deadline, SB 8 is still alive and well and will likely be given a hearing in the House. The TCCB supports this bill to empower families to secure the best education possible for their children.
House Deadline, Signs of Progress, & More Work to Do!
House Calendar Deadline
Please call Calendars Committee Members and ask them to place the following bills that are supported by our Texas Bishops on the House Calendar. If a bill does not make it on the House calendar by May 8, it is dead.
HB 270
This bill strengthens the procedures around a postconviction motion for forensic DNA testing. It adds to the definition of "exculpatory results" DNA test results showing unidentified DNA and another individual's DNA profile in a DNA database.
HB 1739
Relating to the rights of victims, guardians of victims, and close relatives of deceased victims in the criminal justice system. This bill provides victims of sexual assault with more rights for information about evidence, prosecutors decision processes, plea bargains.
HB 1747
This bill streamlines the licensing review process while allowing licensing boards to consider specific serious violent and sexual offenses regardless of elapsed time without reoffending. It also requires a preponderance of the evidence standard to deny a license.
HB 2337
This bill broadens the definition of behavioral health services provided for under Medicaid to include intensive outpatient services and partial hospitalization services.
HB 3158
This bill allows a licensing authority to accept an application from an inmate imprisoned in the TX Dept of Criminal Justice.
HB 3199
This bill allows child serving organizations to use the pre-employment affidavit used for job applicants in public and private schools which requires applicants to discuss whether they ever been charged with, adjudicated for, or convicted of having an inappropriate relationship with a minor.
Criminal Justice Reform Progress and Bills Still in Committee
In promising news for criminal justice reform, HB 1736, which amends the law of parties by stipulating an individual can only be found criminally responsible for the conduct of another in a capital murder case if the conspirator was a major participant and acted with reckless indifference to human life. It also requires the Board of Pardons and Paroles to review current convictions under the law of parties and make recommendations for clemency if the convictions do not meet the new standards. In addition, the House passed HB 16 to overhaul the state response to juvenile offenders by providing alternatives to incarceration, including community-based services, with the goal of keeping families together and greatly improving the likelihood of rehabilitation of youthful offenders. We are grateful for the bipartisan work in this area.
The following bills are still in committee and need your calls of support:
Protect and Restore Victims of Crime
HB 250 allows for certain crime victims (e.g., victims of stalking, family violence, or stalking, dependents, a family member or household member of any victim) to receive certain crime victim assistance, including temporary and emergency lodging, expenses for transportation and meals, relocation expenses, and housing rental payments.
Provide Humane Conditions for the Incarcerated
HB 812 prohibits the TDCJ from confining an inmate in administrative segregation for more than three consecutive days based on misconduct by the inmate. For conduct that resulted in serious bodily injury to another person, TDCJ may confine someone for up to 10 days.
HB 1708 requires temperatures remain between 65 and 85 degrees Farenheit in TDCJ facilities.
Promote Rehabilitation and Successful Reentry of the Formerly Incarcerated
HB 1064 and HB 1618 add to criteria for which the department may grant good conduct time to an inmate. These additional criteria include demonstrating good behavior by complying with all applicable department rules and diligently participating in a program such as industrial or work programs.
HB 4020 requires the Health and Human Services Commission to coordinate with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to assist eligible inmates with applying for public benefits upon release.
Progress for New Moms and Work To Do on Preventing Gun Violence and Other Justice Issues
Medicaid Support for Moms
On Friday, HB 12 was passed out of the House with overwhelming support, the final vote being 132-8. Now it’s on to the Senate! This bill extends coverage for postpartum women receiving Medicaid to 12 months We are grateful to all those who voted in support of moms and babies.
There's So Much More!
Please check out the April 24 issue of the Texas Catholic Voice for more bills to support - protecting children, school safety, mental health, improving access to driver's licenses, and more!
Gun Safety and Violence Prevention
TCCB supports four bills to prevent future tragedies and raise awareness of gun safety and violence prevention. HB 2744 raises the age to purchase an assault style semi-automatic rifle from 18 to 21. HB 236 requires gun owners conducting a private transfer of firearms to request criminal background checks before transferring a firearm to a non-relative. HB 298 mandates a required waiting period of three days for firearms sales. HB3534 requires DPS to post on its website a printable brochure that includes information on firearm violence and suicide prevention and requires a licensed firearms dealer to provide a copy of the brochure to a person to whom a firearm is being sold or transferred unless the transferee has a license to carry a handgun.
These are common sense measures to address the scourge of gun violence in our state. We pray the committee will vote them favorably out so they may be debated on the floor of the House.
April 23, 2023
Learn the "Why" Behind the Texas Bishops' Stances on Major Legislation
The April 17 issue of the Texas Catholic Voice begins with a longer explanation of the reasons behind why the Texas Bishops support or oppose some of the bills that are currently being considered in the Texas Legislature. Knowing why the Bishops take these stances and encourage us to do so as well helps us be grounded in our faith as we take political action.
Supporting Parental Choice in Education The bishops support empowering families to secure the best education possible for their children. Some of the bills they support create pathways to ease the financial burden for parents who decide that an alternative to public education is the best option for their child. See March 26 below for criteria the bishops' criteria for supporting parental choice legislation, including a preferential option for the poor and vulnerable, or check out their Myths vs. Facts page. Among the parental choice in education bills that the bishops support is HB 4340.
Opposing Anti-Immigration Bills Our Texas bishops support the right and responsibility of the federal government to address immigration, including just border security. Unfortunately, the decades-long failure of Congress and multiple executive administrations to adequately secure our international border has resulted in the state seeking to step in with legislation that also fails to strike a balance of protecting the vulnerable while preventing the entry of those who seek to harm, like cartels and smugglers, who should be held accountable for their immoral and inhumane actions. The bishops oppose anti-immigration billsHB 7, HB 20, and HB 82.
Opposing High-Cost Lending Abuses
As followers of Jesus Christ, we care for every person who experiences poverty. The Texas bishops support prioritizing the poor and vulnerable when addressing social and economic needs through public policy. They seek to assist those who are in the greatest need through various means, and that includes opposing usurious loans such as payday and auto title lending, and certain cash advance loans. The Texas bishops support setting reasonable limits on fees and interest rates whenever possible. Their efforts to curtail these predatory loans this legislative session have led them to oppose several broad pre-emption bills that would undo the 49 city and county ordinances around the state that put reasonable limits on payday and auto title lenders. Thankfully some changes have been made to these pre-emption bills to protect the poor, but none of the prospective bills have yet been listed as supported by the bishops (per their bill positions page). They do still oppose HB 2127, SB 149, and SB 814 because they would unfairly harm the poor.
Then Call your legislators to let them know your stance on bills based on your Catholic values!
April 16, 2023
Happy Easter! There are six more weeks until Pentecost Sunday and the following day is Sine Die in the Texas Legislature. Several bills supported by the TCCB on parental education, mental health, and criminal justice reform are advancing, and we pray that the Holy Spirit guides our lawmakers to pass legislation for the common good. May we each do our part to support or oppose bills in line with our Catholic values.
Advocate for Parental Choice in Education
On Tuesday, April 11, the House Committee on Public Education heard several parental choice bills. The TCCB testified on HB 4340 and HB 619. HB 4340, the most likely bill to move forward, will have a committee substitute that includes a path for all families to have the opportunity to apply for an education savings account. This new approach will still prioritize the economically disadvantaged, however students enrolled in both public and private school may qualify.
The TCCB encourages everyone who is a constituent of the Public Education committee members to call your legislator and ask him or her to vote for HB 4340 and HB 619.
Advocate for Mental Health and Disaster Victims
HB 15 had a second reading this week. It would establish the Mental Health and Brain Research Institute of Texas to create and expedite innovation in mental health and brain research. The TCCB supports this bill to improve the health of Texas residents, and enhance the potential for a medical or scientific breakthrough in mental health and brain-related sciences and biomedical research.
HB 906 requires an institution of higher education to provide each entering student information about available mental health and suicide prevention offered by the institution or by any associated organizations or programs and early warning signs and appropriate intervention for a person who may be considering suicide. The TCCB supports this bill to increase awareness and prevention of suicide among young people.
HB 1384 limits the total charges to 30% for extensions of consumer credit facilitated by credit access businesses and entered into by consumers in disaster areas. TCCB supports this bill to promote fair lending practices and protect victims during natural disasters.
Advocate to Improve our Criminal Justice System
HB 205 had a second reading this week. It would allow a court to grant a convicted person relief on an application for writ of habeas corpus if the court finds that had newly discovered scientific evidence been available at the time of the trial, the person would have received a different punishment. The TCCB supports this bill to limit the use of the death penalty.
HB 156 allows the board of pardons and paroles to hear clemency matters by videoconference. The board is allowed to deliberate privately after holding a hearing, but the presiding officer must announce publicly each member's decision regarding whether or not to grant clemency. The TCCB supports this bill to improve the clemency process in capital cases.
HB 823 authorizes TDCJ inmates to be eligible for certain occupational licenses, including information security and business continuity planning, electricians, and barbering and cosmetology. Furthermore, it allows inmates to perform air conditioning, refrigeration-related work, and electrical work if the work is performed part of a re-entry program or under supervision acceptable to the department. The TCCB supports this bill to promote the rehabilitation and re-entry of incarcerated persons. **This would really help some of our Outreach and SVDP neighbors!**
April 9, 2023
Progress on Important Bills!
We have great news for moms and babies and their families! HB 12 was unanimously voted out of committee. It expands Medicaid coverage for postpartum women to 12 months to help address maternal mortality and morbidity in Texas. SB 24 passed out of the Senate. It consolidates the Alternatives to Abortion and Prevention and Early Intervention programs under one umbrella, Family Support Services, to establish an integrated continuum of care system of programs providing family support services to at-risk families.
HB 727 which abolishes the use of the death penalty for the severely mentally ill passed to third reading in the House. The final vote in the House will determine whether the bill will move to the Senate for their consideration.
TCCB supported and offered testimony for SB 1849 and SB 1469 in the Senate and next week in the House they will testify in support of HB 3199. These bills help close loopholes in the state's ackground check system, which currently allows different levels of access for different types of entities. It’s great to have these critically important child protection bills advancing early.
Finally SB 8, a parental choice bill, was voted out of committee and will be debated on the Senate floor. Contact your Senator and ask them to support SB 8, which is expected to be on the floor soon.
Advocate to Increase our Workforce and Improve Mental Health
SB 1281 repeals the OmniBase program to allow for renewal of licenses regardless of ability to pay fines. The TCCB supports this bill to allow more Texans to keep and find employment by having the ability to drive to work. **This would really help some of our Outreach and SVDP neighbors!**
HB 400 creates a psychiatric specialty innovation grant program to award grants to medical schools for residents specializing in adult and pediatric psychiatric care. The TCCB supports this bill to increase the workforce in Texas for mental health care.
HB 2337 broadens the definition of behavioral health services provided under Medicaid to include intensive outpatient services and partial hospitalization services. The TCCB supports this bill to expand access to mental health care for Medicaid recipients.
Continue to Advocate Against Predatory Lending
SB 814, known as the Texas Regulatory Consistency Act, precludes municipalities or counties from adopting or enforcing an ordinance, order, rule, or policy in a field occupied by provisions of certain codes unless explicitly authorized by statute. Any person adversely affected by a violation can bring a cause of action and is entitled to relief and reasonable attorney's fees. The TCCB opposes this bill which would undermine the work of local communities to address local issues, including payday lending ordinances.
HB 225 increases the maximum reference base amount for certain consumer loans from $200 to $300. The TCCB opposes this bill because it would broaden the number of loans subject to the acquisition charge and installment account handling charge in cash advances.
**Please join Outreach and SVDP volunteers in advocating AGAINST these bills that would remove limits to predatory lending in Austin. See also March 19 below for similar bills we are opposing.**
Advocate to Reduce Gun Violence
HB 3266 by Rep. Fraizer prohibits the possession, manufacture, transport, repair, or sale of a device designed and intended to make a handgun capable of automatically shooting more than one shot without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger. The TCCB supports this as a reasonable measure to reduce gun violence.
HB 3938 by Rep. Moody requires persons convicted of family violence, felonies, or subject to a protective or emergency protection orders to dispose of all firearms in their ownership, possession, or control. The TCCB supports this bill as a reasonable measure to reduce gun violence.
April 2, 2023
Catholic Advocacy Day & More Work To Do!
Catholic Advocacy Day - Tuesday, March 28
On Tuesday, March 28, St. Austin parishioners joined thousands of Catholics from around the State to speak to state representatives and advocate for bills that promote our Catholic values. High on the list were supporting parental choice in education, integrated background checks, extending post-partum Medicaid care to new moms, establishing the Mental Health and Brain Research Institute of Texas, and not sentencing severely mentally ill persons to death. Groups that met with legislators also asked them to oppose prohibiting undocumented immigrants from enrolling in Texas public K-12 schools.
See the full list of priority bills HERE. And don't forget - the legilsative session isn't over yet! Keep reaching out to your legislators about bills that are important to you as a Catholic, and check back weekly for more updates!
St. Austin parishioners Kristen Dempsey Pasyk and Jennifer Kirsch pose with Bishop Joe Vasquez and other Austin-area Catholics at Catholic Advocacy Day on March 28. (Photo Credit: Robert Cavazos)
March 26, 2023
Promising Update on HB 2127
After the recent hearing on HB 2127*, the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops (TCCB) is pleased to report promising conversations with the author and other legislators. The TCCB believes improvements are being made to the bill. TCCB currently opposes this bill. However, their position could change based on improvements to the bill.
When a bill is formally changed such that the TCCB position changes, they will announce it in an action alert and on their Facebook and/or Twitter accounts after they verify the new bill text in a committee sub or accepted amendment. We'll keep you posted!
*HB 2127 precludes municipalities or counties from adopting or enforcing an ordinance in a field occupied by provisions of certain codes unless explicitly authorized by statute. Read more under March 19, 2023.
The Texas Bishops' Criteria for Supporting Parental Choice in Education
The first hearing for bills on parental choice in education was Wednesday, March 22, at 9:00 am. The TCCB testified in support of SB 8 and SB 2354 as well as registered their support for SB 176 and SJR 29.
The bishops' criteria for supporting parental choice legislation includes the following:
a preferential option for the poor and vulnerable, ensuring students with the greatest academic and financial need are first in line;
academic accountability which requires accreditation and the administration of a norm- or criterion-referenced assessment each year (current practice at accredited schools);
financial accountability through random audits of ESAs (Education Savings Account) by a third party; and
protections for the privacy, autonomy and religious freedom of participating schools ensuring that educators are not required to modify their creed, practices, admissions policies, curriculum, performance standards, or assessments to serve ESA students.
Keep Advocating to Support Moms and Young Families!
On Thursday, the TCCB testified in support of HB 12, which extends coverage for postpartum women receiving Medicaid to 12 months. Last December the Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee reported 118 women died from causes related to pregnancy and childbirth in 2019, and that 90% of those deaths were preventable. This data is alarming and tragic and demonstrates how vulnerable women are during pregnancy and after giving birth, especially those who lack comprehensive healthcare. The bishops support HB 12 because it will save lives and help create healthy families.
March 19, 2023
Advocate FOR School Choice and Improving Public Schools
Parental choice in education will certainly be one of the most intense topics of the upcoming of the 88th legislative session. This week there were many bills filed to provide parents with more educational options. The bishops have always supported parental choice in education while recognizing that when funding or capacity is limited it is important to exercise the preferential option for the poor and vulnerable to ensure those with greatest need are prioritized.
HB 195 requires inclusion of accommodations during a disaster or emergency situation in an IEP or 504 plan. The TCCB supports this bill to assure that emergency plans in schools account for the special needs of those with disabilities.
HB 473/SB 562 requires a school to include parents in a threat assessment of a student. The TCCB supports this bill to provide greater engagement by parents in assessments of student safety.
HB 1157 allows excused absences from public school for mental health appointments. The TCCB supports this bill to recognize the importance of mental health care.
Advocate AGAINST Predatory Lending and Removing Local Ordinances
Payday and auto-title lending ordinances directly affect many people served by Outreach and SVDP, who take out these loans when they run out of money and see no other option to pay their bills. Ordinances in the City of Austin currently curb some of the worst of predatory lending in our city, aimed at reducing the cycle of poverty that these loans can create or exacerbate. These ordinances would be removed if HB 2127/SB 149 became law.
Please join Outreach and SVDP volunteers in advocating AGAINST these bills that would remove limits to predatory lending in Austin.
HB 2127 precludes municipalities or counties from adopting or enforcing an ordinance in a field occupied by provisions of certain codes unless explicitly authorized by statute. The TCCB opposes this bill which would undermine the work of local communities to address local issues, including payday lending ordinances.
SB 149 limits the authority of a municipality to regulate statewide commerce. The TCCB opposes this bill because the broad definition of "commercial activity" would likely affect the efficacy of payday and auto-title lending ordinances that protect poor and vulnerable Texans.
The workers rights organization, Workers Defense Project, also opposes these bills. Among the local protections that would be rolled back by the bills include water breaks in Austin and Dallas. Undoing such an important worker protection leaves workers in danger of heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and even death. Texas is the deadliest state for construction workers, where one construction worker dies every three days.
And There's More!
Check out this week's Texas Catholic Voice for even more opportunities to speak up for a better Texas! Bills highlighted this week include opportunities to improve rehabilitation and re-entry of offenders, public schools, family preservation and the foster care system, religious freedom, post-partum care for new moms, and to remove barriers to accessing Medicaid and CHIP.
March 12, 2023
Advocate to Protect Children by Closing Loopholes
Many background check databases and resources exist, with various levels of access. This system creates loopholes where a known abuser is on one list but may not be on others, and some providers have access to one list and not others. The Texas Bishops support this bill package that, if passed, will significantly close loopholes that currently limit the ability of private schools, childcare and child service providers to protect children:
HB 3198/SB 1473 Omnibus Bill on Child Protection
HB 3199/SB 1469 Apply Pre-Employment Affidavit to Child Welfare or Services Organizations
HB 3201/SB 1470 Add Child Care Providers to TEA Do Not Hire Access
HB 180 requires a convicting court to withdraw the order of the court setting a date for execution in a death penalty case on the motion of the attorney representing the state.
HB 205 allows a court to grant a convicted person relief on an application for writ of habeas corpus if the court finds that, had newly discovered scientific evidence been available at the time of the trial, the person would have received a different punishment.
HB 314 removes the use of the death penalty for defendants who are found guilty in a capital felony, if the finding of guilt is based solely on the testimony of a single eyewitness without any corroborating evidence.
HB 727 prohibits the sentence of death on a defendant who, at the time of the commission of a capital offense, was a person with severe mental illness.
Advocate for Crime Victims, Mothers & Families, Medicaid Recipients, and Veterans
HB 279 amends the penal code by treating a disabled individual the same as a child in human trafficking.
HB 798 removes the requirement that a victim be in their place of residence to be entitled to one-time compensation for relocation and housing rental expenses.
HB 300 makes items for mothers and families (including diapers and wipes) more affordable by making them exempt from sales tax.
HB 54 raises the personal needs allowance for certain Medicaid recipients who are residents of long-term care facilities.
HB 671 requires the Texas Veterans Commission to conduct a suicide prevention campaign to provide veterans with information regarding suicide prevention.
March 5, 2023
Advocate to Support Moms & Young Families
HB 12 would extend Medicaid eligibility to new mothers in Texas to a year after the delivery of their child, significantly increasing the length of time moms can access critical postpartum health coverage. The TCCB supports this bill to provide mothers with extended postpartum care.
HB 300 would exempt diapers, wipes, other essential baby items and feminine hygiene products from the state’s sales tax. The TCCB supports this bill to help to make those items for mothers and families in the state more affordable.
Advocate to Improve our Criminal Justice System
HB 188 improves transparency in capital sentencing proceedings.
HB 247 promotes reentry of the incarcerated into society by allowing review of sentences.
HB 270 ensures innocent persons have access to justice related to DNA evidence.
HB 286 ensures innocent persons have access to justice when new evidence is available.
HB 381 limits the use of the death penalty.
Find My Representatives
Advocacy begins with knowing who to contact. Use the button below to find your representatives' contact information. It's as easy as typing your address. The next step is simple: pick up your phone, keyboard, or pen to deliver your message! Your voice makes an important difference to those in dire need.
At the end of every Mass, we’re dismissed with the invitation to “Go out and announce the Gospel with your lives.” There are a few different ways we’re sent forth, but that’s the gist. We are to go out and LIVE the Gospel call of Love and Service. Live out your Love through Advocacy.
January 2022
Ask Congress to Support poor families & protect our common home!
Support Families
According to Catholic teaching, the family is "the most basic form of human community," and therefore is "intimately linked" to the long-term future of our nation. Therefore, "economic and social policies as well as the organization of the work world should be continually evaluated in light of their impact on the strength and stability of family life," (Economic Justice For All no. 93). The Child Tax Credit is an economic and social policy that supports the strenth and stability of family life. Last year, more than 36 million families received a monthly payment through the expanded Child Tax Credit program to help make ends meet. December marked the last monthly payment until Congress acts to extend the expanded Child Tax Credit. The expanded credit has been an extremely effective anti-poverty program, lifting 3.8 million children above the poverty line.
If the expanded credit is not renewed, the amount of help families receive will shrink, monthly payments will end, roughly one-third of households will no longer be eligible to receive the full credit because their incomes are too low, and the lowest-income families will be cut off from the credit all together.
On the fifth anniversary of the Paris Agreement, Pope Francis called for "a culture of care, which places human dignity and the common good at the center." The environment and human beings everywhere, especially the poor and vulnerable, stand to benefit from the care of our common home. For this reason, USCCB encourages Congress to advance climate investment policies that will help protect our common home, including tax incentives to support existing and emerging technologies in clean energy, resilience investments focused on protecting low-income and minority communities, and incentives to decarbonize the economy. Such investments are necessary if the US is to reach its current Paris Agreement goals to reduce carbon emissions by 50% by 2030.
Protect our Common Home
Policies are needed to address "the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor." Ask Congress to invest in care for creation and to extend the expanded Child Tax Credit, ensuring it remain fully refundable so that it is available to the lowest income families and that it continues to include mixed-status families.
We encourage you to add your own personal story about why climate investments matter to you, and/or how 2021’s expanded Child Tax Credit has helped your family or your community.
Thank you for taking action. You can read a recent USCCB letter that includes advocacy for care for creation and an expanded Child Tax Credit here.