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
Gov. Wolf Announces Proposed Overhaul of State Public Benefits Programs
Harrisburg, PA – Governor Tom Wolf recently announced a proposed overhaul of state programs to help Pennsylvanians receiving public benefits earn career-building skills, find good jobs, and access affordable, permanent housing, among other goals. The overhaul would create greater accountability for programs aimed at getting people into the workforce, increase
LAMPa Policy Council Sets 2019 Priorities & Elects New Officers
The Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania (LAMPa) Policy Council met on December 6, 2018, to set their agenda priorities for the upcoming term of the Pennsylvania General Assembly. Following a thoughtful, engaging and lengthy conversation among those present the following priorities were identified: Hunger; Creation Care; Poverty; and the 2020
LSS Bishop’s Christmas Message on Immigration
December 18, 2018 Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Advent Dear partner in ministry: A Pastoral Christmas Message on Immigration They were a family of modest means, working folks, who wanted only to live peacefully in their homeland and give their baby son a good life. Unfortunately, instability and
There are Only Enough Permanent Housing Placements for About One-Third of Families Experiencing Homelessness
Each year, approximately 45,000 rapid re-housing placements are available to assist homeless families into rental housing and to connect them with services. For families with higher needs, approximately 7,500 units of permanent supportive housing are also available each year. These are vital resources but are no match for the 150,000 families who become homeless each year. Without appropriate permanent housing resources, homeless service systems can’t
Housing Alliance Releases New Report: Revitalizing Pennsylvania
A new report released by the Housing Alliance called "Revitalizing Pennsylvania" looks at ways towns and cities across the state have successfully turned around blighted properties and recommends ways others can do the same in the future. “How do we really create communities where people are proud to live there
PennEnvironment Releases New Consumer Energy Guide
PennEnvironment recently released a new consumer guide to help Pennsylvanians conserve energy and reduce wasted energy in their homes and businesses. There’s a lot that each of us can do to reduce energy use. Encourage your neighbors, family and friends to make changes as well. There are also things we can
Learn about General Assistance Applications
Certain low-income Pennsylvanians can now apply for General Assistance again. On July 18, 2018, the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, in a unanimous decision, found that Act 80 of 2012 was enacted in a manner that violated the Pennsylvania Constitution. Act 80 did many things, including eliminating the General Assistance (GA)
Pennsylvania Synods Pass Resolutions at Assemblies
Four ELCA Synods in Pennsylvania voted to pass resolutions regarding social justice issues at their recent assembly gatherings. The Lower Susquehanna Synod, meeting at Messiah College, May 31 - June 1, 2018, adopted a resolution regarding homelessness. The Northwestern Pennsylvania Synod, meeting at Thiel College, June 15-16, 2018, adopted a
Moving on New Homelessness Report
LAMPa applauds the recommendations laid out in the new Joint State Government Commission study addressing homelessness in Pennsylvania, particularly the emphasis on homelessness prevention as well as early intervention to address long-term effects of homelessness on children and youth. In 2014, LAMPa advocates successfully pressed for the creation of the task force to undertake the