Minnesota Catholic Conference looks to 2005 legislative session

As the November elections approach, much attention is focused on campaign ads, personalities and polls. But at the Minnesota Catholic Conference (MCC), staffers are looking past the elections to the 2005 legislative session which convenes in January.

"We are concerned about policy over politics," said MCC Executive Director Christopher Leifeld. "Regardless of who holds office, our priorities stay the same. Our agenda really cuts across political party platforms and calls for policies that protect the vulnerable and promote the common good for everyone from conception to natural death. We are barred from direct campaign activity because of the church's nonprofit status. So we're really in a position to analyze and discuss policy as opposed to other types of organizations that focus strictly on political campaigns. We try to engage individuals to be active in the political process before, during and after Election Day." Leifeld noted.

To guide their work, the MCC looks to the seven principles of Catholic Social Teaching. These principles are: Life and the Dignity of the Human Person; Call to Family, Community, and Participation; Rights and Responsibilities; Option for the Poor and Vulnerable; Dignity and the Rights of Workers; Solidarity; and Care for God's Creation.

"Our job is to respectfully present the church's perspective on public policy matters and share the Church's view of the role of government with policy makers," said Leifeld. While the themes and general priorities remain the same, specific issues change from year to year. To identify specific areas of concern the MCC draws on the experience and expertise of its public policy staff and advisory committees. Conference public policy staff consists of Executive Director Leifeld, Education Director Peter Noll, and Social Concerns Director Kate Krisik. To assist in setting priorities, the three directors stay in regular contact with the bishops of Minnesota and their appointed representatives from the six dioceses of the state.

For 2005, Executive Director Leifeld anticipates that marriage and abortion will take the bulk of his attention. He will also work to promote a state budget that adequately addresses the needs of the poor. On the education front, Peter Noll will continue to work for expanded parental choice in education - seeking access to private schools for low- and moderate-income families. Noll said that on-site special education services for non-public school students is a key issue as well. Some of the issues Social Concerns Director Krisik anticipates working on are restoration of social service funding, particularly within the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP), continued opposition to relaxed handgun permit proposals and opposition to reinstatement of the death penalty.

In addition to communicating with policy makers, the MCC also provides resources to help people participate in the political process including policy guides, bishops' statements, and issue updates. For information on the resources available, visit the MCC online at www.mncc.org or call (651) 227-8777.