2026-27 State Budget Keeps Hunger Funding Intact, Protects Benefits
The 2026-27 $50.8 billion state budget passed July 12, only a week and a half after the deadline, avoiding a repeat of last year's months-long budget impasse. The enacted budget leaves out many sought-after policy changes, but makes strides in several areas, including housing, education, violence prevention, and hunger
2026-27 State Budget Due June 30 — Make Your Voice Heard
The 2026-27 state budget is due at the end of the month (June 30), and negotiations are ongoing. After last year's budget passed more than 130 days late, Pennsylvania lawmakers are hopeful they can avoid a similar delay this year. For LAMPa, hunger is a top budget priority. What happens
Hunger Advocates Carry Concerns to Lawmakers
The Rev. Patricia Neale, Executive Director of Feast of Justice in Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod, was part of the Pennsylvania Hunger Action Coalition (PHAC) advocacy day on March 25, sharing with lawmakers the hardships faced by those in her community struggling with rising costs and cutbacks in federal safety net programs.
Governor’s Budget Includes Increases for Schools, Replacing Federal Funding
On Feb. 3, Gov. Josh Shapiro unveiled a $53.3 billion state budget proposal that would use emergency funds to boost basic and special education spending in identified underfunded public schools and to help Pennsylvanians affected by recent changes in federal Medicaid and nutrition programs. Check here to track and see
LAMPa Supports Young Voices in Advocacy at Winterfest
More than 200 youth and leaders at Lower Susquehanna Synod's annual winter retreat heard from recent LAMPa racial justice fellow Anna Oslikova about the transformative power of advocacy and then took first steps themselves -- writing postcards to policymakers after packing more than 30,000 meals for hungry neighbors. Oslikova, who
State Budget Passes with Increases for Hunger Funding; Abandons RGGI Participation
On Wednesday, November 12, PA lawmakers passed a $50.1 billion budget after a four-month impasse. The final budget includes increased spending on education, hunger programs, and an earned income tax credit, along with funding for crucial social service programs that have suffered under the combined harm of the budget stalemate
Bishop Eaton Issues Statement on the Passage of the OBBBA
“Whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all and especially for those of the family of faith.” —Galatians 6:10 Dear church, Today the U.S. Congress passed a budget package that will have a monumental impact on many in the country and on our ministries and
LAMPa Releases 2025-2027 Policy Agenda
The PA General Assembly runs on a biennial basis. LAMPa's Policy Council sets a policy agenda before each session begins and revises as necessary midway through the term. Below are the policy priorities and issue areas LAMPa will be focused on in as we begin this session. Other priorities
ELCA Responds to False Accusations on X
In a message to the church, ELCA Presiding Bishop Eaton says that “despite misinformation and baseless doubt cast today on funding that supports Lutheran organizations across our country, the ELCA remains steadfast in our commitment and work with our many Lutheran partners and expressions of our church.” Watch the video
PA 2024-25 Budget Passed; Hunger Remains Underfunded
Late Thursday, July 11, the Pennsylvania General Assembly voted on a $47.6 billion budget for fiscal year 2024-25. The final compromise was about $860 million below what Governor Josh Shapiro had initially proposed in February but maintained commitments to key programs Lutherans in Pennsylvania have diligently advocated for this cycle
