Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

Dignity of life, education, gun violence, and criminal justice are at the top of the list of legislative priorities for the Catholic Conference of Kentucky (CCK) during the 2024 Kentucky General Assembly. The CCK, which represents the bishops on matters of public policy, is closely following various measures that either have its support or have raised concerns.

Jason Hall, the executive director of the CCK, emphasized the organization's commitment to promoting laws that ensure the well-being of those on the margins of society. He stated, "We have a moral obligation as a society. How we treat the most vulnerable among us defines how just a society we are."

One bill that the CCK strongly supports is Senate Bill 34, also known as the Momnibus bill. Hall praised the bill, saying, "It's 45 pages, a lot of provisions, but virtually every provision in this is something we'd strongly support." The bill includes measures to support mothers postpartum, expand insurance coverage, provide Medicaid coverage for breastfeeding support and supplies, and extend eligibility for public assistance programs.

The CCK is also closely monitoring the Crisis Aversion and Retention Act, which would allow law enforcement to temporarily remove firearms from individuals in crisis to prevent self-inflicted harm and harm to others. Hall highlighted the potential benefits of such measures, stating, "Studies have shown these measures reduced suicide rates in other states. And there's hope that such provisions could reduce mass violence as well."

Education is another key focus for the CCK, particularly the issue of school choice. The organization supports an amendment to the state's constitution that would pave the way for school choice through a ballot referendum. Hall explained, "The church teaches that parents have the right and responsibility to direct their education... Access to education is a justice issue."

Affordable housing and criminal justice reform are also priorities for the CCK. The organization supports proposals that promote affordable housing and House Bill 38, which seeks to abolish the death penalty. However, the CCK has concerns about some provisions in House Bill 5, known as the Safer Kentucky Act, which emphasizes incarceration as a solution to social problems. Hall stated, "The idea that the answer to homelessness is incarceration, that the answer to drug abuse is incarceration... That is not the answer."

Hall also challenged the notion that crime is out of control in Kentucky, pointing out that crime rates are near historic lows. He noted that the emphasis on incarceration conflicts with the goal of reducing the income tax in the state, as incarcerating people is expensive and ineffective in solving social problems.

As the lawmakers work on the budget this year, the decisions made will be driven by budgetary concerns. The CCK opposes the plan to gradually reduce the income tax in Kentucky, expressing concerns that it could lead to a budget crisis and negatively impact the most vulnerable people.

The CCK's legislative priorities reflect their commitment to promoting the dignity of life, ensuring access to education, addressing gun violence, and advocating for criminal justice reform. With a focus on the well-being of the most vulnerable members of society, the CCK aims to create a more just and compassionate Kentucky.