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
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
LAMPa Hosts Record-Breaking Lutheran Day in the Capitol
More than 200 Pennsylvania Lutherans, ELCA Presiding Bishop Eaton and leadership from the ELCA Service and Justice home area helped LAMPa celebrate 45 years of advocacy ministry on May 9. Marking the milestone and 50 years of ELCA World Hunger, LAMPa hosted its annual day in the Capitol and an
LAMPa’s Response to Governor Shapiro’s 2024 Budget Address
LAMPa finds much to applaud in Gov. Josh Shapiro’s $48.3 billion budget proposal unveiled yesterday, especially in priority areas of housing, health care, safe communities, household financial stability and education equity. Although nutrition programs would see some significant increases and innovations, hunger advocates fear they do not go far enough
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
Interfaith Coalition Calls for End to Gun Violence
On November 14-15, an emerging coalition of interfaith voices gathered in Harrisburg to pray, organize, and advocate for the end of gun violence in the Commonwealth. The Episcopal dioceses led the way for voices from a variety of backgrounds and traditions to call on the legislature to take action. The
