Dear MNCAN User,

Welcome to the second e-update from the Minnesota Catholic Advocacy Network, MNCAN!

Comments from the Executive Director, Chris Leifeld

Over 800 bills have been introduced in the House and nearly 700 bills have been introduced in the Senate already this legislative session.  Several pieces of legislation are on the fast track, such as the bills on a new renewable energy standard for Minnesota – Senate File 4 has already passed through the Senate, and its companion, House File 4, is currently under discussion in committee hearings.  Debate over legislation and possible state funding of embryonic stem cell research has begun—see my testimony in opposition on this issue below.  Sr. Mary Heinen of the Catholic Healthcare Association of Minnesota also submitted testimony this week about healthcare coverage in Minnesota.  We will continue to keep you updated on these and the other issues the Minnesota Catholic Conference is working on this session through our twice-monthly e-updates.

Life Issues: Testimony Given Before House Committee

Chris Leifeld, Executive Director of the Minnesota Catholic Conference, testified in opposition to embryonic stem cell research before the MN House Committee on Biosciences and Emerging Technologies on Wednesday, February 7.

Healthcare Issues: Testimony Submitted to Senate Committee

Sr. Mary Heinen submitted testimony about healthcare coverage to the MN Senate Committee on Health, Housing and Family Security on behalf of The Minnesota Catholic Conference (MCC) and the Catholic Healthcare Association of Minnesota (CHA-MN) on Wednesday, February 7.

Education Issues: Faith in the Public Arena Column on Special Education in Nonpublic Schools

This coming week’s Faith in the Public Arena column focuses on Special Education in Nonpublic Schools.  You can also view the report from the Department of Education discussed in this column.

MCEA’s New Website Address

The Minnesota Catholic Education Association’s (MCEA) website has a new address!  Please change your bookmarks and records to www.mncatholiced.org to access information about Catholic education in Minnesota and for information about the upcoming MCEA biannual convention (August 20-21, 2007).

Environmental Issues: MEP’s Citizens’ Day

The Minnesota Environmental Partnership’s annual Citizens’ Day at the Capitol is coming up very soon on February 21, 2007.  The registration deadline for this event is February 13.  For more information, please visit www.protectourgreatoutdoors.org .

Housing Issues: Day at the Capitol for Housing in Minnesota

On March 6, 2007, several coalitions and groups will be co-hosting a Day at the Capitol to connect with legislators on issues surrounding housing in Minnesota.  The event will kick off at the Best Western Kelly Inn at 8:00 AM.  For more information, visit the Minnesota Housing Partnership’s website, and click on their Calendar.

JRLC’s Day on the Hill