September 27, 2019
ELCA congregations across Pennsylvania shared their voices for “God’s work. Our hands” Sunday by addressing letters to legislators, federal and state, advocating on behalf of those whose voices may not always be heard. As a result of their thoughtful advocacy, several hundred letters were shared with state and federal lawmakers. “It was the first time...
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July 9, 2019
The Pennsylvania Council of Churches recently released a new Civic Engagement Primer and Study Guide providing an enlightening resource for faith communities to utilize in Sunday School and Faith Formation classes. The Pennsylvania Council of Churches has long believed in our call as Christians to be faithful citizens, participating in the public square in ways...
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July 1, 2019
A decades-long General Assistance (GA) program that had been re-instated by the state Supreme Court last year was eliminated last week, affecting more than 11,000 Pennsylvanians reported to be relying on the small, temporary program targeted to the most vulnerable as a bridge in times of crisis. LAMPa staff and other advocates had accompanied recipients,...
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July 1, 2019
On June 28, Pennsylvania adopted a $34 billion budget that includes no new taxes but socks $330 million away in a rainy day fund. Highlights include increases for housing, education (basic, pre-k and special education), election security and help for a struggling agricultural industry. Funding for the state’s two major anti-hunger programs was held level....
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May 31, 2019
Lutherans from across the Commonwealth gathered in the Capital on May 20 to speak up for the hungry, network with statewide advocates, worship, learn about hunger and child nutrition, human trafficking, climate change, prescription drug pricing, the ELCA’s proposed Declaration of Inter-Religious Commitment with keynote Kathryn Lohre, and more. In addition, the day included worship,...
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March 19, 2019
Join us on Monday, April 1, 2019, to take action on the 2020 Census by contacting your state lawmakers to share with them how important an accurate 2020 Census is to all Pennsylvanians. Without action, Pennsylvania could lose millions in federal funds. An undercount of just one percent would cost Pennsylvania over $221.8 million, or...
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March 3, 2019
The 2020 Census will be critically important to the future of Pennsylvania, and even a minor undercount would have dire implications that would last for at least a decade. The Commonwealth receives $26 billion each year in funds that are determined by the Census, including funding for healthcare, infrastructure, housing, rural communities, and local municipalities....
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March 3, 2019
LAMPa, along with organizations that serve communities across the Commonwealth, recently signed onto a letter asking Pennsylvania lawmakers to protect General Assistance (GA). The letter, delivered to all legislators, urges them to vote against House Bill 33, which would eliminate GA in Pennsylvania, and to ensure continued funding for GA in the 2019-20 Budget. General...
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February 25, 2019
Rep. Aaron D. Kaufer, (R) serving District 120 a part of Luzerne County, recently introduced HB 531 – Community Solar Legislation. Kaufer is the prime sponsor of this bi-partisan legislation that is co-sponsored by Rep. Donna Bullock, Rep. Peter Schweyer and Rep. David R. Millard. This Community Solar Legislation will enable community solar projects in...
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February 11, 2019
LAMPa, along with coalition partners who advocated for “Safe Harbor” legislation for the past four years are featured in a February Living Lutheran article. The article, written by Courtney Olsen, explores what happens “When Disciples Use Their Voice: Advocacy Leads to New Legislation.” The article documents the long and arduous collaborative process the passage of...
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