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
Pennsylvanians Without Health Coverage Face Skyrocketing Premiums as Enrollment Set to Close
Pennsylvanians without health coverage have until Dec. 15 to enroll through Pennie, Pennsylvania's official health insurance marketplace, but unless Congress acts to extend enhanced tax credits set to expire Dec. 31, they can expect to see premiums increase an average 22 percent over last year, even if they still qualify
Rachel Faulkner Joins LAMPa Policy Council
LAMPa is excited to welcome Rachel Faulkner as an at-large member of the Policy Council. Faulkner is a native of Pennsylvania, in her last year of college and preparing for law school. She is a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Irwin, PA. Her lived experience finds Faulkner at
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
Lutheran Day in the Capitol Builds Ecologies of Grace
More than 215 Lutherans and friends of faith took to the state Capitol on May 13 to remind lawmakers of their responsibility to care for neighbors experiencing hunger and poverty – especially in light of looming cuts and policy retreats at the federal level. Against the backdrop of ecological breakdown
Pride Advocacy Resources 2025
Pride Month is just days away! For those communities who will be showing up at Pride Festivals as an affirming faith presence - bless you for that work of showing the expansiveness of God's love! To allow those who come to your booth to raise their own voices in support
Stations of the Cross as Prayer Practice in the Public Sphere
Simon Bears the Cross, Jerusalem. Photo by Rev. Erin Jones. Every Lent Christians around the world engage in devotional activities that deepen their faith and understanding of the gift of the Cross and the call to follow Jesus as disciples. One such devotional practice that has captured the
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
Proposed Medicaid Would Affect 1.3 Million PA Kids
The new administration’s proposed spending cuts could threaten 1.3 million Pennsylvania children who are enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP and depend on these programs for access to check-ups, doctor-recommended screenings, vaccinations and much more. Maintaining federal funding for these programs means keeping children safe and healthy, including children with special health
