January 31, 2025
CCSTL Admin and Ministry Leaders with Sen. Travis Fitzwater (R-Holts Summit)
CCSTL Leaders Gather in Jefferson City for Annual Lobby Day
CCSTL administrative and ministry leaders gathered this week in Jefferson City to meet with Missouri lawmakers for our annual Lobby Day. During the numerous scheduled meetings, we had the opportunity to introduce them to our ministry programs and to impress upon them the importance of our partnership with the state and the funding they appropriate to us for the benefit of the clients we serve.
We also had the opportunity to thank those legislators who have helped us with our legislative and ministry priorities. During our meeting with Sen. Fitzwater (above), for example, we had the chance to thank him for helping us obtain approval from the Board of Alderman of the City of Troy in Lincoln County for a low-income housing project we will break ground on in March. The apartment complex, funded through the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program, will include 60 units of affordable housing for the citizens of Troy. CCSTL will serve as manager of the complex and will provide “wrap around” social services to those housed there.
Missouri Senate Holds Hearing on Immigrant “Bounty Hunter” Bill
This week, the Missouri Senate Transportation and Public Safety Committee heard testimony on two immigration bills, including SB 72, sponsored by Sen. David Gregory (R-St. Louis County) that would allow ordinary citizens to collect a $1,000 “bounty” if they report an illegal immigrant to authorities and the person is convicted of being in Missouri illegally.
Under the terms of the bill, convicted immigrants would face punishment as harsh as life in prison, unless they are deported back to their country of origin. The bill faced fierce opposition, including from the Missouri Catholic Conference, and the hearing on the bill was disrupted by opponents making derogatory comments towards the bill sponsor, prompting their removal from the room.
The good news is that later in the week during a press conference, Jon Patterson, Republican Speaker of the House from Lee’s Summit, told reporters that he sees no appetite among members of his caucus in the House to advance the bill.
In addition, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops continues to call for dialogue on the issue with the Trump administration, highlighting the need for immigration reform at the national level.
Pray for those immigrants living here in fear for their safety, livelihood, and family stability, and for those who work for them.
Deacon Tyler