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Dear David,
With the 2011 New Hampshire legislative year underway, the New Hampshire Council of Churches brings you updates and alerts on proposed policy changes with significant moral and ethical consequences.
Bills and rulemaking receive priority in areas where our member denominations share a position. The religious voice in the public square is important and unique; a religious voice speaks to the big picture and to the effects of laws and rules on the most vulnerable in our society.
Religious leaders bear the responsibility to speak up for those who cannot.
Speaking up takes many forms: attend a social justice meeting of your denomination or society; include information in a Sunday bulletin or newsletter; talk to a representatives; attend a legislative hearing or in other ways. The religious community can choose to take these actions based upon severity and urgency. The religious community uniquely paints the moral backdrop for policy makers as they consider difficult decisions before them.
How do we decide what information to bring you? A standing Public Policy Committee of the NH Council of Churches, comprised of board members and representatives of member denominations works together, examines the issues and determines priorities. New Committee members are welcome and encouraged; please contact me for information.
Thus far, the Public Policy Committee is focusing on these critical areas:
1) The biennial state budget, now being crafted for fiscal years 2011-12, particularly the nearly one-third of the state budget providing Health and Human Services for the state's needy.
2) Immigration (see below for the first public hearing related to this topic).
3) Death penalty, both to oppose expansion and promote repeal.
4) Expanded gambling, opposing slots and casinos
We will bring you information on the process and points of input, as well as background information to help religious leaders determine where and when important policy topics will come up. A Public Policy Update is planned every two weeks this session.
Because policy-making takes place at a rapid pace with unpredictable timing, we will supplement biweekly Updates with Alerts. We understand the frustration for those who wish to engage their congregations, social justice committees and others on a policy matter and have just a day or two's notice. This is simply how the NH legislative process operates. We will do our very best to alert you to developments as they happen.
With blessings for your concern and attention,
Laurel Redden, Public Policy Associate
NH Council of Churches
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
894-5931
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