Join Us in Prayer for Pope Francis
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| Today, the Vatican reported that Pope Francis is no longer considered in imminent danger from his lung infection, but will remain in the hospital for the time being to recover. On March 7, the Pope shared an audio message, thanking people for their prayers. Join us in continuing prayers for him. |
WCC 2025-26 Session Priorities
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| We encourage every Catholic to read and share the WCC’s newly-released 2025-26 Session Priorities. The bishops are urging Wisconsin lawmakers to advance these nonpartisan priorities to protect life and promote the common good. The priorities especially promote the well-being of children and families.
For Catholics, all public policies should be measured by how they affect the life and dignity of the human person, the needs of families, and all those who live in poverty and on the margins. Catholic social teaching holds that every person must be respected from conception until natural death and be able to participate as fully as possible in the life of the community.
As a constituent, we encourage you to contact your legislators and let them know why the priorities are important to you. |
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| In February, the Governor introduced his budget bill (SB 45 / AB 50; see Budget in Brief). The Republican-led JFC is expected to set aside the Governor’s budget and work from a base budget. |
WCC Action at the Capitol
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| Designating K-12 School Sports by Sex ▲ Testified in support
AB 100 (Barbara Dittrich, R-Oconomowoc) Designating athletic sports and teams operated or sponsored by public schools or private schools participating in a parental choice program based on the sex of the participants.
Analysis: Consistent with the Catholic Church’s clear teaching on the equality of men and women, the WCC affirms that education and sports policies must uphold human dignity. This includes equal treatment between women and men and affirmation of the goodness of a person’s body, which is genetically and biologically female or male. Male competition in activities designated for women and girls can be both unfair and unsafe. When male participation takes an athletic opportunity away from a female, it is a loss for basic fairness and the spirit of Title IX. Students who experience gender dysphoria bear the full measure of human dignity, and they therefore must be treated with kindness and respect.
Status: Since the public hearing, the committee has taken no further action. |
Supreme Court Debate and Spring Election
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| Wisconsin Supreme Court candidates Hon. Susan Crawford and Hon. Brad Schimel will debate on Wednesday, March 12, at 7pm. WISN will host the televised debate at Marquette University’s Lubar Center and will livestream on WISN’s app, Facebook, and YouTube pages.
The spring election is on Tuesday, April 1 and includes races for the Supreme Court, State Superintendent, and local races. To see what will be on your ballot, visit myvote.wi.gov.
As Catholics, we are called to form our consciences in light of Church teaching. As you discern how best to be a faithful citizen at the polls, consult the WCC Faithful Citizenship series and the WCC’s 2025 Public Policy Positions. |
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WCC Public Policy Positions: Strengthen Public Transportation
As we did last session, here we continue to elaborate on each of the WCC’s 2025 Public Policy Positions. You can learn more about Catholic Social Teaching on the USCCB website.
Strengthen Public Transportation. Transportation is essential for full participation in civic life. Wisconsin must ensure that its transportation infrastructure meets the needs of all its residents, rural and urban.
Transportation is an essential service that must be provided to help all participate fully in society. The Church explains that the common good includes the “provision of essential services to all, some of which are at the same time human rights: food, housing, work, education and access to culture, transportation, basic health care, the freedom of communication and expression, and the protection of religious freedom” (Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church 166).
Transportation is necessary to stay connected and participate in public life. A lack of public transportation options makes everyday tasks difficult for those with disabilities and those experiencing poverty. Public transit helps individuals accomplish many of the essential services and rights named above, including going to work, grocery stores, doctors appointments, school, civic events, and more.
While public transportation can and should serve all in the community, it should be especially aimed at serving those residents most in need, including individuals and families with low incomes, individuals with disabilities and illnesses, elders, and other vulnerable populations. Participation in society–aided by public transportation–upholds human dignity by providing equitable access to public life and promotes the common good through promoting social cohesion, economic development, and environmental sustainability. |
Updates from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
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Legislative Resources
Find your legislators, committee assignments, session schedule, and more:
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