The Word from Lansing is a regular column written by Michigan Catholic Conference (MCC) staff for Catholic news outlets. Through these columns, MCC outlines current advocacy issues of importance to the Conference and discusses the Catholic position and role in the political process. This publication complements the more regular updates provided by Michigan Catholic Conference’s Catholic Advocacy Network.
The Word from Lansing / Posted August 11, 2026
Ensuring equitable access is a guiding principle for MCC when it comes to advocating for more than 100,000 children who attend nonpublic schools. The new state budget recently signed into law continues to extend equitable access to state resources to students who attend both public and nonpublic schools.
The Word from Lansing / Posted July 16, 2026
The right to vote is among our most cherished American privileges, and for Catholics who are American citizens, the right to vote is also a moral obligation, as the Church recognizes that voting has implications for advancing the common good.
The Word from Lansing / Posted May 19, 2026
Michigan families of both public and nonpublic students could soon apply for and receive funding to pay for out-of-pocket education expenses under a federal education tax credit program. The state of Michigan must formally opt into the program for families and students to benefit.
The Word from Lansing / Posted April 17, 2026
Protecting children from harm while nurturing their growth is a goal both parents and policymakers often share, a goal aligned with the Church’s concern for families and children. This is why Michigan Catholic Conference has recently offered support to legislation limiting children’s access to artificial intelligence companion chatbots and addictive social media feeds.
Posted February 24, 2026
As the process for a new state budget begins, MCC shares how its advocacy efforts last year played a critical role in securing the support Catholic and nonpublic schools received in the current year budget.
The Word from Lansing / Posted December 8, 2025
The Christian faith demands more than just lip service; it requires action. The principles of Catholic social teaching show us what that action looks like; they also help us to engage more deeply with Jesus’s instruction to “love thy neighbor.”
The Word from Lansing / Posted October 22, 2025
In commentary on the most recent state budget, MCC explains that a nearly $300 million investment into helping mothers in need is one tangible way public officials can walk the talk of supporting life at every stage.
The Word from Lansing / Posted September 15, 2025
All people benefit from more children being provided with opportunities to flourish. To that end, MCC’s new Focus publication demonstrates that Catholic schools in Michigan consistently deliver results.
The Word from Lansing / Posted August 12, 2025
As negotiations over the next state budget drag through the summer, MCC is continuing to push to ensure Catholic and nonpublic schools receive fair and equitable support.
The Word from Lansing / Posted June 20, 2025
The Church, recognizing that families are essential to the common good and a well-functioning society, supports policies that prioritize the well-being of families. Read how the proposed Working Parents Tax Credit, supported by MCC, would accomplish this by providing targeted relief to low-income working parents raising young children.