Accessing “Advocacy Tools for Loving Your Neighbor”
Our thoughts and prayers inform our actions. An online training event hosted jointly by the Episcopal Church and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, "Advocacy Tools for Loving Your Neighbor", was held July 9. Both Presiding Bishop Michael Curry and Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton, plus advocacy leaders from both denominations, participated
Wolf Announces Extension of Eviction Moratorium and the Award of Nearly $19 Million for Homelessness Assistance and Prevention
Governor Wolf issued an executive order extending the rental eviction and foreclosure moratorium. Due to expire on July 10, the extension protects renters and homeowners from eviction proceedings until August 31, 2020. This moratorium covers families that are not protected under other federal eviction and foreclosure programs or families that
Federal Judge Orders ICE to Release Migrant Children from Berks County Residential Center
On June 26, 2020, California’s Central District Court ruled that ICE should release children from the country’s three family detention centers, two in Texas and one in Berks County. “There is no more time for half measures,” Judge Dolly Gee wrote, citing unsafe conditions at the centers and the dangers
Policing and Criminal Justice Reforms Pass, Elections Reforms On Hold As Legislature Recesses
The General Assembly unanimously passed two policing reform bills and a measure to remove barriers to professional licensing for individuals with certain unrelated prior convictions before recessing for the summer, but left work on elections reforms on the table as the President's re-election campaign sued the state this week over
ELCA Seeks Applicants for Migration Policy Program Director
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is seeking applicants for the Migration Policy Program Director. This position is located in the Advocacy Office of the ELCA located in Washington DC and serves the church as a member of the Domestic Mission Unit. The Domestic Mission Unit mission is to
Pennsylvania House Leadership Transitions – Rep. Cutler Unanimously Elected Speaker
A new slate of leaders was elected in the House Republican Caucus following the resignation of former PA House Speaker Mike Turzai, effective June 15. Turzai, who resigned his House seat with five months remaining in his term accepted a position as general counsel for Peoples, a Pittsburgh-based gas
Keystone Counts Shares Update on the 2020 Census in Pennsylvania
Keystone Counts recently shared an update on the 2020 Census in Pennsylvania. LAMPa is one of the more than 100 coalition members of Keystone Counts, a statewide coalition of advocacy groups, service providers, and community organizations joined together to build an education and outreach effort for a fair and
Presiding Bishop Praises SCOTUS Decision On LGBTQIA+ Rights
June 24, 2020 “ELCA social teaching supports human rights for all people, regardless of their sex (biological), gender, or sexuality. This stance is rooted in respect and welcome for all people as created in the image of God and evident in the ELCA’s longstanding commitment to protecting civil and
ELCA Advocacy Introduces “Virtual Visits” Resources
During a time of physical distancing when policy makers are less able to be out in their districts, it is important that constituents take opportunities to communicate their experience and opinions about the heightened public health and economic challenges. There may be something invigorating about walking up to a pillared
As Trans Individuals are Targeted, Coalition Calls for Action on Hate Crime Bills
In the aftermath of the recent murder of members of the LGBTQ community, the recent historic Supreme Court ruling, and ongoing conversations about equality and justice in our society, the Pa Coalition Against Hate, of which LAMPa is a member, issued the following statement: “Now in Pride Month, a time
