LAMPa’s Response to Governor Shapiro’s 2024 Budget Address
LAMPa finds much to applaud in Gov. Josh Shapiro’s $48.3 billion budget proposal unveiled yesterday, especially in priority areas of housing, health care, safe communities, household financial stability and education equity. Although nutrition programs would see some significant increases and innovations, hunger advocates fear they do not go far enough
Housing Alliance Releases Interactive Report on Post-Pandemic Evictions
LAMPa's coalition partners, the Housing Alliance of Pennsylvania, released an interactive web report on the rise of eviction filings in Pennsylvania post-pandemic. As people of faith, we grieve the ways in which so many of our neighbors are turned out of their homes and are called to work for policies
ELCA Task Force Releases Draft of Social Statement on Civic Life and Faith
The ELCA is developing a social statement on civic life and faith, the relationship of church and state, and related matters, as called for by the 2019 ELCA Churchwide Assembly. A draft version of the social statement is now available for study and discussion. Social statements are the ELCA’s
Lois Griffiths: A Life Lived for Others
“Always remember OP.” That was Lois Griffiths’ mother’s code for “other people.” From a young age growing up in Harrisburg, she has taken her mother’s words to heart, and has lived a life directing not only her actions toward “OP,” but centering the needs and experiences of others in
Legislature enacts budget with childcare tax credit, indigent defense; addressing medical debt and whole-home repairs delayed
The General Assembly ended 2023 with passage of code bills that enact the budget. After months of stalled negotiations, and almost halfway through the fiscal year, the final bill passed with significant bipartisan support and was signed immediately by Gov. Shapiro. “I think it's important to note that we learned
Honoring King With Community-Building Service and Advocacy
Martin Luther King Day is a day to remember and honor his tireless fight for justice and to join others in community to serve and advocate for a more just world. Together, we can make it a "day on," not a "day off"--a day for doing the work to which
Interfaith Coalition Calls for End to Gun Violence
On November 14-15, an emerging coalition of interfaith voices gathered in Harrisburg to pray, organize, and advocate for the end of gun violence in the Commonwealth. The Episcopal dioceses led the way for voices from a variety of backgrounds and traditions to call on the legislature to take action. The
Driving PA Forward Day in the Capitol Recognizes Agricultural Workers
Days ahead of Thanksgiving, LAMPa joined coalition partners in the state Capitol to recognize the contributions of immigrant farmworkers to our holiday tables and to advance protections for those workers and their families. Watch the video "Blessed Be." “A driver's license is needed in order to take kids to school, medical
PA House Passes Hate Crimes Legislation
In the midst of rising violence and expressions of hatred, particularly toward Jewish and Muslim communities in the U.S. in the wake of conflict in the Middle East, the state House of Representatives on Tuesday passed three bills to strengthen the Commonwealth’s hate crime laws. Supported by votes from both
PA Bishops, Hunger Leaders, Take to Hill for a Strong Farm Bill
Pennsylvania bishops, synod staff and hunger advocates took to Capitol Hill on Oct. 26 to call on leaders to pass a Farm Bill reauthorization that feeds the hungry here and abroad, supports healthy rural and farming communities and reflects care for creation. Visits to congressional offices and the U.S. Department
