Catholic Conference sets 2008 state legislative agenda
Published Jan 21, 2008ROMEOVILLE—Parental consent is required when it comes to allowing minor children to be given medications, including prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs, at public and private schools. In contrast, if an Illinois law is successfully amended, parental notification will no longer be required in all cases of minors seeking abortion procedures.
“That’s preposterous,” said Bob Gilligan, executive director of the Catholic Conference of Illinois, the public policy arm of the Catholic bishops in the state. “We will strongly oppose any efforts to decrease parental involvement” in the lives of young people. He explained that policymakers are now in the process of revamping HB0317, the Adolescent Health Care Safety Act.
A member of St. Michael Parish in Chicago’s Old Town neighborhood, Gilligan talked with the Catholic Explorer Jan. 10 about the major legislative obstacles that members of CCI plan to tackle in 2008.
While CCI is headquartered in Chicago, the professionals of the agency maintain a presence in Springfield during legislative sessions to stay on top of prospective legislation and lobby on behalf of Catholics in Illinois. They advocate for pieces of legislation that align with church teachings and against those that conflict with the principles of Catholicism.
Revising the Illinois Regenerative Medicine Institute program is an action CCI lobbyists hope to help bring about this year, said Gilligan.
By executive order, Gov. Rod Blagojevich directed the Illinois Department of Public Health to create the research program in July 2005. It calls for awarding millions of dollars in grants to medical facilities across the state for stem-cell experimentation, including research that involves embryonic stem cells, said Gilligan.
While stem cells offer the possibility of making replacement cells and tissues to treat various medical conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease and spinal cord injuries, Gilligan noted that the use of human embryos and cloning in procuring remedies “is morally objectionable.”
Rep. David Reis, R-Olney, is leading the battle to amend the legislation. “We’re working on the final draft now,” he told the Explorer Jan. 11. The goal is to use only state tax dollars to fund scientific research involving adult stem cells and cord blood, he said.
“There have been so many breakthroughs with adult stem cells,” stressed Reis, a member of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Newton, Ill. He vowed to continue advocating for the amendment until it is added to the bill. “We’re going to keep going,” he said.
Members of CCI are also gearing up to support state initiatives corresponding with the Catholic Church’s teachings on social justice, mentioned Gilligan.
The agency is set to provide strategies for adjusting the Payday Loan Reform Act, according to Gilligan. Payday loans—short-term advances to cover expenses until the borrower’s next paycheck—“may serve a public purpose,” he said. Dilemmas arise, however, when borrowers obtain multiple loans with high interest rates.
The amounts of loans along with the interest payments often surpass the money that the borrowers earn at their jobs, said Gilligan. Eliminating the debt is often sidestepped to pay utility bills, make rent or mortgage payments and buy food. In the meantime, the interest continues to compile over the months and years. This makes it increasingly difficult for individuals to get out of debt, he said. “We’re looking to further clamp down on the inappropriate use of payday loans,” he added.
An additional CCI initiative is aimed at helping Illinois residents learn English. The lobbyists also plan to focus their collective energies on promoting legislation geared toward decreasing taxes for low-income families, said Gilligan.
Meanwhile, a major venture the members of CCI plan to undertake in 2008 is helping nonpublic schools apply for grants for mandatory health and safety measures, according to Gilligan.
Approved by the legislature in early January, an addition to SB783, the Budget Implementation Bill, now allows nonpublic schools access to the Educational Improvement and School Safety Block Grant.
“This victory is huge,” stated Zach Wichmann, associate director for education for CCI. “For the first time, the state will be providing our schools with direct reimbursement for health and safety measures, most of which are required but not funded by state or local governments.”
Nonpublic schools are expected to use the money to fund such safety measures as state mandated teacher background checks and fire safety programs. Reimbursement payments are also slated to help schools purchase automated external defibrillators, which are devices used to treat life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, according to Wichmann.
When the program is fully up and running, Catholic schools are expected to receive annual reimbursement payments ranging from $858 to $81,549, depending on school enrollment, said Wichmann.
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Parental consent is required when it comes to allowing minor children to be given medications, including prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs, at public and private schools. In contrast, if an Illinois law is successfully amended, parental notification will no longer be required in all cases of minors seeking abortion procedures.
: Jan 21, 2008
Catholic Conference of Illinois, the public policy arm of the Catholic bishops of Illinois, is urging supporters to contact the governor to approve House Bill 471 with substantive language that enables non-public schools access to the School Safety and Educational Improvement Block Grant Program.
: Sep 6, 2007
Calendar of Events
Today is May 17, 2008Catholic Charities
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Joliet plans to sponsor a benefit golf outing at 1:30 p.m. May 16 at Ruffled Feathers Golf Club in Lemont. Tickets are $250 if purchased by May 2 and $275 afterward. For more information www.cc-doj.org.Aquinas Catholic Academy
Aquinas Catholic Academy in Kankakee plans to co-sponsor "Operation Rosary Bowl" at 6 p.m. May 17 in the gymnasium of Bishop McNamara High School in Kankakee. The event is slated to include a "living rosary," Benediction and Mass celebrated by retired Auxiliary Bishop Roger L. Kaffer. It is expected to be a community night of prayer dedicated to world peace and honor military branches on Armed Forces Day. For more information 815-932-0314 or 815-932-7413.Holy Family Parish
Holy Family Parish in Shorewood plans to host a concert with internationally known artist Tatiana. The inspirational presentation, dubbed "I Do Believe: The Journey of Faith," is scheduled at 7 p.m. May 17. For more information 815-725-6880.St. Anne Parish
St. Anne Parish in Crest Hill plans to hold a pancake breakfast from 8 a.m.-noon May 18. The cost is adults-$5, children ages 6-10 years old-$3 and 5 years and under-free. For more information 815-722-3222.St. Mary School
St. Mary School in West Chicago plans to hold an alumni reunion May 18. All alumni are encouraged to register. For details 630-562-9660 or 630-231-1776.Visitation Parish
Visitation Parish in Elmhurst plans to host the "Great Adventure" Bible series from 12:30-2:30 p.m. Wednesdays Jan. 9-May 21, 2008. For more information 630-832-7903.WoodSong Music Ministries
WoodSong Music Ministries plans to present "Shout to the Lord" from 7-8 p.m. May 21 at Queen of Angels Chapel, St. Francis Woods, Frankfort. Those who attend the concert are invited to bring a canned good to be shared with the less fortunate. For more information 815-469-4895.The Joliet Area Community Hospice Guild
The Joliet Area Community Hospice Guild plans to hold its annual card party and buffet luncheon from 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. May 21 at the Cantigny Post #367 VFW Hall. The cost is $12 per person. For more information or to purchase tickets 815-740-4104.All Saints Catholic Academy
Father Larry Richards, a captivating speaker, preacher and retreat master, is slated to present a special program at 7 p.m. May 22 at All Saints Catholic Academy in Naperville. For complete details 312-876-8991.St. Thomas the Apostle Parish
The Job Ministry of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Naperville plans to hold a program for those in job transition at 7 p.m. May 22. Conor Cunneen, a consultant, presenter, and author, is slated to speak about the building blocks of successful transition. For more information 630-355-8980 or 630-851-8781.The Illinois Catholic Homeschool Conference
The Illinois Catholic Homeschool Conference is slated May 23-24 at University of St. Francis in Joliet. The event is expected to feature vendors, presentations, Mass and entertainment. For more information 815-727-3018 or www.ilchc.org.SS. Peter and Paul Parish
Spirit and Truth's Wipe Open Worship 2008 is slated from 7:30-9 p.m. May 24 at SS. Peter and Paul Parish in Naperville. The event is expected to include a eucharistic procession in celebration of the feast of Corpus Christi, exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, music, prayer and a reflection by Bishop J. Peter Sartain. For more information 312-526-1667.St. Raphael Parish
St. Raphael Parish in Naperville plans to sponsor a Christian beginnings workshop from 9:15-11:15 a.m. May 19-30 (no class May 26). The cost is $150 per person, which includes materials. For more information 630-355-4545 ext. 112.St. Raphael Parish
St. Raphael Parish in Naperville plans to hold "Matthew: A Gospel for Times of Transition," a one-day retreat, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. May 31. The cost is $25 per person. For more information 630-355-4545 ext. 112.St. Jude Parish
St. Jude Parish in Joliet plans to hold vacation Bible school June 16-20. Registration is scheduled May 17-June 2. For more information 815-725-2209.The St. Ambrose Home School Association
The St. Ambrose Home School Association plans to co-sponsor a musical performance at 6:30 p.m. June 7 and at 3 p.m. June 8 in the Moser Performing Arts Center Auditorium at University of St. Francis in Joliet. For complete details 708-557-7070.St. Thomas the Apostle Parish
St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Naperville plans to host "EcoMission: Growing Our Souls and Saving Our Planet" May 31-June 12. Complete details, including a schedule of topics, are available at www.stapostle.org.St. Jude Parish
St. Jude Parish in Joliet plans to hold vacation Bible school June 16-20. Registration is scheduled May 17-June 2. For more information 815-725-2209.SS. Peter and Paul Parish
SS. Peter and Paul Parish in Naperville is offering the Tridentine Mass. The Latin Mass is celebrated at 5:30 p.m. Sundays. For more information 630-718-2114.Immaculate Conception High School
The class of 1958 of Immaculate Conception High School in Elmhurst plans to hold its 50-year class reunion Oct. 3-4 at the Wyndham Drake Oakbrook Hotel. For details or to help locate alumni 630-833-2939.Mary Queen of Heaven Parish
Mary Queen of Heaven Parish in Elmhurst plans to continue its Women in the Church/Women in the Bible speaker series.The schedule is as follows:
Franciscan Father Benet Fonck, a renowned presenter, is slated to speak at noon Aug. 10 about St. Clare.
Dominican Sister Barbara Reid, a prominent biblical scholar, is scheduled to speak at 7 p.m. Oct. 14 about women of the New Testament.
Mary Foley, pastoral life coordinator at the Elmhurst parish, is planned to speak at 7 p.m. Nov. 4 about "Women in Ecclesial Ministry Today."
For complete details 630-279-5700.
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