OUR MINISTRIES
Public Policy
November 2026
NYS News:
Starting in January 2027, New Yorkers ages 25 to 55 can enroll in eligible SUNY or CUNY associate degree programs in high-demand fields tuition-free, even if they have a college degree in another field. The eligible programs include health care, cybersecurity and advanced manufacturing.
Federal Legislation to Watch:
Boosting Benefits and COLAs for Seniors Act - This proposal would use a consumer price index intended to reflect spending by Americans 62 and older, known as the CPI-E, instead of the current index for urban wage earners and clerical workers, or CPI-W. The change would better reflect older adults’ spending on health care and prescriptions.
Campus Accountability and Safety Act - (Bi-partisan) To support victims of sexual assault on college campuses.
Update on the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act which was signed into law in 2022 and which instituted workplace protections for women affected by pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. The Administration plans to scale back job protections for pregnant women under this legislation.
The FAMILY Act - This legislation would establish a national program guaranteeing 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave for every American.
More Paid Leave for More Americans Act - This legislation would establish a competitive grant program for states that provide a minimum of six weeks of parental, caregiving, or medical leave.
Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act - This legislation would expand federal paid leave for federal employees to include 12 weeks of family and medical leave.
From Catholic Charities USA:
In partnership with other church leaders and philanthropists, CCUSA is seeking to highlight an underutilized solution to affordable housing by leveraging surplus church property to generate new units for those facing housing insecurity and homelessness. CCUSA and the Catholic Health Association commented on a proposed rule by the Census Bureau that would make changes to who is included in the decennial census count, where individuals are counted, and what demographic information is collected. One of the changes would be to exclude all non-citizens from the census unless they have lawful permanent resident status (green card). The concern is if the proposed rule is implemented, it would lead to an inaccurate count of the population of the United States and significantly reduce the accuracy, completeness, and usefulness of census data. An inaccurate count would undermine the equitable allocation of resources that communities rely on to meet basic needs.
From USCCB/Justice for Immigrants:
On October 18, the Administration extended protections from deportation to people from Ukraine and Sudan, allowing them to continue living legally in the US, for now. Migrants from El Salvador were recently granted an extension of TPS (Temporary Protective Status). However, the Department of Homeland Security stated an announcement on each country’s TPS “will be made at the appropriate time.” Until such an announcement is made, nationals of those countries “present in the US retain protection.”
Enhancing Detection of Human Trafficking Act - Update -
This legislation was signed by President Trump into law on October 20. It requires the US Department of Labor to provide training and education to its employees on how to effectively assist law enforcement in detecting human trafficking.
Bishop Brendan Cahill and Rev. Walter Kim issued a historic joint CatholicEvangelical statement calling for compassionate, wise immigration reform. They urge policies that protect families, respect human dignity, and avoid indiscriminate enforcement, offering a united Christian witness rooted in faith, fraternity, and hope.
Congress is in session as of November 9.
Thank you for your advocacy.
Marie Copeland, Chair