State legislators debate policy every day.
Once a year, New York’s Catholics set aside a day to tell lawmakers how that policy directly affects them and those they serve.
On March 8 Catholics from the Diocese of Rochester and around the state will don Catholic voter buttons and take a free trip to Albany for the annual Public Policy Day.
While there, they can attend committee meetings and sessions in the state Senate and Assembly’s marble chambers. There also is time for Mass with the state’s bishops, workshops and networking.
You don’t need to have a leadership position within a parish to go on the trip. It’s your right as a Catholic and as a constituent to speak with lawmakers.
For legislators, the day offers a chance to put down their pens, lean forward in their seats, and listen intently to a recovering addict who has firsthand experience with the criminal-justice system or a Catholic-school student whose parents are struggling to pay tuition.
There are usually a few spots available on the trip for people who decide at the last minute to tag along. Will you be one of them?
Visit the New York State Catholic Conference’s website to register.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This blog post was written in advance of the March 8 Public Policy Day. Click here for the Courier‘s coverage of the event.
