E-FOCUS SEPTEMBER 2008
Election 2008
Ohio's Election is Tuesday November 4, 2008. The deadline for voter registration is Monday, October 6, 2008.
On September 17, 2008, the Catholic Bishops of Ohio reviewed the five pending statewide ballot issues. They have issued a Ballot Issue Reflection Guide offering issue summaries, pros and cons, reflection questions and position statements.
Voters are encouraged to study, pray and reflect upon these statewide issues, and to keep in mind Catholic social teachings on care for people, care for the earth, and care for justice. The Catholic Conference of Ohio believes each of these issues involves prudential decisions. Conscientious voters may arrive at differing positions on these issues.
For your consideration, the Catholic Bishops of Ohio have chosen to take the following public positions: Neutrality on Issues 1 (Ballot Deadlines), 2 (“Clean Ohio” Bonds), and 3 (Water Rights), YES on 5 (Payday Lending Reform), and NO on 6 (Private Casino).
The Catholic Conference of Ohio grants permission and strongly encourages duplication and distribution of all of the following:
Bulletin Inserts
Ohio Ballot Issues and Ohio Bishops' Recommendations (two-sided)
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Black & White
Voting & Reflection Questions (two-sided)
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Black & White
Additional Educational Resources for Duplication
Ohio Ballot Issues, Catholic Social Teaching & Reflection Questions
Voting Questions regarding Candidates and 2008
Candidate Questions on Issues of Concern
Parish & School Resource Guide on Faithful Citizenship (includes all of the educational materials and bulletin inserts)
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' (USCCB) has developed materials for parish use based upon their statement Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: A Call To Political Responsibility from the Catholic Bishops of the United States.
The USCCB's website, Faithful Citizenship, contains Bulletin Inserts, Diocesan and Parish Planning Suggestions, Videos, Lesson Plans, Prayer and Homily Resources and Background Links.
Further Information
Catholic Conference of Ohio Faith and Politics Page
Catholic Conference of Ohio 2008 Candidates and Election Issues Page
Ohio Legislative Updates
The Ohio General Assembly is in recess until after the November 2008 elections. After the elections, Ohio legislators will return to a "lame duck" session. All legislation introduced over the past two years that has not passed by December 31, 2008 will have to be re-introduced starting January 1, 2009. This will be the start of the 128th General Assembly. In a "lame duck" session all kinds of issues can receive attention. Heightened citizen advocacy is necessary to help assure that responsible legislation is passed.
The following is an update on previous legislative actions.
Abortion Restrictions. Catholic Conference of Ohio Background Information on Ending Abortion: Protecting Unborn Children and their Parents
HB 314, allowing the opportunity to view ultrasound results prior to an abortion, was passed and signed into law. It went into effect on June 20, 2008.
HB 280, requiring the posting of a “non coercion” sign in all abortion clinics, passed the House and action is expected in the Senate during the November "lame duck" session.
Education Updates Catholic Conference of Ohio Education Page
State-Sponsored Scholarship Programs
Three state-sponsored scholarship programs benefit students attending Catholic schools in Ohio: The Cleveland Scholarship and Tutoring Program, the EdChoice Scholarship Program, and the Autism Scholarship Program.
The EdChoice Scholarship Program will help over 5,500 students attending Catholic schools during 2008/2009.
The Cleveland Scholarship and Tutoring Program, the oldest of the three programs, is expected to benefit over 5,600 students who live within the boundaries of the Cleveland Metropolitan School District during 2008/2009.
Eleven Catholic schools plan to participate in the Autism Scholarship Program in 2008/2009. [More]
Ohio Immigration Issues Catholic Conference of Ohio Immigration Page
Immigration reform has stalled at the federal level. There remains great divisiveness both within the legislature and throughout the community. Catholic immigrant outreach workers report an increase in prejudice and incidents of violence towards many Ohio immigrant workers. There is much fear throughout the Hispanic communities. The heightened enforcement practices have resulted in abusive profiling, insensitive treatment of family members, and increased reports of workplace injustice.[More]
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' Statement on Immigration Raids, September 2008
Death Penalty Execution Alert Catholic Conference of Ohio Death Penalty Page
Richard Cooey is scheduled for execution on October 14, 2008 for the deaths of University of Akron students Dawn McCreery and Wendy Offredo. The Catholic Conference of Ohio wrote a letter to Governor Strickland asking for a commutation to life without parole.
Gregory Bryant-Bey is scheduled for execution November 19, 2008 for the Toledo deaths of Dale Pinkelman and Peter Mihas.
CLICK HERE for the Catholic Health Association's Vision for U. S. Health Care Reform.
CLICK HERE for a listing of Catholic Hospitals in Ohio
Catholic Conference News
New Staff
Theresa Bowser joins the Catholic Conference of Ohio staff as the Director for the Ohio Catholic School Accrediting Association. Welcome Theresa! [More]
Larry Keough joins the Catholic Conference of Ohio staff as the Associate Director on Education. Welcome Larry! [More]
Location: 9 E. Long St. Suite 201, Columbus, Ohio 43215
Phone: 614-224-7147 / Fax: 614-224-7150
Web: www.ohiocathconf.org