Parents' Tax Relief Act of 2005
 U.S.
Senator Sam Brownback and Congressman Lee Terry held a press conference
with pro-family groups in Washington last week to discuss the
Parents' Tax Relief Act (PTRA) of 2005. The legislation is designed
to encourage at-home child care by parents. Specifically, the
Act would allow tax deductions for at-home childcare (such deductions
are already available for "paid" commercial childcare)
and create incentives for employers to encourage telecommuting
and home-based work environments.
"It's encouraging to see that Sen. Brownback
and Rep. Lee are committed to strengthening the American family,"
said MFF Executive Director Brad Snavely. "Government should
encourage strong families. Promoting quality family time and childcare
that is provided by parents will positively impact the well being
of children."
For more information about the Parents' Tax Relief
Act, click
here.
Ten Commandments Rulings
Create Confusion
 On
Monday, the Supreme Court ruled a monument on the grounds of the
Texas State Capitol was constitutional, but justices refused to
allow displays in two Kentucky county courthouses. Pro-family
experts are still at a loss to entirely comprehend the court's
reasoning.
"The Court appears to be saying that if a
Ten Commandments monument or display is "secular" in
nature, i.e., for historical purposes, then it is allowable,"
said MFF Executive Director Brad Snavely. "However, if its
intent is to promote or support a particular religion, then it
is not. Who will decide the "intent" behind the many
displays across the nation? The Court had an opportunity to settle
this issue once and for all. Instead, they seem to have created
even more ambiguity."
To read more about this issue, click
here.
Poll of the Week
A CNN/USA Today/Gallup poll found 76 percent of
those questioned said they support the Ten Commandments being
displayed at the Texas Capitol. (Other polls had similar results.)
Source: http://www.cnn.com/2005/LAW/03/01/scotus.ten.commandments/
Spain Approves Same-Sex
Marriage
Canada Expected to Follow
 Spain
joined the Netherlands and Belgium as the third country in the
world to approve same-sex marriage. The legislation passed yesterday
grants full marriage rights to same-sex couples. The bill faced
strong opposition from the Roman Catholic Church and other religious
groups, but in the end, the ruling Socialist party succeeded in
passing the measure by a close vote.
Meanwhile, Canada's House of Commons also passed
legislation this week allowing same-sex marriage. Several of Canada's
provinces already recognize same-sex unions, but the newly passed
legislation will grant full marriage rights to same-sex couples
in all provinces. The bill must still pass Canada's Senate before
becoming law, but most observers believe it will face little opposition
there. The law will most likely go into effect sometime in July.
To read more on this issue, click
here.
Ultrasound Bill Passes House
 House
Bill 4446, sponsored by Rep. Dave Robertson, has passed the House
and now awaits action in the Senate. The bill would amend the
public health code to also require a physician, at least 24 hours
before performing an abortion on a patient, to perform an ultrasound
on that patient, provide her with an opportunity to view the active
ultrasound image of the fetus, and provide her with a physical
picture of the ultrasound image of the fetus. The patient would
not be required or forced to view the images if they did not wish
to do so.
The bill will most likely pass in the Senate sometime
this fall. The Governor has not given any indication as to whether
she will sign it. For more information about the bill, click
here.
Michigan Family Forum Relies
on Your Support
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you enjoy staying up to date on issues affecting the family in
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stay abreast of legislative issues and other events affecting
your family? Everything Michigan Family Forum does to promote
"Sound Public Policy for Stronger Michigan Families"
is contingent upon the support of our faithful donors.
MFF is a 501c3 charitable organization. We rely
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The summer is a "lean" time for most non-profit organizations,
including MFF. Would you consider helping us continue the fight
for Michigan's families by sending a donation toward our work
today?
Click
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you for your generous financial giving and prayer support. May
God richly bless you and your family in the days ahead.
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