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Legislative Priorities

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Reverence for Life
We hold life sacred from conception to natural death. We oppose abortion, which regrettably is legal, and advocate for common sense restrictions on its use. We support non-embryonic stem cell research but oppose experiments on human embryos and cloning. We support quality end-of-life care and oppose legalizing assisted suicide. We oppose the use of capital punishment.

Religious Liberty
We understand religious liberty is a fundamental principle of our society. We call for constant vigilance to protect the religious freedom of persons and institutions from unwarranted state interference. We support the religious freedom rights of the incarcerated and the institutionalized.

Restorative Justice
We advocate for restorative justice policies within the state's criminal justice system-policies which address both the needs of those who caused the harm and those who were harmed. We promote the placement of resources into restoration, education, healing and personal accountability. We support our diocesan staff and chaplains who care for the spiritual needs of the incarcerated, their families, and the victims of crime.

Human, Civil, and Economic Rights
We hold that all people have the right to the necessities of life. We advocate for food and income security for our low-income neighbors, especially immigrants. We advocate for adequate health coverage for all. We oppose unjust discrimination. We call for affordable and available housing. We support the rights of workers, promote the idea of both fair wages and fair taxes, and advocate for a just and compassionate state budget.

Family Life
We defend and support the institution of marriage between a man and a woman as the basic foundation of society. We advocate for tax, workplace, and welfare policies that enhance family unity. We acknowledge the fundamental rights of parents to direct their children's upbringing, and advocate for children's well-being.

Education
We believe that parents are the primary educators of their children and that access to a quality education is a justice issue. We strongly endorse equitable access to education and government programs for all qualified children, including those in Catholic school. We support needed public school reforms.