MCC from the Capitol

Looking for more inside news about the 2021 legislative session? In the latest episode of MCC from the Capitol, our lobbyists discuss the surprises, setbacks, and successes of this year's Missouri legislative session. 

In the latest episode of MCC from the Capitol, MCC Executive Director Tyler McClay talks with Mary Hasson about the Equality Act and gender ideology. During this episode, Tyler and Mary discuss these very sensitive issues from a Catholic perspective, providing an understanding and a way forward for the faithful who may know someone struggling with gender confusion. Mary also weighs in on the Equal...

In this episode of MCC from the Capitol, the MCC lobbyists discuss the happenings of the first half of the 2021 Missouri legislative session, including which MCC public policy priority bills are moving—with a focus on the areas of criminal justice and pro-life—how legislators are (or aren't) working together on select bills, and insights into what the second half of the session may bring. We...

In this episode of MCC from the Capitol, MCC Executive Director Tyler McClay talks COVID-19 vaccines with Bishop McKnight of the Diocese of Jefferson City, and Dr. Keith Starke, internist and Senior Advisor, Office of Clinical Excellence at Mercy. Bishop McKnight and Dr. Starke answer common questions about the COVID-19 vaccines from both a Catholic and medical perspective, shining light on the tr...

In this episode of MCC from the Capitol, the three Missouri Catholic Conference (MCC) lobbyists discuss the happenings of the early 2021 Missouri legislative session, including the governor's inauguration and early bill filings, along with the MCC's public policy priorities. In addition, the team converses about political rhetoric, the attack on the Capitol, and navigating our polarized...

Our political discourse has become increasingly rancorous and bitter. Spend any time on social media or watching the news and it is apparent that we are living in an era of outrage. The U.S. bishops began a campaign last year to restore civility to our public and political discourse called Civilize It: Dignity Beyond the Debate. Join MCC staff members and newly-appointed Archbishop of St. Louis Mi...

Our parish schools play a critical role in helping to form our Catholic young people. Yet, challenges abound for parents seeking to provide a Catholic education for their children, especially when teaching and learning must be done remotely. Join Dr. Erin Vader, Superintendent for Catholic schools in the diocese of Jefferson City, and Nicolette Gibson, Executive Director for the Missouri Council o...

Pope Francis has made the plight of refugees, migrants, and immigrants a focus of his pontificate, speaking frequently about the need for people of faith to offer assistance to those fleeing war, persecution and economic desperation.  In this podcast, we invite listeners to hear the stories of recent immigrants to the U.S. from Mexico and Central America through the work of Deacon Enrique Castro,...

The senseless death of George Floyd reveals that we still have much work to do in this country to address racism. How can we address the racism of our past and the systemic racism that continues to exist in the present?  Guests Joyce Jones, program director for racial harmony for the Archdiocese of St. Louis, and Jeff Schulenberg, facilitator of the social justice commission at Sacred Heart parish...

For decades, we were warned of overpopulation and its attendant problems: food shortages, environmental damage, and mass deaths. However, statistics show that worldwide birth rates have been steadily decreasing for the last 50 years and by mid-century, the world’s population is expected to begin to shrink. How did we get here, and what steps can be taken to reverse this trend? Jonathan V. Last, ex...

Vatican II proclaimed that religious liberty lays its foundation in the dignity of the human person, and that no one should be compelled to act in a manner that violates his/her conscience.  But are their limits to this liberty that people of faith must accept for the common good?  Bishop Mark Rivituso, Auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of St. Louis, and Tom Buckley, General Counsel for the Arch...

In this episode, we chat with Tamara Kenny, Director of Advocacy and Community Engagement at Catholic Charities of St. Louis, and Brock Ingmire, Director of State Policy & Advocacy for Ascension Health, about Medicaid expansion in Missouri. Missourians will vote on Medicaid expansion (Amendment 2) on August 4, 2020. For more information on Medicaid expansion, please visit our resources page at...