2019 ELCA Advocacy Policy Priorities
God is calling us into the world to serve together. Shaped by the ELCA’s social teaching documents and experiences of its congregations, ministries and partners, the ELCA advocates to end world hunger and stands up for policies that create opportunities to overcome poverty, promote peace and dignity, and preserve God’s
LAMPa Supports “Buyer Beware” Anti-Human Trafficking Bills
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania was honored to join Rep. Seth Grove , R-York, and Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill, R-York, as they announced their intent to introduce legislation to increase fines and prison sentences for criminals convicted of human trafficking. LAMPa Director Tracey DePasquale, Program Director Lynn Fry, and other members
PA Clean Slate Law Implementation Begins December 26
Clean Slate implementation begins as of December 26th, with thousands of Pennsylvanians newly eligible to seal their first-degree misdemeanors and their simple assault convictions. Pennsylvania's Clean Slate Law permits many criminal cases in Pennsylvania to be sealed – taken out of public view, so they cannot be used by employers,
PA Senate Passes Bill Requiring Surrender of Guns in Certain Cases of Domestic Violence
By a 43-5 bipartisan vote, the Pennsylvania Senate approved HB 2060, which mandates convicted domestic abusers give up their guns within 24 hours of a final protection from abuse order and limits who can hold onto them for safe keeping. LAMPa, along with other interfaith partners have supported this bill.
Governor Signs Bipartisan “Clean Slate” Law
Pennsylvania recently became the first state in the nation with a "Clean Slate" law. Gov. Tom Wolf signed the bipartisan-backed legislation, referred to as the "Clean Slate" bill designed to remove the stigma that can stand in the way of someone getting a job, housing, college admission or loans if they
Joint State Government Commission Issues Report on Death Penalty
A long-awaited report on a study of the death penalty suggests a number of changes to the way Pennsylvania handles its capital-punishment cases, including a state-funded agency to defend those charged in capital cases and a transparent and humane process for lethal injection. The Joint State Government Commission was tasked
Safe Harbor Bill Moves Out of House Judiciary Committee
Senate Bill 554, which would provide "Safe Harbor" for victims of child sex trafficking, was voted out of the House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, June 5. The legislation, which LAMPa and others have been advocating for years, is poised for a full House vote. Click here to learn more and
