Agenda of issues released by bishops

* prohibition of partial-birth abortion;

* enactment of a state tax credit to stimulate private donations to public and non-public schools and programs;

* expansion of supports for working families and those in transition from welfare to work (including child care, transportation, healthcare coverage, the state earned income tax credit and public/private job creation);

* opposition to legislation that threatens Catholic health care;

* protection for the conscience of healthcare providers and adequate access to and funding for health services;

* opposition to physician-assisted suicide;

* preservation of essential services for the poor and ill; and

* opposition to casino gambling.

The Catholic Conference, which represents the state's bishops in matters of public policy, annually becomes involved with nearly 300 issues in the State Legislature. The focus of the above goals, chosen by the bishops, is to promote the Church's ethic on the dignity of human life, from conception to natural death. (KB)

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