LAMPa’s policy council met virtually on Dec. 3, 2021, and approved the following policy priorities for 2021. They are based on the experience of our ministries, guided by ELCA Social Statements and LAMPa’s mission: “In response to God’s love in Jesus Christ, we advocate for wise and just policies in Pennsylvania that promote the common...
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The Pennsylvania Council of Churches continues its search for an executive director, with a deadline of August 31 for applications. They hope to find “a faithful and resourceful Christian disciple to lead the PCC in addressing the many issues and challenges facing the Christian community today and in the future.” The new director must have...
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During a time of physical distancing when policy makers are less able to be out in their districts, it is important that constituents take opportunities to communicate their experience and opinions about the heightened public health and economic challenges. There may be something invigorating about walking up to a pillared building in your best business...
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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 Census. Hunger continues to...
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Another attempt at passing a payday lending bill, HB 2429, was recently thwarted in June. Official word came through on June 19 that the House Commerce Committee vote was cancelled because the payday lenders didn’t have the votes to get it out of Committee. Thank you to everyone who worked to keep this bill off...
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LAMPa joined more than 75 organizations in 14 states and the District of Columbia that signed a letter sent to Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Director Richard Cordray. The letter calls on that federal agency to issue strong rules on payday lending that (1) expand existing state protections; (2) enforce tougher state regulations to protect consumers...
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On June 1, Senator John Yudichak (D), who has co-sponsored payday lenders’ bills in prior sessions, circulated a memorandum urging his colleagues to join him in co-sponsoring legislation that he soon will introduce to legalize a new loan product in Pennsylvania, called the “Pennsylvania Financial Services Credit Ladder.” The memo is available at this link. BACKGROUND:...
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Over the last three years payday lenders have attempted to legalize their predatory products in Pennsylvania. Each time they have rechristened the same predatory loan products with names like “short-term loans,” “micro-loans,” and “fresh start.” Each time, payday lenders attempted to bury the high cost of the loans they seek to legalize in the fine...
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