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Public Policy Requires Action by People of Faith
When government determines a public policy it is making a choice, and choice is the basis of morality.
In serving a God of justice, the faith community witnesses to that God through the legislative process.
The faith communities of the Interfaith Center have inherited the role of holding the governmental leaders accountable for their decisions.
Since 1982, the Virginia Interfaith Center has been a respected voice bringing people of faith together in effective advocacy for human dignity and social justice. Each faith community has unique concerns, but broad public policy consensus brings together diverse faith communities to make a common witness around these concerns. The Virginia Interfaith Center is uniquely structured to represent the passions of the faith community on behalf of the politically weak and marginalized. If faith communities fail to speak in concert on important matters of public morality, other voices will prevail.
Some basics - Advocacy 101
Overview: Legislative Timetable
General Assembly convenes 2nd Wednesday in January.
The sessions usually run 6 weeks in odd number years, 8 weeks in even number years when the biennial budget is adopted.
Within 30 days of adjournment, the Governor has three options:
Sign
Veto
Propose Amendments.
Six weeks after adjournment, General Assembly reconvenes to act on Governor's vetoes and amendments. It takes 2/3 of both houses to override a veto. Rejected amendments (simple majority of either House) return to the Governor.
Within 30 days of the reconvened session the Governor either signs or vetoes those of his amended bills rejected by the General Assembly. That ends the session's process.
Legislative Process
Explaination of the process <click>
Legislative Advocacy Tips
Tips for legislative advocacy at the state level. <click>
The Spectrum of Social Ministry
From Charity to Social Justice <click>
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