COVID-19 and Prison Release
WHAT IF STAY-IN-PLACE COULD MEAN RISK?
Stay-in-place orders are meant to reduce contact between people and control the spread of COVID-19, but what happens when stay-in-place leaves people vulnerable?
Chaplains and volunteers with Catholic prison ministry across Maryland have been concerned about the risk of COVID-19 for incarcerated youth and adults.
The order by Governor Larry Hogan in mid-April to allow expedited release of inmates who are considered not to pose a threat to public safety, such as those who are elderly, pregnant, or non-violent, was welcomed to reduce crowding and health risks.
“My office has received so many calls concerning their incarcerated family members that I was overwhelmed. It was truly a blessing,” Deacon Seigfried Presberry said after the governor's order was enacted. He is the coordinator for prison ministry in the Archdiocese of Baltimore.
The Maryland Catholic Conference participates in two state coalitions that focus on reforms to the system of justice. Garrett O'Day, deputy director for the Conference, noted, "The Maryland Catholic Conference has taken positions previously on legislation that is in line with Gov. Hogan’s order, such as commonsense measures allowing for geriatric parole and protection for pregnant inmates.”
On April 27, the Maryland Department for Juvenile Services announced that 200 youth being held for non-violent or misdemeanor reasons had been released. Five young people and 11 staff previously had tested positive for COVID-19.
Fr. Mike Bryant, who has worked in prison ministry in the Archdiocese of Washington since the 1980s and who continues to serve as a volunteer chaplain, said the reason prisons are a particular concern is that “COVID-19 is a deadly virus and people living in confined spaces are at high risk for contracting this disease, whether they are in nursing homes, jails, prisons or half-way houses. Prisons are often unsanitary places, and sometimes lack basic means by which residents can maintain personal hygiene and social distance from one another.”
While restrictions are in place in Maryland’s prisons, Deacon Presberry noted the two full-time chaplains in the Archdiocese of Baltimore continue to serve these correctional institutions and are allowed to go inside as essential workers. He noted that the work right now “has been challenging, to say the least.”
Prison ministry volunteers and other visitors, however, are not permitted to enter prisons at this time. Deacon Presberry said he is getting requests from parishes and others asking how they can help or donate.
“I remind them to pray and after we can see some light at the end of the tunnel, I will be contacting them because the institutions are not allowing anything to come in” during this crisis, he said.
LEARN MORE about prison ministry and re-entry programs: Archdiocese of Baltimore | Archdiocese of Washington
From School to Screen
Photo: St. Martin School in Gaithersburg, MD, via Twitter
Moving 54 elementary schools online in a matter of days takes a lot of work, but Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Washington were online as soon as schools were ordered closed as part of state health precautions.
“We took off and started distance learning immediately. Our families deserve the same quality of education whether the campuses are closed or not,” said Vicky McCann, Director for Curriculum and Instruction for the Archdiocese of Washington Catholic Schools.
Technology that already was in place (with iPad or laptop loans made to families where needed), ongoing training for teachers, parent surveys, and flexibility by principals, teachers, and parents have been key factors in making the transition a success, McCann said. Data collection and assessment have helped schools adapt as the online experience has continued.
“There were some bumps,” said Ms. McCann. “We figured out what was working and not working. Now, we have a system down and the schools are really taking off.”
For example, live classes are recorded so students who are not able to attend at the scheduled time can watch later, projects may include offline and online options, and teachers are encouraged to schedule assignments so students can work over a weekend. This has turned out to be important with the complexity of family schedules during "stay in place."
She said schools continue to share daily announcements, celebrate birthdays and follow traditions they already had. The day and classes start with prayers, and religions classes continue to be held.
“We have to give thanks to our priests. They’ve been offering online Masses for the children,” Ms. McCann noted, as well as leading online Stations of the Cross and praying the rosary with students.
Community service is an important part of the day, also. Students at Cardinal Hickey Academy in Owings worked on thank you notes for first responders this week, and the principal at St. Francis International School in Silver Spring not only is overseeing an online school, but also is coordinating food distribution for low-income families.
It’s all part of what a Catholic school community offers. As Ms. McCann said, “None of this could have been possible without our teachers and parents.”
The Catholic schools in the Maryland portion of the Archdiocese of Washington make up Maryland's 13th largest school system, public or private. The Archdiocese is home to 92 archdiocesan and independent schools in five Maryland counties and Washington, DC.
Statement by Archbishop William E. Lori on the deaths of Gideon Joseph Kennedy McKean and Maeve Kennedy Townsend McKean
Contact: Kate Alexander
443-510-1532 (cell)
kalexander@mdcatholic.org
ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Most Rev. William E. Lori, archbishop of Baltimore and chairman of the Board of Governors for the Maryland Catholic Conference, offered condolences to the family of former Lt. Gov. Kathleen Kennedy Townsend on the death of her daughter, Maeve Kennedy Townsend McKean, and grandson, Gideon Joseph Kennedy McKean.
“Our hearts and prayers are with the Townsend and McKean families at this time of tragedy and sorrow. In this holiest of weeks, we turn to our Lord to bring comfort to the family of Maeve and Gideon McKean, and to grant unto them eternal peace.”
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Catholic Organizations Respond to COVID-19 Needs
Catholic social services agencies, schools and parishes in Maryland are responding to community and health needs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
With more people out of work and everyone social distancing, parish food pantries, Catholic Charities and other nonprofits are seeing an increase in requests for assistance. Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington is holding a Holy Week Virtual Food Drive to replenish the shelves at SHARE, the Southern Maryland Food Bank, and other food pantries and programs. They, and Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Baltimore and Diocese of Wilmington, have adjusted services in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, but continue to serve.
On April 7, the Knights of Columbus announced a multi-million-dollar food drive and delivery operation to support food banks in 20 cities, including initial $50,000 donations to food banks in Baltimore and Washington, DC. The international Catholic organization is encouraging its members to volunteer at food banks and help deliver food to those in need across the country.
Catholic health care providers across Maryland, including our Catholic hospitals, are on the front lines of responding to medical needs related to COVID-19 through testing, care and, at Mercy Medical Center, fast-tracking the construction of a 32-bed acute care unit that will open this summer.
Holy Cross Health, with two hospitals in Montgomery County, Md., has posted an online wish list of needs, such as personal protective equipment, including masks (that meet certain criteria) and supplies.
The Catholic schools also are doing their part to keep these front-line workers safe, with families and local organizations using the schools’ 3-D printers to make face shields for hospital and other health care use. St. Mary’s High School in Annapolis also partnered with a local company to produce respirators and masks.
Women religious, such as the Little Sisters of the Poor and Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate, and lay staff at Catholic nursing homes and senior residences across Maryland also are implementing safety measures to protect residents, many of whom are low income or medically fragile. Please keep them and their needs in prayer.
Visit our COVID-19 page for updated Church and government resources on prayer, giving, support, and assistance, and a video to make your own mask with a cloth and rubber bands.
Government Resources for COVID Relief
As the coronavirus pandemic continues to deeply impact families, schools, and businesses throughout the world, including here in Maryland, federal and state leaders have taken action to try to ease the impact.
“The Federal CARES Act and Families First Coronavirus Act, as well as increased assistance made available by the State of Maryland, could offer significant benefits for families, schools, and businesses,” said Jenny Kraska, executive director of the Maryland Catholic Conference.
“We are continuing to assess and monitor the legislation and assistance programs and do all that we can to ensure nonprofits and schools, including our Catholic programs, are able to access available funds,” she added.
The CARES Act will provide $4.9 billion in federal assistance for Maryland.
In addition, Maryland has opened a special health care enrollment period for residents who do not have health insurance (plans may not be changed at this time). Details are on the Maryland Health Connection website, and local navigators are available in each county to assist residents by phone. Applications must be in by June 15.
RESOURCES FOR NON-PROFITS AND SMALL BUSINESSES
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, And Economic Security Act (CARES Act) provides $350 billion to help small businesses and nonprofits with fewer than 500 employees — including faith-based organizations — through two programs administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA).
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) allows small businesses and nonprofits with fewer than 500 employees to receive a loan up to 2.5 times an organization’s average monthly payroll expenditure. The intent is to help keep people employed during the crisis. Other allowable uses include business rent and/or mortgage payments and costs associated with continuing group health benefits during a period of paid sick, medical, or family leave.
Loans will be forgiven by the Small Business Association if at least 75 percent of the borrowed funds are used to cover payroll and maintain employment for workers, and other certain conditions are met. Businesses and non-profits apply through local lenders, which will also disperse the loans. Funds will be allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis and may run out prior to the June 30 deadline. However, the Treasury Department today asked Congress to commit another $200 billion for this small business loan program.
The CARES Act also expands SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program (EIDL). Small businesses and nonprofits with fewer than 500 employees can apply for low-interest loans of up to $2 million. If approved, a loan advance of up to $10,000 will be disbursed within three days of an application to help quickly provide working capital relief. This advance would not have to be repaid.
Another provision of the CARES Act provides an incentive to donate to nonprofits and faith-based organizations by allowing individual taxpayers to take an above-the-line tax deduction for up to $300 in cash charitable contributions on 2020 taxes – even taxpayers who will not itemize, but instead will take the standard deduction.
SUPPORT FOR INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES
The CARES Act provides a number of benefits to assist families and individuals:
- Adds $600 to weekly unemployment checks for up to four months, on top of state benefits.
- Expands unemployment insurance to those previously ineligible, such as part-time, self-employed, and gig economy workers.
- Extends unemployment benefits an additional 13 weeks to 39 weeks total.
- Provides additional funding for state Medicare programs, including for Telehealth services.
- Allows for a forbearance in addition to a moratorium on foreclosures on properties with federally-backed mortgages and moratorium on rental evictions.
- Provides direct financial assistance to low- and middle-income Americans, of up to $1,200 for individuals or $2,400 for married filing jointly, plus $500 for every child, for adjusted gross incomes up to $75,000 for individuals and $150,000 for married couples. The benefit phases out for incomes over $99,000 for individuals and $198,000 for married couples.
The direct financial assistance will be based on 2019 tax returns, if they have been filed and if not, on 2018 returns. Payments for those who provided direct deposit information with their tax return could begin by the middle of April. Individuals who receive Social Security, but do not file taxes, also will receive this relief.
In addition to the CARES Act, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act provides relief for employees and families who have additional caregiving or child-care needs as a result of the pandemic.
Businesses with fewer than 500 employees are required to provide two weeks (80 hours) of paid sick leave related to COVID-19 at full pay (up to $511 per day for an individual who is ill or $200 per day to care for a family member) and 12 weeks of paid family leave to parents caring for children whose schools have closed. The first two weeks would be unpaid or covered by paid sick leave, and the remaining 10 weeks would be paid at 2/3 salary, up to $200 per day. Employers with fewer than 50 employees can apply for a hardship exemption.
In addition, there will be a temporary increase in funding for Medicaid and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), access to free testing for those enrolled in federal healthcare exchanges and for those without health insurance, and increased funding for federal food security programs, such as SNAP and WIC. Work and employment training requirements for these programs also are suspended if an individual is jobless as a result of the pandemic.
EDUCATION FUNDING
The CARES Act provides almost $31 billion for education nationally, split between higher education and K-12 schools, to assist with coronavirus-related expenditures, such as school closures, remote learning, technology support, and teacher costs.
Maryland is expected to receive $207 million in K-12 funding formula grants for its local education agencies (in Maryland, counties). Congress requires that these local agencies share a portion equitably with Catholic and other nonpublic school students and teachers in the jurisdictions. The distribution will be determined in consultation with nonpublic school representatives.
The same requirement is in place for a discretionary fund being provided to state governors. Maryland also is expected to receive more than $183 million in direct federal aid for higher education, and $45 million in discretionary education grants through the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund.
STATE ASSISTANCE
On March 23, Governor Larry Hogan announced that the State of Maryland would provide an additional $175 million of relief to individual workers, businesses, and nonprofits affected by the coronavirus pandemic. This includes a $7 million layoff-aversion fund for businesses and workers that can be tapped for technological resources to allow employees to work from home, and other measures to mitigate potential layoffs.
The Maryland Department of Commerce will oversee two programs totaling $125 million:
- $75 million loan program for small businesses to help them stay afloat during the pandemic, with loans of up to $50,000.
- $50 million grant fund that provides grants of up to $10,000 for small businesses and nonprofits, with fewer than 50 employees. The fund includes $1 million dedicated to non-profits, to provide working capital for operational expenditures.
COVID-19 resource hub from the Maryland Catholic Conference
The restrictions on outside activities were tightened in Maryland on March 31 as part of the state's effort to contain the spread of COVID-19. In response, the Maryland Catholic Conference has created a COVID-19 resource hub, with links for spiritual resources and online Masses, as well as government information and resources.
"With a changing situation and all but those performing essential activities staying at home, we wanted to create a place where Catholics in Maryland could connect more deeply with their faith and also access accurate and current government information," said Jenny Kraska, executive director for the Maryland Catholic Conference. "Our COVID-19 hub includes links to the three (arch)dioceses that serve Maryland, online Mass directories, places to give and receive assistance, Catholic health care and pregnancy assistance options, and government data from several state and county offices."
The resource hub also includes links to popular resources from national Catholic publishers and organizations that are offering free access to dozens of resources in English and Spanish to help parishioners during this stressful time. We will continue to update the page with new information as it becomes available.
Visit the COVID-19 hub HERE.
BOOST application deadline extended to July 15
UPDATE: The application deadline for BOOST is now JULY 15, 2020.
You must file your 2019 taxes before completing the application.
The deadline to apply for a BOOST scholarship was extended to Monday, June 1, 2020. The original deadline was Friday, April 24, at midnight. The scholarships, available to qualifying low-income students, will assist parents in sending their children to a non-public school for the 2020-21 school year. The Maryland Department of Education announced the new date on April 1, while also noting that program administrators will continue to monitor coronavirus developments, should additional adjustments be necessary.
"As of today, the application deadline for BOOST has not changed. We encourage parents to fill out their applications as soon as possible. This program is a great opportunity for families whose children currently attend public school, as well as those with children in a Catholic school who are struggling with tuition," said Garrett O'Day, deputy director of the Maryland Catholic Conference. He also shared the list of schools that are eligible to participate in BOOST for the next school year. See the list HERE.
Approximately $7.5 million in scholarships is expected to be awarded by the State of Maryland through BOOST next year.
Since BOOST was passed by the Maryland General Assembly in 2016, the state has awarded more than 10,000 scholarships, totaling upwards of $24 million, to students to attend a nonpublic that fits their educational needs.
Apply for BOOST here: marylandpublicschools.org/pages/boost/index.aspx
Maryland ends legislative session early
The 2020 Maryland Legislative Session wrapped at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18, nearly 3 weeks ahead of schedule. The usual fanfare and celebration that accompanies Sine Die were absent this year, and the session closed on a somewhat somber note.
Legislators chose to shorten the 2020 session due to the growing coronavirus crisis in the state, saying they would likely be back for a special session at the end of May.
Due to the abbreviated session, many bills, including some supported and some opposed by the Maryland Catholic Conference, failed to advance. Others now sit on Gov. Larry Hogan's desk awaiting a signature. Technically, any bill that did not pass during the session is considered failed. However, any bill may be reintroduced in a future session, including in May if the legislature reconvenes.
"The conclusion of this session was unlike any in Maryland's recent past and while we understand why the legislature chose to take this unprecedented action, we realize that it means our work for this year may not yet be over," said Jenny Kraska, executive director of the Conference. "Many bills failed to reach the finish line because the session was cut short, but we could to see some of those bills introduced again if the legislature does reconvene in May."
Maryland Catholic Conference priorities: Education.
Maryland's constitution only requires the General Assembly to pass two bills during the annual legislative session: the operating budget and the capital budget, both of which were passed. Maryland's fiscal year begins July 1.
With the passage of the budget, the state continued its support of the BOOST Scholarship Program — which provides scholarships to low-income families to send their children to Catholic or other nonpublic school — as well as programs that provide financial support to nonpublic schools to fix aging infrastructure, enhance safety or provide textbooks and/or technology to students.
In the House of Delegates, legislators renewed their efforts to phase out the BOOST program and cut its funding from $7.5 million this school year to $5.5 million next school year. In the Senate, legislators voted to increase funding for the program to $10 million for next school year. However, because both chambers must agree on the budget, legislators compromised and level-funded the BOOST program at $7.5 million again for the 2021 school year.
The state will also maintain funding at $3.5 million each for the Nonpublic Aging Schools Program and the Nonpublic Safety Improvement program. The Textbook and Technology Programs will receive $6 million for fiscal year 2021.
"Across all the initiatives we supported for our Catholic and other nonpublic school this legislative session, our schools and our families are slated to share in an estimated $40.5 million in support for the 2020-21 school year," said Garrett O'Day, deputy director of the Conference. An effort to prevent using Maryland 529 Savings Plans for K-12 education failed to advance again this session.
A top priority for legislators during the 2020 session was enacting the recommendations of the Kirwin Commission. Legislators introduced and ultimately passed the "Blueprint for Maryland's Future" (HB 1300) and among many changes, expanded the state's Pre-Kindergarten program. The legislation is headed to Gov. Hogan's desk and will be implemented with a significant portion of Pre-Kindergarten expansion seats going to nonpublic providers during the next 10 years, beginning in fiscal year 2022. To read more about the bill CLICK HERE.
"We hope to see several of our Catholic schools participate," O'Day said.
Respect for Life.
Failing to advance again this session was the fifth attempt to legalize physician-assisted suicide in Maryland. The bill (SB 701/HB 643) received a hearing in the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee, but was never brought up for a vote. The House version of the bill did not receive a hearing. Dozens of people attended the Feb. 28 hearing to speak against this dangerous legislation. To read more about that hearing CLICK HERE. To learn more about the issue of physician-assisted suicide and the church's opposition to it, please CLICK HERE.
Minutes before a hearing would have taken place on a bill (SB 664) to put a constitutional amendment for the right to privacy on the upcoming ballot, the bill was withdrawn by the sponsor. Bill sponsor Senator Susan Lee (D-16) assured the Conference that her intent regarding this legislation was to protect people in Maryland from the unauthorized collection of personal data and not to enshrine a right to abortion in our constitution.
"We are grateful that she recognized our concerns and withdrew the bill," said Kraska.
Social and Economic Justice.
After a decade of advocacy efforts and numerous local jurisdictions enacting similar protections, the Housing Opportunities Made Equal Act, or HOME Act, (HB 231/SB 530) finally passed at the state level, and now heads to Gov. Hogan’s desk for a signature. Once enacted, Maryland law will prohibit landlords from discriminating against potential renters based on their source of income, such as pensions, alimony, gifts, or government assistance, including rental assistance programs or housing vouchers.
Also passing this session was legislation the Conference strongly supported in partnership with the Maryland Human Trafficking Task Force that will expand the list of crimes eligible to be vacated from the criminal record of a human trafficking victim to include misdemeanors common to victims if those crimes were committed while under the influence of their trafficker (HB 242/SB 206).
"Practically, this bill allows survivors of human trafficking to remove convictions for low-level crimes that their trafficker forced them to commit, therefore removing barriers to opportunities that help them move on from their horrific trafficking experiences, such as education, housing, and employment," said Anne Wallerstedt, associate director of Social and Economic Justice for the Conference. "The Conference was proud and humbled to lead the legislative efforts of the Maryland Human Trafficking Task Force this session."
Some juvenile justice reform measures supported by the Conference also passed during the abbreviated session. Among those that made it to the Governor’s desk include a bill limiting fines, fees and costs (HB 36), and a bill protecting confidentiality of records (SB 314).
Many bills, however, failed to advance.
Ironically, while lawmakers understood the importance of providing paid time off for significant life occurrences — such as the current coronavirus crisis — the Time to Care Act (HB 839/SB 539) was unable to advance out of committee in light of the pressing concerns of COVID-19 and the significantly shortened session. The bill would have provided up to 12 weeks of paid leave for the birth or adoption of a baby, personal illness or injury, or to care for aging family members, through the creation of a state-run insurance program funded by contributions from both employers and employees.
Many pieces of legislation aimed at protecting undocumented individuals and immigrant communities were were unable to pass both chambers, again due to the shortened timing of session. These included bills designed to curtail immigration enforcement activities in sensitive locations such as schools, hospitals, places of worship, and courthouses (HB 403/SB 903); end contracts with the federal government related to immigration detention centers in the state (HB 677/SB 850); protect MVA records from unnecessary interference (HB 892/SB 649); and regulate interactions between local law enforcement officials and vulnerable immigrant communities (HB 1612/SB 901, HB 388). All of these bills either moved in committee or in one chamber, but none advanced to a final vote.
Recognizing the urgency of the State of Maryland to step up to protect the environment, numerous bills were introduced to tackle this issue, and the Conference was proud to support those efforts, especially in light of the fifth anniversary of Laudato Si' this May. However, legislation to expand the state’s commitment to using renewable energy sources (HB 98/SB 168, HB 438/SB 560) and reduce greenhouse gas emissions (HB 1425/SB 926) ultimately were unable to make it out of committee.
In total, the Conference supported more than 100 pieces of legislation this session. Among the other legislation we worked were bills that would have reformed public safety and criminal justice, improved access to behavioral health care, and provided essential services to those experiencing poverty. To read our testimony submitted this session CLICK HERE.
COVID-19 update from the Maryland Catholic Conference
UPDATE: On Thursday, March 19, 2020, Gov. Hogan imposed further restrictions on Marylanders, after announcing the first coronavirus-related death in our state. The administration continued to expand its closures, adding all indoor malls and arenas to the growing list of businesses and public places that have been closed to slow the spread of the virus. Among other measures, the administration also banned gatherings of more than 10 people in close proximity, and is actively working to increase the number of hospital beds available across the state by reopening closed facilities. For the latest on the coronavirus in Maryland CLICK HERE.
On Wed. March 18, 2020, the Maryland General Assembly adjourned the legislative session, nearly 3 weeks ahead of schedule. The abbreviated session left many pieces of legislation unresolved but legislative leaders have said they are planning to return in the end of May for a special session. Read more about the end of session HERE.
Our Catholic churches remain closed in light of the state's actions, but our Catholic Charities continue to work to serve our communities, particularly those who are deeply impacted by these closures and restrictions. Baltimore Archbishop Lori addressed the faithful about the pandemic on March 18. Read his statement HERE.
MARCH 13, 2020 — As the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Maryland continues to rise, our state's Governor and General Assembly have established new social distancing mandates, many of which impact the work of the Maryland Catholic Conference and our Catholic faithful.
The Conference is monitoring the situation and will work to keep our network abreast of changes as they unfold.
What do we know so far?
Governor Larry Hogan announced Thursday numerous actions his administration has taken to help slow the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the coming weeks, including closing schools and senior centers, banning gatherings of more than 250 people — including religious gatherings — and limiting access to state buildings.
On Friday, leaders of the General Assembly extended these restrictions, banning access for the time being to the State House, the Senate and House office buildings by the public, advocates and lobbyists. This directly impacts our staff who frequently enter these buildings to meet with legislative and administrative staff, and legislators.
Additionally, the General Assembly will now only accept testimony in writing and encouraged testimony to be submitted to a member who will ensure it is placed in the bill file, as advocates no longer may enter the buildings to submit testimony. As of Friday, only a bill's sponsor is permitted to testify in person.
With just 25 days remaining in the 2020 legislative session, many bills have yet to receive full consideration. We do not know yet if the General Assembly will continue through its scheduled Sine Die of April 6, or end early.
Both chambers announced they will work through the weekend of March 14 and 15, holding floor sessions on Sunday — something neither has done in decades.
Both chambers also instructed their leadership to prioritize, where possible, outstanding legislation to focus on the most important bills.
The majority of the bills the Conference has been working on this session remain outstanding and it is unclear which, besides the budget, will be resolved before the General Assembly adjourns. Any bill that fails to pass both chambers before midnight on Sine Die is dead and must be reintroduced in a subsequent legislative session.
By law, the General Assembly is only mandated to pass two pieces of legislation each session: the operating budget and the capital budget. As of Friday, the Senate has passed its version of the operating budget and the House was expected to bring its to the floor during a session on Friday.
Our state's BOOST Scholarship Program funding is part of the operating budget and the Senate version of the budget includes $10 million for BOOST for the upcoming school year. The House Appropriations Committee, however, voted to phase out the BOOST program in the version of the budget it sent to the House floor for consideration. Both chambers must agree on the final budget for it to pass onto the Governor for a signature. The budget would take effect July 1, 2020.
As of Friday afternoon, the crossover deadline for legislation remained in place at March 16 — this is the deadline by which any bill must pass out of its original chamber and move to the other. Those which pass out of their originating chamber after this deadline are assigned to the Rules committee, which will determine if the bill may proceed or if it dies.
What does this all mean?
The Conference staff continues to work on outstanding legislation in the ways we can, including reaching members by phone and email, submitting testimony in writing, and watching or listening to committee and floor sessions online.
We are aware that many advocates and some individuals were planning to testify on Friday in favor of numerous bills that would protect women and the unborn or attend the hearing, and were unable to do so.
We encourage those who have not yet already done so, to consider sending a message to their lawmakers about these and other outstanding bills.
Please visit our Action Alerts page to find the current actions available through the Maryland Catholic Conference.
The executive orders from Gov. Hogan have impacted Catholic parishes, schools and parishioners across Maryland. Catholic social service agencies that serve vulnerable Maryland residents are making changes in programs and volunteer services during this time. We encourage anyone who is concerned about how these changes impact them to visit the diocesan websites for more information.
Finally, we encourage all Catholics in Maryland to pray for our state, those across the world who have been infected by this virus, the medical teams working to treat the sick and stop the virus' rapid spread, and our communities as a whole.
CLICK HERE to access Pope Francis' prayer to Mary to intercede in this time of crisis, and CLICK HERE for the USCCB's prayer to Our Lady of Guadalupe to intercede for our country.
MARYLAND CATHOLIC CONFERENCE TO TESTIFY IN SUPPORT OF PRO-LIFE BILLS
The Maryland General Assembly will hear ten pro-life bills this week, with most of the bills scheduled for a hearing in the House Health and Government Operations committee on Friday, March 13.
The Maryland Catholic Conference testifies each year in support of legislation that seeks to promote life in our state, including unborn life, and will continue to be a voice for life in the 2020 session by testifying in support of the bills which uphold life and against those that seek to undermine life.
"We continue to support legislative efforts to create a culture of life in Maryland, including those that would limit or eliminate the practice of abortion in our state," said Jenny Kraska, executive director of the Maryland Catholic Conference. "As Pope Francis has said: 'All life has inestimable value' and that is why we, as a Church, will always be a voice for life in Maryland."
Among the bills scheduled for hearing this week are ones that would:
- ban abortion in instances where the unborn child can feel pain
- establish requirements for reporting abortion data to the Maryland Health Department
- regulate the disposal of aborted remains, including requiring humane disposal and preventing remains from being sold for research or other purposes
- prohibit, in most instances, dismemberment abortions
- require doctors and technicians to perform an ultrasound prior to obtaining informed consent from a patient for an abortion and demonstrate during that exam the presence of a heartbeat
- prohibit doctors from inserting or implanting contraceptive devices in minors without parental consent
- prohibit doctors who refer patients for abortions from having a financial relationship with the abortion provider
- require abortion providers attempt to detect the presence of a heartbeat in the unborn baby before performing an abortion
To watch Friday's hearing live CLICK HERE. The feed will be live starting Friday at 1 p.m.
To speak up in support of these bills, be sure to join our Catholic Advocacy Network by visiting: www.mdcatholic.org/joincan and be on the lookout for an alert this week.