Legislative Priorities

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2010 Legislative Priorities

2009 Legislative Priorities

2008 Legislative Priorities

2007 Legislative Priorities

The General Board of Church & Society seeks implementation of the denomination’s Social Principles and other policy statements on Christian social concerns by The United Methodist Church’s highest policy-making body, General Conference. Each of the board’s ministry areas selected a primary and secondary priority. Priorities are selected based on two criteria:

1. current issues related to the Social Principles, and
2. anticipated actions in the U.S. Congress.

Each priority includes a call to action. Please take a moment to contact your representatives regarding these important issues.

To take action, visit our Action Center today!

The six legislative priorities for 2011 are:

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Ensure highest funding for foreign aid to overcome global poverty

God’s Spirit is always and everywhere at work in the world fighting poverty. The federal budget deficit should not be balanced on the backs of the poor and the vulnerable. 1.5 billion people are in extreme poverty, living on less than $1.25 a day. Worldwide, one out of six persons will suffer chronic hunger, and a child will die every six seconds because of undernourishment related problems. Advocacy efforts will focus on foreign aid funding to overcome poverty: education, health care, agriculture production/nutrition and clean water and sanitation.

For more information, contact Mark Harrison at (202) 488-5645 or the Rev. Liberato Bautista, assistant general secretary, United Nations & International Ministry, at (212) 682-3633 ext.3112.

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Reform U.S. health-care system

A health-care system that is inclusive, accessible and available to all lives out God’s intention for wholeness and abundant life. Major reform happened last year, but more work is needed to ensure we live completely into God’s vision so that no one is left out. Important initiatives include preserving the Children’s Health Insurance (CHIP), Medicare and Medicaid programs, as well as implementing the new law’s provisions.

For more information about health-care reform, contact Cynthia Abrams at (203) 488-5636.

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Fully fund international family planning

Reducing maternal and child mortality rates around the globe can be achieved, in part, by ensuring access to maternal health information and services. Millions currently lack access to basic family planning services that can save lives, prevent unplanned pregnancies and reduce the need for abortions. Members of Congress will be encouraged to increase U.S. funding for international family planning including full funding for the U.N. Population Fund, which provides family planning and AIDS prevention information. This is an effort to achieve the Millennium Development Goal #5 calling for improved maternal health in the world.

For more information, contact Linda Todd at (703) 282-6254.

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Just, humane immigration reform

In responding to the scriptural call to welcome the sojourner, we call on Congress to pass immigration reform that will provide a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, reunite immigrant families, and protect the rights of all workers.

For more details, contact Bill Mefford at (202) 488-5657.

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Address the jobs crisis

Our Social Principles affirm the right of every person to a job at a living wage. The ongoing economic crisis in the United States has left millions unemployed and millions more underemployed. We will advocate for legislation to protect those out of work and create opportunities for all who seek employment.

For more information on this priority, contact John Hill at (202) 488-5654.

A clean energy future

As United Methodist congregations continue to lead us toward a clean energy future through conservation, efficiency and renewable energy efforts, we call on Congress to strengthen, not rollback efforts to ensure clean air in our communities and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

For more information on this priority, contact John Hill at (202) 488-5654.