July 10, 2012
A Lament for General Assistance
By Marissa Harris Krey, LAMPa Advocacy Developer
I have to be honest. I’ve always found LAMPa’s mission statement to be a little long and a bit cumbersome. But when it comes down to it, there’s simply no better way to explain what the ministry of LAMPa is all about. As a reminder…
The mission of Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania is to advocate in both public and private sectors of society on behalf of, and in partnership with, those persons who are denied justice, dignity, reconciliation, peace, and access to basic human rights, and who lack adequate representation and voice in the arenas of public policy.
In the four plus years that I’ve been with LAMPa, nothing we have worked on has been closer to our mission than our work the past five months trying to save General Assistance (GA). Denying 68,000 residents of our Commonwealth this small benefit is one of the most blatant blockades to basic human rights that I have witnessed.
GA served those who are disabled. Without the ability to work, and without GA, how will these neighbors meet life’s basic needs? Many may apply for federal disability benefits, but will wait months for their application to be processed. Where is the respect, dignity, and justice in taking away their only source of temporary income?
GA served survivors of domestic violence. For nine months, those fleeing abusive relationships and needing to start life all over again (many in new cities or towns) qualified for $205 a month. Perhaps enough to put down a security deposit, or to buy new clothes for a job interview. Where is peace for them now that this is gone?
GA served those in drug and alcohol recovery. An addict with no family or friends has few resources to turn his or her life around. GA was one way that our Commonwealth respected their dignity, even as they had made terrible mistakes. Now where will they go? The streets? Jail? Only time will tell.
GA served children who are orphaned, or whose parents are incarcerated. In order to give them as much peace as possible, some children are taken in not by foster parents, but by neighbors. These caregivers were provided with a small stipend, nothing near the cost of raising a child, in order that the child would not be ripped apart from everything he’s ever known, or everyone she’s ever loved.
As an advocate, I take great pride in my ability to see LAMPa’s issues from a variety of perspectives. While I am always disappointed when policy makers don’t see things our way, I can often understand the hard choices lawmakers are faced with, and know that sacrifices must be made. However, when it comes to General Assistance and this year’s state budget, I am truly ashamed to be a member of a Commonwealth that would turn our backs on 68,000 residents who have little peace in the lives. Though there is little justice for them today, I am proud that we helped raise their voice.
Eric W:
1While I appreciate all of the work your organization and others have done and continue to do, I do wonder when advocacy groups will begin to realize that their “advocacy” is not nearly enough and that it is in fact not working, and that as long as people are not held accountable for their actions it will continue to not work. Over 100 groups including the Governors own church/bishop protested in Harrisburg against the proposed cuts to social services and the elimination of general assistance, but he and the assembly went ahead and did it anyway. And what has the response been? Nothing more than a few critical writings on the internet. If they are not held responsible for their acions, why would they have any incentive to consider a different action? Where is the outrage? Where are the protesters and advocates now? It is a sad day when the people who are advocating for the voiceless consider a 10% cut to services a “victory”, because it was originally slated to be a 20% cut.
07/12/12 7:23 PM | Comment Link
marissa:
2Thanks Eric! I think these are all important questions that advocates are struggling with right now. The Coalitoin that formed around trying to save GA is called the PA Cares for All Coalition, and on our first conference call after the budget passed these exact questions were raised.
The coalition is going to keep meeting, and different members will be taking different actions as they feel comfortable. I think some protests are planned.
Please stay in touch with us and we’ll try to keep folks informed about next steps.
07/16/12 3:32 PM | Comment Link