From the NYS Catholic Conference 

Recap of the Legislative Session:

Physician Assisted Suicide - This bill did not pass.  It would allow terminally
ill patients to receive life-ending drugs.  These policies are dangerous for
patients, caregivers and vulnerable people who are disabled.  Suicide is
not medical care.  The Catholic Conference continues to oppose this
bill.

Gestational Surrogacy - This bill passed and is now law.  The bill enables
the buying and selling of children and the exploitation of women for their
eggs and their wombs.  It leads to an increased reliance on IVF and the
destruction of human embryos.  The Catholic Conference opposed this
bill.

The Legalization of recreatonal marijuana bill, the composting of human
bodies--both of which the Catholic Conference opposes-- did not pass. 

The "3 for 5" proposal which would have provided 3% increases for
the next 5 years for workers providing services in non-for profit
agencies, did not pass.  The Catholic Conference supported this
bill.

Emergency contraception on college campuses, which the Catholic
Conference opposes, is still being considered.

The Medicaid Beyond Pregnancy bill has stalled in the Legislature.
This bill would extend Medicaid coverage for women for a full year after
giving birth, pending federal financial participation.  This legislation
would change the current 60 day period of Medicaid coverage following
childbirth. The Catholic Conference supports this bill.

To voice your opinion on any issue, go to the Catholic Action
Network (CAN) on  www.nyscatholic.org, click on “Take Action”
then on “Latest Action Alerts.”  If you are not a member of CAN,
please join.

From AARP:

Protect the health and rights of nursing home residents - Tell your
lawmakers to uphold the health and human rights of nursing home
residents and their families during the pandemic and to reject any
proposal that allows nursing homes to avoid legal accountability
related to COVID-19.  Visit AARP.org/advocacy to send an email
to your federal representatives.

From USCCB (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops -

Catholic Schools Need Our Help: With economic devastation
facing many families across the country, abrupt unemployment and
lost income has meant families are unable to make tuition payments to
sustain their schools.  Also without adequate Sunday collections, parishes
which normally provide financial support to keep tuition affordable cannot
assist at this time.  Ask Congress to provide emergency aid to Catholic
schools and families in the next COVID-19 legislation package, including
equitable access to K-12 federal funds for Catholic schools, direct funding
to families for tuition payments, and tax breaks for K-12 tuition payments.
Go to USCCB.org/issues then "Take Action."

From USCCB/Justice for Immigrants:

Send an email to your Senators urging them to pass additional COVID-19
relief action legislation but to include immigrants and refugees who have
largely been excluded from assistance, particularly DACA recipients,
TPS holders, and essential workers.  Go to JusticeforImmigrants.org/Action
Center.

Bread for the World urges us to call 800-826-3688  or email our members of Congress to increase SNAP benefits by 15%, to fully fund the international
response to the coronavirus pandemic, and to expand and extend the EBT
program so families can buy food for their children during the summer months.
Visit  bread.org/COVID-19

Thank you for youir advocacy on these important federal issues

Public Policy - An advocacy ministry that works on the policy issues identified by the NYS Catholic Conference, which are found by logging onto NYSCatholic.org.  This social justice ministry also works to encourage parishioners to become active and vocal in support of legislation that serves the vulnerable and uncounted in our society. If you have questions or would like to get involved, please contact Marie Copeland at 518-439-4050, or email mariecopeland62@gmail.com

Catholic Action Network ~ the Public Policy Ministry suggests that you make your voice heard by joining the Catholic Action Network at www.nyscatholic.org

Formerly referred to as the Pax Christi group, members participate in a prayer for peace the first Saturday each month at the Peace Pole in the grassy area near the Church.   Everyone is welcome to join this prayer group.  If you have questions or would like to get more involved, please contact the Parish Office at 518-439-4951.