The Legislature returns to Sacramento to finish out the session; California teacher vaccine and testing mandates; recall election ballots hitting soon, and more in this week’s Insights.
Legislature Resumes – Physician-Assisted Suicide Bill Up in Committee
The legislative session will resume on Monday when Legislators are back in Sacramento to continue work on key bills, including SB 380, the bill to expand physician-assisted suicide in the state.
In case you missed it, the California League of United Latin American Citizens published an op-ed in Newsweek on SB 380, putting names and faces to the abuse and exploitation taking place. “In one instance in Oregon, Michael Freeland’s physician gave him assisted suicide drugs without a psychiatric consultation even though he had a long history of depression and suicide attempts.”
The CCC will be watching SB 380 closely as lawmakers reconvene. Even if you have already, use this alert to send a letter to your legislator letting them know SB 380 will cause unmentionable undue harm to some of the most vulnerable. We can’t overstate the importance of defeating this bill which is next up in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.
The fate of all bills will be determined by Sept. 10, when the legislative session is officially over. The gubernatorial recall election is scheduled for Sept. 14, potentially allowing both Governor Newsom and a newly-elected governor to act on the bills until Oct. 10, if Newsom is recalled.
Statewide Proof of Vaccination or Testing for All Teachers
In an effort to keep schools open and students attending class in person, Governor Newsom on Wednesday announced a new proof of vaccination or weekly testing policy for all public and private school teachers in California.
All K-12 educators have until Oct. 15 to be fully vaccinated or will be subject to weekly testing.
The Holy See, the US Conference of Catholic Bishops and the California Catholic Conference of Bishops have all addressed the importance of vaccination.
California is the second state to require teachers to vaccinate but the first to require private school teachers.
“Beyond simply protecting their own health and safety,” say the California Bishops in their statement, “Catholics also have an obligation to protect their family, friends and community by vaccinating as soon as feasible in accordance with public health guidelines and protocols in their area. One should always consult with their doctor regarding any personal medical concerns.”
COVID-19 requirements and mandates continue to change rapidly as the number of infections continues to rise. Visit your local public health department for the latest COVID-19 conditions and click here to find comprehensive COVID and vaccination resources. Always check with your diocese or parish for any particular changes locally.
Recall Election Ballots Hitting Soon
The election to recall Governor Gavin Newsom takes place Sept. 14, but local registrars have only until Aug. 16 to mail out ballots to all registered voters in California.
With 46 candidates running to replace Newsom and ambiguity regarding the relevance of each question on the ballot, both supporters and opponents of the recall have generated much confusion. The first question on the recall ballot will ask voters if they would like to recall Governor Newsom. The second question asks who the voter would choose to replace Newsom if he is recalled and has no bearing on the first question no matter how answered.
This matter-of-fact guide from CalMatters details the recall and voting process.
As Catholics and members of a democracy, we are responsible for participating in the achievement of the common good, and voting is one of the ways to achieve faithful citizenship. If you haven’t already, the deadline to register to vote in the recall election is Aug. 30.
Support Relief Efforts for Those Impacted by Dixie Fire
The Dixie Fire, now the largest single-fire in the history of California, continues to grow, encompassing more than 500,000 acres and causing the devastation of entire communities in the northern Sierra Nevada.
As of Thursday evening, the fire had consumed over 1,000 buildings, over half of them homes, and had burned more than 780 square miles. At only 30% containment, at least 14,000 more homes are still threatened.
Supporting our brothers and sisters who have been both temporarily and permanently displaced by the fire is vital. Click here to donate to the Northern Valley Catholic Social Service, which is assisting with wildfire relief efforts.
USCCB Commends Senate on Infrastructure Bill; Looks for Additional Action
Following the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in the U.S. Senate, the USCCB released a statement commending the Senate’s action but asking for movement on additional concerns.
While the bishops lauded the bill’s creation of new jobs and investments in public transit, rail, bridges, and clean drinking water, they also advocated for other matters to be addressed, including affordable childcare options, paid sick leave and parental leave, and a path to citizenship for Dreamers, as well as others.
“We continue to be resolute in our insistence that no taxpayer funding go to abortion. It is critical that any proposal to expand health care coverage avoid an expansion of taxpayer funding of abortion,” the bishops said.
God does not come in extraordinary events, but works amid the apparent monotony of our daily life, in the frequently dull rhythm of our activities, in the little things that, working with tenacity and humility, we achieve in our efforts to do his will. @Pontifex
August 13, 2021
Vol. 14, No. 28