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
Gov. Shapiro’s Proposed Budget Supports Investments in Hunger, Housing, Education
Gov. Josh Shapiro this week proposed a $51.5 billion spending plan that includes increases in several LAMPa priority areas, including hunger, housing, education equity and violence prevention, while calling for an increased minimum wage and proposing changes intended to spur energy production. The budget proposal would tap about $4.5 billion
A Message from Bishop Eaton on the California Wildfires
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.” (Isaiah 43:2). Dear church, The images of leaping flames, smoke-choked skies, and the
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
Kindling Faith Holds Election-Year Series on ELCA Social Teachings
Consider joining our partners at Kindling Faith as they--and we--engage with the question "What does it mean to be Lutheran in a crucial election year?" The series will focus on ELCA social teachings and how we might learn and engage in with one another around social issues in this election
Help Shape Priorities for Climate Pollution Reduction Grants
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is seeking comments and input from Pennsylvanians around the Commonwealth in order to plan and implement policies that address climate pollution in our local communities. As Lutherans, we have a duty to be responsible caretakers of God's creation. God calls us to action
A Call to Act as Church Begins 2023 Season of Creation: Let Justice and Peace Flow
The Prophet Isaiah proclaims: “Listen carefully, I am about to do a new thing, now it will spring forth; will you not be aware of it? I will even put a road in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.” (Isaiah 43: 19). The Season of Creation is an international,
PA Launches Statewide Food Policy Council
Pennsylvania's first statewide Food Policy Council launched May 25 with its inaugural meeting at the state Department of Agriculture. Advocates, including LAMPa, have been working for years toward the creation of such a council to foster coordination, collaboration and a holistic vision to the commonwealth's food system. "I am thrilled
Help Inform DEP About Environmental Justice Impacts of Climate Change in Your Community
The state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) wants to hear from you about current and future climate change impacts on your community and is holding a series of listening sessions plus an online survey to help prepare a guide to climate action for environmental justice communities. Pennsylvania’s climate is
Draft Social Message on Climate Crisis Ready for Comments
A “Draft of a Social Message on Earth’s Climate Crisis” now is posted for public comment and feedback. You can read the social message draft here and then use this survey to share your input by Dec. 2. Public input helps inform revision of the draft that is sent then