Lansing Update

Lansing Update publishes on Fridays when the Michigan Legislature is in session and chronicles legislative activity of interest to Michigan Catholic Conference. Join the Catholic Advocacy Network to receive Lansing Update in your inbox.

The inclusion of nonpublic schools in a bill to make the state’s expanded school meals program a permanent part of state law is another MCC advocacy accomplishment on behalf of nonpublic students. Also this week, two new resources with important information for parents of schoolkids are available for download.

Two construction workers preparing to work on a building

MCC is offering support to legislation to improve access to and preserve affordable housing, which responds to the need for more housing in Michigan, and is aligned with the Catholic principle of promoting a preferential option for the poor.

The House and Senate both approved budget proposals for next year that fund many MCC priorities, with the House education budget in particular funding all MCC requests for supporting nonpublic schools, from school safety to teacher recruitment programs and more.

An upset teenage girl staring at her phone

MCC offered support for legislation requiring the state and schools to distribute information about sextortion, and worked to ensure nonpublic and Catholic schools have access to the information to prevent against this new form of child exploitation. Also, MCC stands against allowing businesses to charge high interest rates, and a plug for participating in Holy Week.

A young boy, sitting on the sofa, interacting with an AI chatbot

The Governor gave her final State of the State, and MCC provided support for legislation to limit children from accessing AI chatbots that mimic human relationships. Plus, an encouraging report on the number of Michiganders who are expected to become Catholic this Easter.

The Michigan State Capital Building in winter

The process to pass the next state budget began this week. Read more on the Governor’s proposals regarding MCC priorities such as nonpublic schools and helping mothers and children. Plus, MCC offered support to improve education choice for public school parents, and more.

Catholic Education: Transforming Lives Across Michigan — Photo courtesy Father Marquette Catholic Academy in Marquette

During this Catholic Schools Week, MCC shares how its advocacy delivered millions in state funding to support our Catholic schools. Plus, MCC-supported legislation to fight human trafficking received unanimous support, and dates are set for the next executive budget recommendation and State of the State address.

As 2025 nears its end, this final Lansing Update of the year will share how MCC carried out its mission to advocate for the common good at the state Capitol.

The Michigan State Capitol building in winter

MCC’s advocacy this week included support for increased transparency around abortion, tougher penalties for human trafficking, support for school safety policies, and more.

Bishop David Walkowiak of the Diocese of Grand Rapids, with Paul Stankewitz (left), policy advocate for MCC, and Rep. Nancy DeBoer (R-Holland).

See pictures from an MCC reception held earlier this fall for the Catholic bishops in Michigan to meet with state representatives, senators, and their staff.

Another win for nonpublic schools

Promoting and Preserving Access to Affordable Housing

House Budget Plan Provides Millions for Nonpublic Schools

MCC Supports Bill Protecting Kids from ‘Sextortion’

MCC Supports Bills Limiting Children’s Access to AI Chatbots; Social Media

A First Look at the Next Proposed State Budget

MCC Highlights Education Advocacy During Catholic Schools Week

The Year in Review

MCC-Backed Abortion Reporting Bills Advance & More Legislative News

Bishops at the State Capitol