Catholic Democrats of Minnesotatag:www.catholicdemocrats.org,2008:/MN//182008-05-17T17:34:35ZCatholic Democrats of Minnesota Web SiteMovable Type 3.31MN promotes the business of baby farmingtag:www.catholicdemocrats.org,2008:/MN//18.2982008-05-08T19:01:03Z2008-05-17T17:34:35Z An ill-considered bill (S2965) drafted by the fertility industry is being rushed through the MN legislature to encourage Gestational Carrier Contracts, i.e. baby farming. A peculiar bipartisan coalition of legislators who apparently believe that everything has a price has...Pat Schaffer
intent of the parties. The court has no right to weigh the welfare of the child or the fitness of the Intended Parent, who may in some circumstances have no physical or prior emotional connection to the child, either genetic or gestational.
Some other states enforce such contracts, but only Illinois uses this radical a statute. Many states prohibit payment for surrogacy services, and a number of states, including New York, prohibit the practice altogether. Should Minnesota take the lead in the baby farming business without more thought being given to the practical and ethical consequences? If "freedom to contract" becomes the primary principle governing human relationships, where does it end? Do we really want to create a market in babies, human organs, prostitutes, or slaves, in which the wealthy can buy whatever they desire from anyone desperate enough to sign a contract? People are not things to be bought and sold, even with their permission. These contracts are wrong and the people of Minnesota must have the courage to say so.]]>
Archbishop Flynn goes to bat for minimum wage lawtag:www.catholicdemocrats.org,2008:/MN//18.3062008-05-05T17:34:42Z2008-05-17T17:40:45ZArchbishop Harry Flynn spent his last day as head of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis pushing for an increase in the state's minimum wage. Flynn is retiring as of today, which is his 75th birthday. St. Paul, Minn....Catholic Democrats Staff
Flynn spends last day on the job pushing for minimum wage hike
by Ambar Espinoza, Minnesota Public Radio
May 2, 2008]]>
Governor Seeks Tax Increase for Renterstag:www.catholicdemocrats.org,2008:/MN//18.2402008-03-25T21:34:05Z2008-03-30T15:52:09ZIn a departure from his no new taxes policy Governor Pawlenty has proposed a cut in the Renters Credit of 21%. Of course, a cut in a tax credit is just another name for an increase in tax. This new...Pat Schaffer
In a departure from his no new taxes policy Governor Pawlenty has proposed a cut in the Renters Credit of 21%. Of course, a cut in a tax credit is just another name for an increase in tax. This new tax is aimed solely at those at the bottom of the economic ladder. The Minnesota Renters Credit is limited to renters earning less than $50,430 a year, so is the new tax. But the plan is worse than that. Because the credit has been designed to decrease as income rises, the proposed new tax will be higher, the lower the income. For example, a renter earning $28,000 a year and paying $5,000 a year in rent will lose $57, while the same renter, if earning half that income, will lose $147. The poorer you are, the more you pay.
It is encouraging that the governor is finally admitting that there is no such thing as a free lunch. Fiscal responsibility requires that the state budget be balanced. More tax revenue is needed. One might question the wisdom of seeking that revenue from the economically stressed housing market, which is already burdened by the recent shift in the costs of government from the state to local property taxes. But even assuming the prudence of this choice, why not cut the deduction for mortgage interest instead of focusing on renters? The credit cut, aka tax, could be indexed for income and/or value of the house to avoid an undue burden on those in economic peril. But there can be no moral excuse for a tax exclusively tailored to hit the poor, the disabled, seniors, and those teetering on the brink of homelessness.
February 25 Legislature overturns veto of transportation billtag:www.catholicdemocrats.org,2008:/MN//18.2002008-02-29T18:34:22Z2008-02-29T18:50:53ZCatholic Democrats applaud our courageous legislators who passed the long needed transportation bill. At last concern for the common good has triumphed over partisan politics. The new law supports roads, bridges, and public transportation around the state. "This is a...Pat Schaffer
Catholic Democrats applaud our courageous legislators who passed the long needed transportation bill. At last concern for the common good has triumphed over partisan politics. The new law supports roads, bridges, and public transportation around the state. "This is a historic step forward for transit in Minnesota," says Lea Schuster, Executive Director of Transit for Livable Communities. "Our legislators needed to take decisive action, and they ultimately did what was best for Minnesota."
Caucus Night February 5tag:www.catholicdemocrats.org,2008:/MN//18.1592008-02-04T20:38:19Z2008-02-29T18:39:34ZFebruary 5 starting at 6:30 pm Minnesotans will have a chance to vote their values. Catholic Democrats need to be there. To find your caucus address click on http://www.dfl.org/...Pat Schaffer
February 5 starting at 6:30 pm Minnesotans will have a chance to vote their values. Catholic Democrats need to be there. To find your caucus address click on http://www.dfl.org/