MICHIGAN SENATE
Offered by Senators LaSata, Lauwers, Wozniak, Daley, Wojno, Bizon, Horn, Huizenga, Barrett, MacDonald, Johnson, Theis, Hertel, VanderWall, Schmidt and Stamas
A RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE JANUARY 30-FEBRUARY 5, 2022, AS CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK
WHEREAS, There are 47,842 students attending 215 Catholic elementary and high schools throughout our great state; and WHEREAS, The Constitution of Michigan states that, “Religion, morality and knowledge being necessary to good
government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged”; and WHEREAS, Catholic school parents pay tuition in addition to supporting their local public schools through their taxes; and
WHEREAS, Catholic schools comply with the same health, safety, and general welfare regulations required of public schools; and
WHEREAS, Taking into account Michigan’s minimum public school foundation allowance of $8,700 per pupil, Catholic schools save taxpayers more than $416 million in state spending annually; and
WHEREAS, Catholic schools instill a broad, values-based education, emphasizing the lifelong development of moral, intellectual, and social values in young people, making them responsible citizens of our state and nation; and
WHEREAS, Catholic schools educate many students who are non-Catholic and economically disadvantaged, identifying that a good education remains the single best way out of poverty; and
WHEREAS, With traditionally high academic standards, high graduation rates, and commitment to community service, Catholic schools and their graduates make a positive contribution to society; and
WHEREAS, January 30-February 5, 2022, has been designated as Catholic Schools Week, with the theme “Catholic Schools: Faith. Excellence. Service.” as denoted by the National Catholic Educational Association and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops; and
WHEREAS, The common good of the state of Michigan is strengthened through the continued existence of Catholic schools; and
WHEREAS, Catholic schools are committed to producing graduates who hold community service and “helping others” among their core values; and
WHEREAS, Catholic schools create a supportive partnership with each student’s family, while also encouraging parental involvement in their children’s education, so that Catholic students form productive lives that benefit future generations; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED BY THE SENATE, That the members of this legislative body recognize January 30-February 5, 2022, as Catholic Schools Week; and be it further
RESOLVED, That we support the continued dedication of Catholic schools across Michigan toward academic excellence and the key role Catholic schools play in promoting and ensuring a brighter, stronger future for students; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the Michigan Catholic Conference with our highest esteem. Adopted by the Senate, January 26, 2022.
Secretary of the Senate