ICAN Update 1.28.23
This week, the ICC testified in support of SB1, a mental health services bill. SB1 is a priority for leadership in the Senate, and has attracted a large, bipartisan group of authors and co-authors. The attention to SB1 this session highlights the great need for mental health services across Indiana's 92 counties. Sadly, depression, anxiety, addiction, and other challenges are increasingly prevalent in young people.
The Catholic Church undoubtedly recognizes the healing power of Christ through the Sacraments, prayer, and spiritual discipline. There is, however, a necessary and proper role for professional counselors to play in the life of the Church and in society. Indeed, two of Indiana's diocesan Catholic Charities agencies employ mental health counselors and are trusted mental health partners in their communities. Through these counselors, the Church can witness to Christ's healing power by accompanying people suffering from a mental illness with love and compassion.
In our podcast this week, we discuss SB1 as well as a long list of bills we're following that benefit the poor. You'll see these bills listed in our weekly ICAN Report (see below).
A note about bills the ICC opposes:
Numerous bills have been filed that the ICC opposes. Many of these bills are predictable: they appear every year and we oppose them every year. However, we do not list most of these bills in our weekly reports and instead work behind the scenes to ensure these bills do not advance in the legislative process. While there may be some benefit to public reminders about why the Church opposes certain evils, it is often best to let these ideas quietly die year after year. As always, we welcome questions about specific bills from members of our network and we will always draw public attention to bills that do not align with Catholic teaching when they have a chance to advance in the legislature.
Thank you for following the ICC's work in the Statehouse. Please pray for us and our legislators this year.
Yours in Christ,
Alexander Mingus, Associate Director
Angela Espada, Executive Director
ICAN REPORT
The Indiana Catholic Conference (ICC) is the public policy voice of the Catholic Church in Indiana regarding state and national matters. To act on these bills via action alert or by directly contacting your legislator, visit indianacc.org and click “Take Action” in the top right corner of the page. Listed below are the bills the ICC is monitoring most closely. The list is not exhaustive yet highlights the issues of greatest priority and relevance within the legislative process.
Solidarity
SB1 Behavioral Health Matters (Sen. Crider)
This bipartisan effort appropriates significant funding for community behavioral health services, including a mental health crisis hotline number (988). The ICC supports these efforts to expand mental health services in Indiana.
ICC supports this bill.
HB1290 Earned Income Tax Credit (Rep. Goodrich)
This bill expands the state earned income tax credit from 10 percent to 15 percent of the federal earned income tax credit. This tax credit delivers targeted assistance to the lowest income Hoosiers.
ICC supports this bill.
SB248/HB1644 Driving Cards (Sen. Doriot/Rep. King)
Allows undocumented Indiana residents to drive legally after obtaining insurance and passing a driver’s test. The driving card can not be used for any purpose other than driving (for example, it can’t be used to vote). The ICC supports this policy because it would bring economic benefits to the state, increase road safety, and keep families together.
ICC supports this bill.
SB265/HB1160 Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (Sen. Ford, Sen. Walker/Rep. Clere)
While the House and Senate versions of these bills have some differences, the ICC continues to support an expansion to the TANF program in Indiana. This program uses federally appropriated funds to temporarily assist families in great need, but the assistance amount has not been updated in the state since 1988.
ICC supports this bill.
SB364/HB1243 Paid Family and Medical Leave (Sen. Pol/Rep. Cambell)
Although these bills are unlikely to receive a hearing this year, the ICC supports pro-family policies such as paid family leave. Ensuring mothers and fathers have adequate time to spend with newborn children has significant, well-researched, positive impacts for family life.
ICC supports this bill.
Stay tuned as more bills are added to this list each week.