May 28 Update

The deadlines for passing legislation have been extended to May 31, 2008, which means the legislature intends to be in session until at least Saturday. Rumors abound about whether there will be an agreement on the budget or not. Generally speaking, there is a strong desire on the part of the legislators to not repeat last year, when they were in session the entire summer.

We are doing well. We have offered an amendment on HB 4623 (see previous updates), the adoption bill, which will make it so a confidential intermediary would have to contact the adoptive mother and give her 2 weeks to sign up for the DO NO CONTACT list. This would guarantee confidentiality to those who wish to maintain it.

The sponsor of the Civil Unions Bill (HB 1826) is still working the floor to get the votes to pass his legislation. The California Court ruling has not helped his cause at all, although he continues to tell the press he has nearly 60 votes. If you recall, the Domestic Partners Bill only received 43 votes in the house. If you have not contacted your legislators, please call your state representative and ask how they intend to vote on this important bill. Please notify me by email at revbobvb@sbcglobal.net if you receive an answer, so we know which legislators we need to continue to work with.

Both the Senate and the House have passed budgets, but there is no agreement between them as to what will be in the budget. Please pray for the legislature, that they may reach an agreement. Please also pray that Abstinence Funding will be included in the 2009 budget, and that we can get the money released for the 2008 budget.

Thank you for your prayers and concerns during this legislative session. We appreciate you partnering with us in prayer and your willingness to contact your legislators.