January 10, 2020

	In This Update:
	Petition Drive to Ban Dismemberment Abortion Advances to State Board  Michigan Legislature Returns to Lansing

	Petition Drive to Ban Dismemberment Abortion Advances to State Board
	Thanks to pro-life Michiganders like YOU, a citizen-initiated ban on the gruesome dismemberment on procedure is one step closer to becoming law. On December 23, Michigan Catholic Conference (MCC), Right to Life of Michigan, and other pro-life groups visited the Secretary of State's office to deliver 379,418 petition signatures gathered from across Michigan. MCC is grateful for the tireless dedication and bold witness to life, especially from the Catholic community, that have allowed the Citizen's Initiative to succeed thus far. This outpouring of support demonstrates the desire for such a ban in our state. However, the effort is not yet finished.  What are the next steps for the dismemberment abortion petition? Over the coming weeks, the Elections Division of the Secretary of State will certify the petition forms, checking the validity and sufficiency of signatures. At least 340,047 valid signatures are necessary.    Once the signatures are verified, the legislation will be submitted to the Michigan House of Representatives and State Senate. The Legislature then has 40 calendar days either to approve, reject, or not vote on the petitions.     If a simple majority in both chambers approves the bill, it becomes law without requiring the governor's signature. In fact, this petition process became necessary after Governor Gretchen Whitmer, a strong supporter of abortion, vowed to veto any pro-life legislation passed by the Legislature. Because a bill banning dismemberment abortion was easily passed by a majority of the Legislature, but not sent to the Governor due to her pro-abortion position, MCC is optimistic about the adoption of the initiative after the signatures are verified. Lansing Update will continue to track closely the progress of this effort. Please stay tuned for updates and advocacy opportunities!

	Michigan Legislature Returns to Lansing
	This week, Michigan lawmakers returned from their holiday recess and began meeting for the second half of the 2019-2020 legislative session. Senate and House members will continue consideration of a wide variety of bills that impact communities across the state. In the next several months, lawmakers will also begin work on the 2020-2021 state budget, including the potential restoration of items vetoed in the previous budget. These items include appropriations to protect Michigan women and children and to fund non-education related services for nonpublic schools. Further updates will be provided as the budget process moves forward.  If this email was forwarded to you, please click here to join the Catholic Advocacy Network, which will enable you to receive regular electronic updates and alerts. For other news and information, click here to follow MCC on Twitter, like MCC on Facebook, follow MCC on Instagram, or visit MCC's webpage.

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