Governor Releases 10-Year Housing Plan for Pennsylvania; Lawmakers Highlight Bipartisan Approaches
The ELCA social message on homelessness is clear: "Housing is a fundamental human right." Yet for hundreds of thousands of Americans, that right remains out of reach, and Pennsylvania is no exception. On Feb. 12, Gov. Josh Shapiro announced Pennsylvania’s first-ever comprehensive Housing Action Plan to address critical housing
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
LAMPa Supports Office of New Pennsylvanians
On October 28, LAMPa Director Tracey DePasquale, the Rev. Andrew Berdahl, and Hunger Advocacy Fellow Daniella Garber joined advocates and lawmakers at the Pennsylvania Capitol for a press conference and to witness the House committee’s passage of legislation establishing an Office of New Pennsylvanians. House Bill 1113, introduced by Rep.
PA Supports the LGBTQ+ Community with Rally at Capitol and Letter to Lawmakers
On Sunday, October 26, hundreds gathered on the steps of the PA Capitol for the first march and rally for LGBTQ+ rights in over 10 years. The day was organized by LGBTQ+ rights groups, calling for equal protections, access to care, and leadership from elected officials in countering hate and
What to Know About Recent SNAP Changes and How Communities Can Help
Millions of Pennsylvanians, including many of those in our congregations and served by our ministries, are facing greater food insecurity in the wake of recent changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) -- vulnerability amplified by the federal government shutdown and lack of a state budget. See how this
LAMPa Seeks Stories for Manufactured Home Communities Advocacy
Rep. Liz Hanbidge and MHC advocates Rep. Dan Moul and MHC advocates Legislation to protect vulnerable residents of manufactured home communities from skyrocketing rent increases by increasingly distant corporate ownership has passed the state House with bipartisan support. LAMPa is working with residents and lawmakers to
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
Ashes-to-Go Service at the PA State Capitol Steps
Harrisburg, PA - On March 5, 2025, an ecumenical group of faith leaders offered“Ashes-to-Go,” at the foot of the front steps to the state Capitol. This inclusive event was open to all, regardless of faith tradition. Ashes-to-Go provides an opportunity for individuals to receive the mark of ashes on
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
“God’s Work. Our Hands. Our Voices.” Take the Peace Pledge.
"By equipping the faithful to act for peace in all their communities, the Church contributes to earthly peace. In recalling our identity in baptism, in gathering in peace around the Lord’s Table, in telling the biblical narrative, in teaching faith, hope, and love, the Church provides the basics of peacemaking
