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
ELCA Responds to False Accusations on X
In a message to the church, ELCA Presiding Bishop Eaton says that “despite misinformation and baseless doubt cast today on funding that supports Lutheran organizations across our country, the ELCA remains steadfast in our commitment and work with our many Lutheran partners and expressions of our church.” Watch the video
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
Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod Launches Renewed Commitment to Ending Hunger
In celebration of 50 years of Lutheran hunger ministries, the Hunger Team of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod has launched a renewed commitment to ending hunger in their communities and around the globe. A dedicated group braved scorching heat to participate in the synod's Walk for Hunger, held June 22
PA Budget Still Pending After Deadline
The June 30th constitutional deadline for the 2024-25 budget has come and gone, but both Senate Republican leadership and Governor Shapiro have expressed optimism that final negotiations will be reached soon. Governor Shapiro's proposed $48.3 billion budget includes several ambitious proposals around affordable housing, health care, and education equity. It
Domestic Hunger Grants Open May 1
Domestic Hunger Grants Open May 1! ELCA World Hunger is excited to share that the application process for Domestic Hunger Grants will open May 1, 2024. For those who are familiar with the Domestic Hunger Grants, this year’s process will be the same as last year’s but with additional
PA Advocates Can Celebrate National School Breakfast Week With a Win and a Challenge
LAMPa hunger advocates and students can celebrate National School Breakfast Week (March 4-8) with a win and a challenge this year. In December, universal free school breakfast, which had been implemented during the pandemic, was made permanent with enactment in the Pennsylvania School Code. For years, LAMPa has been
LAMPa Presence at ELCA World Hunger Leadership Gathering
Pennsylvania synod hunger leaders, LAMPa Director Tracey DePasquale and ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellow Quentin Bernhard joined fellow hunger leaders from around the country and world at the ELCA World Hunger Leadership Gathering, Feb, 1-4 in Houston, Texas. The gathering celebrated 50 years of ELCA World Hunger and included service-learning site
PA Bishops, Hunger Leaders, Take to Hill for a Strong Farm Bill
Pennsylvania bishops, synod staff and hunger advocates took to Capitol Hill on Oct. 26 to call on leaders to pass a Farm Bill reauthorization that feeds the hungry here and abroad, supports healthy rural and farming communities and reflects care for creation. Visits to congressional offices and the U.S. Department
