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
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
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
State Insurance Department Seeks Comments on Availability of Health Care
The state Insurance Department is accepting public comment through Aug. 5 on their proposed plan to investigate the availability of healthcare professionals in Pennsylvania. The department is looking for information about how easy or hard it is to find care in communities across the state. This is an important opportunity
Climate Panel Report “Dire Warning” with Narrow Window for Action
Climate change is causing widespread and dangerous threats to nature and billions of people around the planet, but especially those least able to cope, according to a report released this week by the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which warns that humankind has a narrowing window for action. “This
LAMPa Supports Efforts to Address High Prescription Costs in PA
One in five Pennsylvanians has chosen not to fill a prescription because of cost, and another one in six has cut pills in half or skipped doses for the same reason, according to a study shared by the Pa. Health Access Network (PHAN). LAMPa Director Tracey DePasquale joined PHAN partners,
Bishop Eaton Issues Statement for Earth Day
Earth Day statement from Bishop Eaton 4/13/2021 1:05:00 PM O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom you have made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. —Psalm 104:24 Throughout Scripture, God promises to restore God's people to health and wholeness, a promise that includes the renewal of all creation. This promise
New Report Reveals Extent of Microplastic Pollution in PA Waterways
Plastic pollution is everywhere. A report released today by PennEnvironment Research and Policy Center found that in the 53 Pennsylvania waterways tested, covering the entirety of the commonwealth, all of them returned evidence of microplastic pollution. These findings underscore the severity of the plastic crisis in our communities and ecosystems. The sampling of Pennsylvania’s waterways
PA Department of Agriculture Urban Agriculture Grants Available
On February 26th Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding announced the opening of the 2020-21 PA Farm Bill’s $500,000 Urban Agriculture Grant Program to address food deserts in urban areas through the expansion of agricultural infrastructure. The program has the added intention of creating opportunities for hands-on learning and
RISE PA Stakeholder Webinars Announced
The Pa. Department of Human Services (DHS) is planning a series of webinars to introduce the Resource Information and Services Enterprise – or RISE PA – an upcoming statewide resource and referral tool that will enable advocates and individuals in need to more quickly identify appropriate service providers, including social ministry
