HB 166: State Budget
House Budget Language
Governor's Proposal
LSC Analysis

Catholic Conference of Ohio Budget Backgrounders

Health and Human Services
Defend and Protect Human Life
Promote Care for Creation
Support Families Who Choose Catholic Schools

Senator Kristina Roegner, Sponsor of SB 23

On April 11, 2019, Governor DeWine signed the Human Rights and Heartbeat Protection Act (Sub HB 23). On April 10, 2019, the House approved this bill by a vote of 56-40. The Senate concurred on the measure 18-13.

The Human Rights and Heartbeat Protection Act prohibits the abortion of an unborn child with a detectable heartbeat.  The Ohio Department of Health is directed to write rules within 120 days of enactment following standard medical procedures for heartbeat detection.

Violations of the measure would be a fifth-degree felony for the provider.  Additionally, the State Medical Board can assess a $20,000 fine against providers. The funds collected will support adoption and foster care services.

The Catholic Conference of Ohio was among the many supporters of this legislation. The Conference commends the Governor, legislators, and advocates who supported this Protection Act. The Catholic Church teaches that every child, at every moment of existence, deserves love and the protection of the law. We do not believe any person or government has the right to take the life of an innocent human being.

Watch the House floor debate
Watch the Senate floor debate

Catholic Charities USA responds to flooding in Iowa, Nebraska, and Missouri. The current round of flooding, was triggered by a brutal “bomb cyclone” storm and is expected to persist across several states. Additionally, snowmelt and spring rains could create additional flooding in the weeks ahead.

DONATE TO CATHOLIC CHARITIES FLOOD RELIEF EFFORTS

CRS responds to widespread destruction in Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe from Tropical Cyclone Idai which has caused massive damage to infrastructure and killed upwards of 200 people and affecting 600,000 others.

DONATE TO CRS CYCLONE IDIA RELIEF EFFORTS 

The Ohio House will begin deliberations on the Executive Budget proposal presented by Governor DeWine.  A House version will be proposed, followed by a Senate version.  In June a conference committee will deliberate and propose compromises based upon the three versions.  A balanced budget must be enacted by July 1, 2019.

The Catholic Conference of Ohio will be elvaluating and offering recommendations throughout the process.

Gov. Mike DeWine announced that he is halting executions until the state devises a new lethal injection protocol that overcomes any court challenges. He did not issue a formal stay of all executions but said “As long as the status quo remains, where we don’t have a protocol that has been found to be OK, we certainly cannot have any executions in Ohio. That would not be right, at least in my opinion.”

He directed prison officials to come up with a new protocol, which will likely face legal challenge in federal court.

Archbishop Dennis Schnurr, writing on behalf of the Catholic Bishops of Ohio, commended the Governor for this action.

Ohioans to Stop Executions Link

Catholic Teaching on the Death Penalty

The Catholic Conference of Ohio supports passage of SB 13, the "Protect Trafficked Minors Act". This bill will help protect minors up to age 18 years old from being “trafficked”. Currently, only children up to age 16 years old are fully protected under Ohio law. The bill is pending in the Senate Judiciary Committee.

The Catholic Conference of Ohio believes it is important for Ohio to continue strengthening protections for victims of human trafficking. SB 13 provides yet another series of helpful changes. Such changes will help ensure that minors up to age 18 will have a greater degree of protection under Ohio law.

Sponsor Testimony from Senator Teresa Fedor

Catholic Conference of Ohio Action Alert