Thanks to our advocacy network for your effective outreach to lawmakers this week.  We are thrilled to announce that the bill to improve school emergency notifications (SB 5514) was unanimously passed by the Washington House of Representatives and is now headed to the Governor’s desk.  Passing this bill has been a multi-year effort for the WSCC, and we are very appreciative of your important outreach to lawmakers to better protect all students!

Life and Liberty – Death Penalty Repeal Bill Still Under Consideration – The bill to abolish capital punishment in Washington state, SB 5339, was added to the House Floor calendar on Thursday.  The WSCC remains hopeful about final passage of the bill and continues to engage state lawmakers in this effort.

A Pivotal Point in the Discourse on Life Issues – Bishop Robert Barron, Auxiliary Bishop of Los Angeles, published an insightful piece this week asking whether we are at a pivotal point in the conversation on life, “not because new arguments have emerged, but rather because laws so breathtaking in their barbarism have been passed.”  His thoughtful article in Word on Fire also comments on a new major motion picture, Unplanned, which portrays the true conversion story of an abortion clinic director who became a leading advocate in the pro-life movement.

Social Justice – EPA’s Plan to Weaken Pollution Rule Poses Serious Public Health Risks  – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed to significantly weaken a set of environmental standards that have been in place since 2011. The proposed rule concerns the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) which regulate emissions from power plants fueled by coal and oil, and provide important protections for human and environmental health. The USCCB supports maintaining the current standards because, even in small amounts, these harmful air pollutants are linked to health problems, particularly in children before and after birth, the poor and the elderly. Go to the WSCC Action Center to send comments to the EPA on this proposed rule.

Update on Bill for Homeless Seniors and Persons with Disabilities  –  SB 5839 brings Medicaid personal care to frail seniors and people with disabilities through a modest pilot project. While the House Appropriations Committee failed to act on this bill before the fiscal committee cutoff earlier this week, the Senate bill for the operating budget includes the necessary language and funding.

Upcoming Events

Walking + Witnessing for Migrant Families  – April 29 to May 11

Catholic Immigration Summit, Seattle – June 8

Cornerstone Catholic Conference, Tacoma – October 18-19, 2019