Important issues are being considered through state referenda and initiatives this fall.  We have gathered information that relates to those issues from existing public policy resolutions of the church and we hope it will be helpful to you in voting.   Some issues are being considered in a number of different states including:

Minimum Wage:  We are part of the Let Justice Roll campaign that has worked to get the issue of raising the minimum wage on the ballot, in large part because of the failure of Congress to raise that wage since 1997.  It has remained at $5.15 an hour while the cost-of-living has risen by 26 percent.  After adjusting for inflation, the value of the minimum wage today is at its lowest level since 1955.

Domestic Partnerships and defining marriage:  While the church has endorsed giving civil rights to same-sex couples, it has not sought to define marriage.  The church opposes constitutional amendments that would prohibit same-sex civil marriage or civil unions. 

Abortion:  While the church regards “all abortion as having a tragic dimension,” it is “unequivocally” opposed to government action that would limit a woman’s ability to make an informed decision and do what she deems appropriate. 

Bond Measures:  While the church generally supports increased funding for affordable housing, health care and other social needs, each of these must be considered in light of existing local circumstances.