Wisconsin Catholic Conference News and Press Releases
The WCC reports on and releases statements on public policy issues and events. Statements and news resources are posted here as a reference for those looking to keep updated on WCC positions.
Press Releases
The WCC’s media statements
- January 16, 2020
Governor Walker Proclaims Catholic Schools Week
- November 12, 2019
WCC Supports Federal Protections against Predatory Lending
- June 21, 2019
Wisconsin Catholic Conference Denounces Governor’s Veto of Pro-life Legislation
- May 8, 2019
WCC Testifies in Support of Pro-life Legislation
- February 25, 2019
Catholics at the Capitol: A Day of Prayer, Formation & Advocacy
- January 28, 2019
Governor Evers Proclaims Catholic Schools Week
- November 26, 2018
WCC Mourns Loss of Bishop Robert C. Morlino
- November 12, 2018
A Joint Statement on Baraboo High School Photo
- September 19, 2018
Bishops Announce Day of Priestly Prayer and Reparation
- April 24, 2018
Coalition Committed to Heal Without Harm Legislation
- April 11, 2018
Governor Walker Signs Abortion Ban in State Employee Insurance Plans
- March 28, 2018
Faith-Based and Consumer Advocates Thank Legislators Who Protected Wisconsin Consumers
- February 20, 2018
Rent-to-Own Carve-Outs Good for Predatory Lenders, Bad for Wisconsinites
- February 6, 2018
Speaker Vos Moves to Kill Fetal Tissue Bills; Removes Them from Committee
- January 23, 2018
Governor Walker Proclaims Catholic Schools Week
- January 16, 2018
Efforts to Advance Ethical Research Thwarted by Senate Leaders
- December 11, 2017
DOJ Launches Investigation into Planned Parenthood’s Aborted Fetal Tissue Dealings
- November 28, 2017
National Efforts to Promote Ethical Research Pose Stark Contrast to Wisconsin Inaction
- November 2, 2017
The Health Without Harm Legislative Initiative – SB 423 and SB 424
- October 24, 2017
The Heal Without Harm Coalition – Time is Running Out; Action is Needed Now
- October 20, 2017
Catholic and Lutheran Bishops Join in Historic Service Commemorating Reformation
- October 20, 2017
The Heal Without Harm (HWH) Coalition Welcomes the Introduction of AB 549 and AB 550 in the Wisconsin Assembly
- October 3, 2017
- September 8, 2017
Bishops of Wisconsin Respond to Termination of DACA
- September 5, 2017
Faith, Consumer Groups Oppose Roll-Backs of Rent-to-Own Consumer Protections
- July 24, 2017
Restricting Taxpayer Funding for Abortion
- February 24, 2017
Catholics at the Capitol: A Day of Prayer, Formation & Advocacy
- February 20, 2017
Bishops Grant Dispensation for Feast of St. Patrick
- January 18, 2017
Governor Walker Proclaims Catholic Schools Week
- October 10, 2016
Larry Haas Named New Associate Director for Education and Health Care Policy - September 20, 2016
Bishops Entrust Wisconsin Faithful to Mary, Mother of Mercy
- July 20, 2016
Bishops Share Resources on Faithful Citizenship
- March 4, 2016
- March 2, 2016
Bills Promoting Human Dignity Move Through Legislature
- January 28, 2016
Heal Without Harm Coalition: “Planned Parenthood Has a Problem with the Truth”
- January 15, 2016
Governor Walker Proclaims Catholic Schools Week
- November 10, 2015
John Huebscher to Retire as WCC Executive Director, Kim Wadas Named New Director
- September 3, 2015
WCC Supports Diverting Family Planning Funding Away From Planned Parenthood
- August 14, 2015
WCC Supports Ban on Sale and Use of Fetal Body Parts
- July 8, 2015
30 Groups Urge Assembly to Remove, Gov. Walker to Veto Payday Lender Grab-Bag in State Budget
- June 26, 2015
WCC Comments on U.S. Supreme Court Ruling on Marriage
- April 21, 2015
Interfaith Groups Express Opposition to Drug Test Mandate
- April 6, 2015
Catholics at the Capitol to Celebrate a Church United in Hope and Love
- March 23, 2015
Catholic Conference Addresses State Budget Issues
- March 5, 2015
Catholics at the Capitol to Emphasize a United Church
- February 25, 2015
WCC Testifies on Right to Work Legislation
- January 16, 2015
Governor Walker Proclaims Catholic Schools Week
- October 6, 2014
Catholic Conference Comments on Court of Appeals Ruling
- September 5, 2014
Catholic Conference Comments on Court of Appeals Ruling
- August 26, 2014
Bishops Affirm Support for Marriage as Seventh Circuit Hears Lawsuit on State Amendment
- August 8, 2014
Catholic Bishops Revise Advance Care Planning Forms
- June 30, 2014
WCC Comments on Supreme Court Ruling
- June 9, 2014
WCC Comments on Federal Court Marriage Ruling
- January 24, 2014
WCC Backs Proposals to Curb Human Trafficking
- January 16, 2014
Governor Walker Proclaims Catholic Schools Week
- June 26, 2013
WCC Comment on Supreme Court Rulings Regarding Marriage
- June 26, 2013
Catholic Conference Asks for Veto of Bail Bond Provision
- June 20, 2013
Catholic Bishops Urge Action on Federal Immigration Bill
- June 7, 2013
WCC Backs Right to View Ultrasound of Unborn Child
- June 3, 2013
WCC, Other Pro-Life Groups Back Ban on Gender-Based Abortions
- May 29, 2013
Catholic Bishops Release New Edition of Letter Addressing End of Life Decisions
- May 13, 2013
Statement on WISPERG Rent-To-Own Survey
- May 3, 2013
Joint Letter to the Editor on Medicaid Expansion
- April 29, 2013
Archbishop Listecki and Community Leaders Oppose Rent-to-Own Changes
- March 28, 2013
WCC Joins Others in Opposing State Budget Rent-To-Own Exemptions
- March 5, 2013
Bishops Urge Support for Choice in Education
- February 21, 2013
Catholic Conference on State Budget: Expand School Choice, Protect Health Care for Poor
- January 11, 2013
Governor’s Proclamation for Catholic Schools Week
- November 26, 2012
Bishops and Major Superiors of Women Religious Enjoy Productive conversation
- July 25, 2012
Bishops Urge Against Use of Provider Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment - July 9, 2012
Catholic Conference Issues Letter, Materials Urging Faithful Citizenship
- June 18, 2012
Bishops Reiterate Opposition to HHS Mandate - April 9, 2012
Governor Walker Signs WCC Backed Bills on Health Exchanges, “Web Cam” Abortions, Sex Education - March 16, 2012
Legislature Oks Pro-Life Bills on Health Exchanges and “Web Cam” Abortions - March 16, 2012
WCC Helps Defeat Rent-to-Own Legislation - January 13, 2012
Governor Walker Proclaims Catholic Schools Week
- March 2, 2012
WCC Testifies on Rent-to-Own Legislation - December 12, 2011
Bishops Ask Catholics to Welcome Immigrants, Back Comprehensive Reform - November 4, 2011
WCC Supports Expansion of Mandatory Reporting by School Staff - October 31, 2011
Bishops Issue Guidance on Conceal and Carry Law - October 26, 2011
WCC Opposes Bill Job Bias Against Felons - October 21, 2011
Catholic Conference Supports Revising Human Growth and Development Mandate - October 21, 2011
WCC-Backed Bill to Keep Abortion Out of Health Exchanges Passes Senate - September 6, 2011
Bishops Oppose Federal Preventive Services Mandate - May 27, 2011
WCC Says Health Exchange Should Not Include Abortion - May 13, 2011
Catholic Conference Shares Concerns on Conceal and Carry Legislation - April 21, 2011
WCC Supports Improvements to Parental Choice Program - April 8, 2011
Catholic Conference Takes Stance on State Budget Provisions - April 4, 2011
“Catholics at the Capitol” Features Archbishop Listecki, Panel on Witnessing to Hope - February 21, 2011
Living Faith is Focus of Catholics at the Capitol -
Bishops Champion Catholic Schools and Urge Continued Support
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Governor Walker Proclaims Catholic Schools Week
- September 1, 2010
Bishops Share Resources on Faithful Citizenship - February 9, 2010
Latest Payday Lending Proposal A Step Forward
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Governor Doyle Proclaims Catholic Schools Week
- November 5, 2009
WCC to Planned Parenthood: Respecting Parents, Local Leaders is No Danger to Children
- October 30, 2009
Human Growth and Development Instruction Should Respect Parents, Local Educators, WCC Says
- September 18, 2009
Catholic Charities Leader, Others Brief Lawmakers on Need for Payday Lending Limits
- September 8, 2009
WCC Backs Curbing Payday Loans
- September 8, 2009
WCC Backs Tax Credit for Teachers Who Purchase School Materials
- August 17, 2009
Bishops Write Join Letter on Insurance Mandate to Cover Contraception
- June 8, 2009
New Budget Health Care Mandates Impede Religious Liberty
- June 2, 2009
Budget Provision Penalizes Some Nonpublic School Children
- April 3, 2009
Catholic Conference Speaks to State Budget
- March 10, 2009
Catholic Conference Comments on President’s Stem Cell Decision
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Religious Groups Urge Governor to Protect Poor in State Budget
- February 5, 2009
WCC Comments on Vote to Allow Second-Term Abortions - January 29, 2009
Catholic Conference Backs Increase in Minimum Wage - January 16, 2009
Governor Doyle Proclaims Catholic Schools Week - January 15, 2009
Catholic Conference to Hospitals: Provide Aid, Not Abortion
- August 27, 2008
Bishops Share Resources on Faithful Citizenship
- April 29, 2008
Stem Cell Research Must Serve All, Sacrifice None Bishops Say
- February 28, 2009
WCC Urges Legislature to Keep Law Banning Abortion
- February 1, 2008
Catholic Conference Supports State Ban on Partial Birth Abortions
- January 23, 2008
WCC Opposes Physician Assisted Suicide
- January 21, 2008
Governor Doyle Proclaims Catholic Schools Week
- January 11, 2008
Bills to Erase Statute of Limitations Go Too Far
- December 7, 2007
WCC Backs Greater Access to Legal Services
- November 28, 2007
WCC Comments on Proposed Repeal of Statute of Limitations - November 20, 2007
Catholic Conference Encouraged by Stem Cell Breakthrough
- September 13, 2007
WCC Supports Coercive Abortion Prevention Act
- July 23, 2007
Budget Issues of Concern to the Wisconsin Catholic Conference - May 29, 2007
Finance Committee Helps Poor Families in Budget
- May 18, 2007
Motion to Limit School Bussing Fails Budget Committee
- April 27, 2007
Wisconsin Catholic Conference Testifies on Mandated Care for Rape Victims
- April 18, 2007
Catholic Conference Comments on Court Ruling in Favor of Partial Birth Abortion Ban
- March 28, 2007
Death Penalty Not Needed to Keep Us Safe
- March 9, 2007
“Catholics at the Capitol 2007”: To Feature Conversation Between Bishops and Politicians - February 2, 2007
Kim Wadas is New Associate Director for Education and Health Care Policy
Capitol Updates
Issued when the Legislature is active, the Capitol Update is a periodic (bi-weekly) electronic update on current WCC legislative issues of interest
- Capitol Update – December 10
- Capitol Update – November 25
- Capitol Update – November 12
- Capitol Update – State Budget Summary – October 31
- Capitol Update – September 25
- Capitol Update – September 9
- Capitol Update – August 12
- Capitol Update – July 9
- Capitol Update – June 24
- Capitol Update – June 10, 2019
- Capitol Update – May 6, 2019
- Capitol Update – March 29, 2019
- Capitol Update – March 27, 2019
- Capitol Update – March 11, 2019
- Capitol Update – June 11, 2018
- Capitol Update – June 5, 2018
- Capitol Update – May 10, 2018
- Capitol Update – April 10, 2018
- Capitol Update – March 28, 2018
- Capitol Update – March 12, 2018
- Capitol Update – February 26, 2018
- Capitol Update – February 12, 2018
- Capitol Update – January 29, 2018
- Capitol Update – January 16, 2018
- Capitol Update – November 27, 2017
- Capitol Update – October 25, 2017 (WI State Budget Summary)
- Capitol Update – October 23, 2017
- Capitol Update – October 10, 2017
- Capitol Update – September 25, 2017
- Capitol Update – September 11, 2017
- Capitol Update – July 17, 2017
- Capitol Update – June 19, 2017
- Capitol Update – June 2, 2017
- Capitol Update – May 15, 2017
- Capitol Update – May 2, 2017
- Capitol Update – April 18, 2017
- Capitol Update Special Addition – April 3, 2017
- Capitol Update – March 20, 2017
- Capitol Update – March 6, 2017
- Capitol Update – February 20, 2017
- Capitol Update – December 18, 2015
- Capitol Update – December 4, 2015
- Capitol Update – November 23, 2015
- Capitol Update – November 6, 2015
- Capitol Update – October 23, 2015
- Capitol Update – October 9, 2015
- Capitol Update – September 25, 2015
- Capitol Update – September 11, 2015
- Capitol Update – August 28, 2015
- Capitol Update – August 14, 2015
- Capitol Update – August 12, 2015
- Capitol Update – July 10, 2015
- Capitol Update – June 19, 2015
- Capitol Update – June 5, 2015
- Capitol Update – May 22, 2015
- Capitol Update – May 8, 2015
- Capitol Update – April 24, 2015
- Capitol Update – April 10, 2015
- Capitol Update – March 20, 2015
- Captiol Update – March 13, 2015 (Special Budget Edition)
- Capitol Update – March 6, 2015
- Capitol Update – February 20, 2015
- Capitol Update – February 6, 2015
- Capitol Update – January 23, 2015
- Capitol Update – January 9, 2015
- Capitol Update – December 20, 2013
- Capitol Update – December 6, 2013
- Capitol Update – November 22, 2013
- Capitol Update – October 25, 2013
- Capitol Update – October 11, 2013
- Capitol Update – September 6, 2013
- Capitol Update – July 29, 2013
- Capitol Update – June 28, 2013
- Capitol Update – June 20, 2013
- Capitol Update – June 14, 2013
- Capitol Update – May 31, 2013
- Capitol Update – May 24, 2013
- Capitol Update – May 17, 2013
- Capitol Update – May 3, 2013
- Capitol Update – April 19, 2013
- Capitol Update – April 5, 2013
- Capitol Update – March 22, 2013
- Capitol Update – March 8, 2013
- Capitol Update – February 22, 2013
- Capitol Update – February 8, 2013
- Capitol Update – January 25, 2013
- Capitol Update – January 11, 2013
- Capitol Update – December 16, 2011
- Capitol Update – December 2, 2011
- Capitol Update – November 11, 2011
- Capitol Update – October 28, 2011
- Capitol Update – October 14, 2011
- Capitol Update – September 30, 2011
- Capitol Update – September 16, 2011
- Capitol Update – August 5, 2011
- Capitol Update – July 22, 2011
- Capitol Update – July 8, 2011
- Capitol Update – June 24, 2011
- Capitol Update – June 10, 2011
- Capitol Update – May 27, 2011
- Capitol Update – May 13, 2011
- Capitol Update – April 29, 2011
- Capitol Update – April 8, 2011
- Capitol Update – April 15, 2011
- Capitol Update – March 18, 2011
- Capitol Update – March 4, 2011
- Capitol Update – February 18, 2011
- Capitol Update – February 4, 2011
- Capitol Update – January 21, 2011
- Capitol Update – January 7, 2011
- Capitol Update – November 6, 2009
- Capitol Update – October 23, 2009
- Capitol Update – October 9, 2009
- Capitol Update – September 25, 2009
- Capitol Update – September 11, 2009
- Capitol Update – August 21, 2009
- Capitol Update – July 23, 2009
- Capitol Update – July 6, 2009
- Capitol Update – June 12, 2009
- Capitol Update – May 29, 2009
- Capitol Update – May 15, 2009
- Capitol Update – May 1, 2009
- Capitol Update – April 17, 2009
- Capitol Update – April 3, 2009
- Capitol Update – March 20, 2009
- Capitol Update – March 6, 2009
- Capitol Update – February 20, 2009
- Capitol Update – February 6, 2009
- Capitol Update – January 19, 2009
- Capitol Update – December 7, 2007
- Capitol Update – November 16, 2007
- Capitol Update – November 2, 2007
- Capitol Update – October 19, 2007
- Capitol Update – October 5, 2007
- Capitol Update – September 21, 2007
- Capitol Update – September 7, 2007
- Capitol Update – July 27, 2006
- Capitol Update – July 12, 2007
- Capitol Update – June 29, 2007
- Capitol Update – June 13, 2007
- Capitol Update – May 25, 2007
- Capitol Update – May 11, 2007
- Capitol Update – April 27, 2007
- Capitol Update – April 13, 2007
- Capitol Update – March 30, 2007
- Capitol Update – March 16, 2007
- Capitol Update – March 02, 2007
- Capitol Update – February 16, 2007
- Capitol Update – January 18, 2007
Capitol Report Newsletter
Issued several times a year, the Capitol Report examines current issues and policy news of interest to the WCC.
Eye on the Capitol
Opinion and perspective pieces written by WCC staff
- In Past Debates Over Refugees Our Leaders Appealed to Our Ideals, Not Our Fears (November 20, 2015)
- There are Two Golden Rules These Days, We are Heeding the Wrong One (November 10, 2015)
- Perinatal Hospice: Encountering and Comforting Infants and Families (July 13, 2015)
- Minimum Wage is Our Recognition of the Dignity of All Who Work (May 14, 2015)
- WCC Legislative Day Features Human Riches of the Church and State (March 17, 2015)
- Some Laws Say a Lot About Who We Are, What We Value (February 26, 2015)
- Issues in 2015 Call Us to Witness Our Commitment to the Principle of Solidarity (January 16, 2015)
- The Aspirations, Not the Credentials, of Immigrants Strengthen Our Nation (December 11, 2014)
- Message for November 4 Vote (October 24, 2014)
- Pew Survey Shows Interesting Views on Religion and Politics (September 29, 2014)
- Unaccompanied Minors At Our Border Provide Opportunity For Pro-Life Witness (August 1, 2014)
- Early Primary Means Voters Must Pay Attention Now (July 11, 2014)
- In Our Polarized Politics Can Catholics Narrow the Divide? (June 20, 2014)
- Voter ID Laws Do More Harm Than Good To Voters And Our State’s Legacy (May 23, 2014)
- Growing Latino Presence Makes Wisconsin More Diverse (April 11, 2014)
- Case for Raising the Minimum Wage for State’s Younger Workers is a Strong One (February 28, 2014)
- Catholic Social Ministry Gathering Offers Look at a Vibrant Church (February 7, 2014)
- The Wisconsin Senate Should Protect Human Rights and Religious Freedom (January 14, 2014)
- Must Christmas Spirit End With The Christmas Season? (January 3, 2014)
- Juvenile Justice Reform Long Overdue (November 15, 2013)
- New Interest in an Old Topic: Drawing Legislative Districts (October 11, 2013)
- Vouchers Provide Same Opportunities as Other Programs (September 9, 2013)
- Marquette Poll Suggests Support for Public Schools and Openness to Vouchers (July 9, 2013)
- Expanding Choice Programs Fosters Partnership in Education (May 6, 2013)
- Budget Hearings Offer Chance to Influence Policy (March 15, 2013)
- Prison Reform for Safer, Healthier Communities (February 1, 2013)
- Catholics Have Much to Offer in Debate Over Firearms Safety (January 18, 2013)
- In Years of Divisions, Catholics Can Model Civility and Listening to Each Other (August 31, 2012)
- Judges Who Serve on the Government Accountability Board Deserve Our Thanks (June 8, 2012)
- Will State Supreme Court Take Justice Brennan’s Advice? (March 23, 2012)
- Violation of Religious Liberty Cannot Stand (January 26, 2012)
- Recall Season Will Overlay Final Sessions of the Legislature (January 6, 2012)
- Human Beings are not Commodities (October 7, 2011)
- Contraception Mandate Endangers Religious Liberty and Women’s Health (September 23, 2011)
- We Celebrate Labor Day for Very Good Reasons (August 25, 2011)
- Recall-Loaded Summer Unlike Any Other (June 17, 2011)
- Conceal and Carry Proposal Is Popular, But Is It Necessary? (May 6, 2011)
- Here and In Other States, Catholic Conferences Lobby Legislators (April 8, 2011)
- The Common Good Must be Focal Point of Budget Debate (March 14, 2011)
- A Christmas Gift: Civility in Public Argument (December 13, 2010)
- New Governors Must Hit the Ground Running (November 18, 2010)
- Reject Attack Ads By Voting, Staying Involved After Election (October 22, 2010)
- What Level of Government is Best? Principle of Subsidiarity Can Help (October 1, 2010)
- November Winners May Control Legislature for More than 2 Years (August 26, 2010)
- How Much Government Do We Need? Catholic Thought Gives Nuanced Answer (August 5, 2010)
- Even in the “Off Season” Policy Making Goes On (July 9, 2010)
- Catholics Should be Example in 2010 Campaign (June 4, 2010)
- The Legislative Session Was a “Mixed Bag” (May 7, 2010)
- Catholics Paying More Attention to Environmental Issues (April 8, 2010)
- WCC Affirms Parents As Primary Educators of Children (March 5, 2010)
- Eye on the Capitol – State Senate Improves Access to Public Defender (February 3, 2010)
- Eye on the Capitol – Church Role in Policy Debates Protected by Constitution (January 1, 2010)
- Eye on the Capitol – Stupak Amendment Preserves (November 18, 2009)
- Eye on the Capitol – Making Serious Choices About Sex Education in Public Schools (November 6, 2009)
- Catholics on the Front Lines Make the Best Witnesses (October 9, 2009)
- Rulings on Religion Have Changed Much Over Time (August 28, 2009)
- Changes in the Economy Will Drive Demand for Heatlh Care Reform (July 30, 2009)
- State Budget 2009: History in the Making (July 2, 2009)
- Budget Woes and Ripple Effects (May 8, 2009)
- In a Number of Ways, State Budget Can Help Women Choose Life (April 6, 2009)
- Want to be a Faithful Citizen? Attend A Hearing on the State Budget (March 9, 2009)
- One Day, Two Hearings, Same Story: Society Doesn’t Value Children (February 5, 2009)
- Support Women and Children, Not Abortion Clinics (January 23, 2009)
- 2009 Legislative Session: Pragmatic Approach is Good Politics (January 5, 2009)
- Themes of Catholic Teaching Relevant As Budget Woes Loom (November 21, 2008)
- Advocates of Embryonic Stem Cell Research Fumble Ethics, Morals (September 25, 2008)
- New Watchdog Board Takes Aim At Issue Ads (September 8, 2008)
- Election Season Provides Opportunity for “Faithful Citizenship” (July 10, 2008)
- The Right of Conscience Serves Us All (June 2, 2008)
- Racial Disparity on Drug Cases Deserves Attention (May 9, 2008)
- Income Inequality Undermines the Common Good (April 11, 2008)
- Women Better Served By Just Wages, Not Abortion (February 29, 2008)
- Catholic Schools Week: Helping Catholic Schools Light the Way (January 18, 2008)
- Window for Legislative Activity in 2008 is Small (January 9, 2008)
- Anti Trafficking Law Mertis Support (November 2, 2007)
- Preventing Abortions (September 21, 2007)
- Keeping Minimum Wage Just is Ongoing Responsibility (August 31, 2007)
- Summer Institute Offers Much to Involved Catholics (August 17, 2007)
- Both Parties Have Made Their Stand Now Comes The Hard Part (July 20, 2007)
- Farm Bil 2007: Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread (June 28, 2007)
- Bishops’ Principles for Health Care Reform Can Be Useful In Coming Debate (June 14, 2007)
- Common Good Not Served by Denying Bus Service to Catholic School Children (May 17, 2007)
- Does Policy Belong in the Budget? It Depends on Whether You Like the Policy (April 27, 2007)
- A Lifetime of Service in Catholic Education (March 30, 2007)
- Governor Holds Enormous Advantage in Budget Debates (March 16, 2007)
- Growing a Culture of Life (February 16, 2007)
- Questions for the Supreme Court Candidates (February 1, 2007)
- Welcoming the Unborn and the UnDocumented on the Anniversary of Roe V. Wade (January 18, 2007)
- Providing Health Care and Paying For It Falls to the Healthy (January 5, 2007)