You can find contact information for your federal and state legislators at www.votervoice.net/icc/home or on the Votervoice app. A proposed amendment to make our state Constitution “abortion-neutral,” Senate Joint Resolution 9, passed a Senate subcommittee last week. This past summer, the Iowa Supreme Court discovered a fundamental right to an abortion in the state Constitution. Now [...]
We recognize that gambling can be a legitimate recreational activity in an atmosphere of moderation and control, and we appreciate the assistance that some of our charities and institutions have received from casinos over the years. However, gambling becomes morally unacceptable when it deprives someone of what is necessary to provide for his or her [...]
A bill to address racial profiling in Iowa’s justice system was approved by an Iowa Senate subcommittee last week. The ICC testified in support of the bill. Senate Study Bill 1038 is now eligible for consideration by the full Judiciary Committee. The bill calls for increased data collection by law enforcement, officer training, and the [...]
Because of the Martin Luther King holiday and the snow, it was a little quieter week at the Capitol than normal. Senate Study Bill 1017, a bill allowing guns in vehicles in school parking lots, passed the Senate Judiciary Committee on Jan. 23 on a 12-2 vote despite the opposition of public and nonpublic schools. [...]
The Legislature will come back into session tomorrow after taking a break for today’s Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. Regarding Dr. King, the president of the USCCB, Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, said: “This year, as we again mark the anniversary of his life, and reflect upon the 51st anniversary of his death, we are [...]
The Iowa Catholic Conference supports the reform of our immigration system in a just and humane way. We believe that persons have the right to find opportunities in their homeland, in addition to a right to migrate to support and protect themselves and their families. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, in collaboration with [...]
The 88th Iowa General Assembly is set to convene next Monday, Jan. 14. Legislative leaders will address the chambers about their plans for the session. On Tuesday, Gov. Kim Reynolds will present her budget and “Condition of the State” message to the Legislature. The State of the Judiciary and Condition of the National Guard speeches [...]
We are pleased to report the First Step Act has passed the Senate and House and is headed to President Trump for his signature. Sen. Charles Grassley of Iowa was a key leader in getting the bill passed. The goal of the Act is to point the prison system towards programming that will help prisoners succeed [...]
As we approach the end of the year, the federal government is working to wrap up consideration of several issues that affect human life and dignity here and around the world. We encourage you to contact the government during the next few days with your opinion on these issues: The Administration has proposed a “public [...]
The Catholic bishops of Iowa released a letter on gun legislation on Dec. 6, 2018. The bishops said, “We believe that weapons increasingly capable of inflicting great suffering in a short period of time are simply too accessible. The right to bear arms as found in our Constitution must be balanced against the safety and [...]