Primary elections are being held tomorrow (Tuesday, June 5) for political parties to select their candidates for office. Polls are open from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m. Voter registration or a change in party affiliation are allowed at the polling place. For more information, go the Iowa Secretary of State’s website at sos.iowa.gov. You can also [...]
June 4, 2018 As Catholics, our cause is the defense of human life and dignity and the protection of the weak and vulnerable … the principles of Catholic social teaching – dignity of the human person, subsidiarity and solidarity, freedom, participation, the common good, and care for the poor and most vulnerable among us – [...]
A few quick updates: The U.S. Catholic bishops’ social justice department has issued an action alert regarding the federal Farm Bill. Please contact your member of Congress today at www.votervoice.net/usccb/home and ask them to insist on changes to the bill. It has serious flaws that would negatively impact poor, hungry and vulnerable people. You can see the [...]
The Iowa legislature adjourned “sine die” on Saturday, ending the 2018 session of the 87th General Assembly. We are very grateful that many of you contacted your legislator during the past few days. The Iowa legislative session completed its work with the passage of a tax reform bill, Senate File 2417, that will cut taxes [...]
The Iowa Catholic Conference is pleased the Legislature has taken action in Senate File 359 to stop any trafficking in fetal body parts following an abortion and supports the life-affirming intent of the provision to stop abortions after a heartbeat can be detected. As Pope Francis has said, “Let us respect and love human life, [...]
The Iowa legislative session is in overtime as lawmakers are into their third week of not receiving their per diem expense checks. However, the session may end this week as Gov. Kim Reynolds and House and Senate Republican leadership have announced a deal on a tax reform plan, one of their key priorities. The actual [...]
With the passage of Senate File 481, the state of Iowa has changed the relationship of local law enforcement with the Immigration Control Enforcement agency. The bishops of Iowa opposed the legislation, known as the "anti-sanctuary city" bill, and encourage Catholics throughout Iowa to learn more about their own Fourth Amendment rights and how they [...]
It appears that Republican leaders in the Iowa House and Senate are getting closer to an agreement on tax reform and the state budget. The House is proposing an increase in state spending of $235 million and a $7.5 billion budget. The Senate is proposing $5 million less overall, with slightly more for education and [...]
The Iowa Catholic Conference was disappointed that Gov. Reynolds signed the immigration enforcement bill, Senate File 481, last week. The Catholic bishops of Iowa had sent a letter to the governor asking for a veto. In a statement regarding the bill, the bishops said, “Our energy, therefore, should be directed toward finding a solution so that immigrants [...]
Senate File 481, the immigration enforcement bill, passed the Iowa House and Senate last week and is going the governor for her signature. The Iowa Catholic Conference opposed the bill. Among other provisions, the bill requires local jails to comply with all requests from ICE (immigration control) to hold immigrants, even when federal law does [...]