Marlene Lao-Collins is Director for Social Concerns for the New Jersey Catholic Conference, which is the public policy organization for the Catholic Bishops of the New Jersey.  In this position, which she has held since August, 1999, Ms. Lao-Collins makes recommendations to the bishops on policy issues; testifies at public and legislative hearings; and works collaboratively with numerous state agencies and statewide advocacy groups on affordable housing, public assistance, poverty, child care, child welfare, health care and immigration.