The PCC Social Concerns Department monitors pro-life, social justice, and family-life issues and helps diocesan Catholic Charities agencies by monitoring legislation and regualtions that affect them and the services they offer. It advocates on behalf of low-income and other needy populations groups. The department expects to track these and other issues in the 2007-2008 legislative session:
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Oppose attempts to weaken Pennsylvania’s Abortion Control Act.
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Support passage of the Ultrasound Access Act and other positive pro-life initiatives.
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Support continued state/federal funding for Real Alternatives, Inc.
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Monitor proposals regarding bio-ethical research.
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Continue to oppose embryonic stem cell research.
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Support appropriate capital punishment legislation.
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Monitor implementation of Act 1998-136, The Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors Act.
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Work with other social welfare advocates on introducing legislation to provide third party reimbursement to LCSWs and MFTs.
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Continue to monitor legislation and regulations affecting Catholic social service agencies.
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Oppose efforts to weaken or eliminate access to confidential birth records.
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Continue to review and support as needed legislative proposals intended to help the poor and those in need.
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Support an amendment to the Pennsylvania Constitution banning same-sex marriage and functionally equivalent relationships.
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Review legislation providing protections under law based upon one’s sexual orientation.
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Continue to work with the statewide Welfare Coalition on implementation of TANF in Pennsylvania.
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Support continued state funding for the Community Connection Initiative.
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Review legislation related to immigration reform.
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Support proposals to strengthen Pennsylvania’s obscenity statute.
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Oppose efforts to weaken or repeal Pennsylvania’s Seasonal Farm Labor Act (Act 93-178).
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Continue support for the Homeowner’s Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program (HEMPAP).
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Review criminal justice issues as needed.
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Support state funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
