Ongoing COVID-19 Pennsylvania Updates
LAMPA will continue to share COVID-19 updates here as they are received. LAMPa staff is working with partners addressing the needs of all people in the Commonwealth, especially our most vulnerable residents. We hold all of your communities in prayer as we endeavor to respond faithfully to the presence of
Gov. Wolf Urges USDA to Waive Food Assistance Eligibility Requirements
Governor Tom Wolf sent a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue asking that USDA waive eligibility requirements for the Emergency Food Assistance Program; reconsider Pennsylvania’s request for temporary waivers to allow more food to be distributed at school feeding sites and food banks; and to be flexible
Update on Pennsylvania’s Surprise Balance Billing Protection Act
Pennsylvania's Surprise Balance Billing Protection Act, HB 1862, bill passed out of committee unanimously, and is now sitting on the House floor, waiting for second consideration. The bill keeps consumers stay out of the middle of this issue in an emergency situation by allowing them to pay the expected in-network
ELCA Releases First Draft of Social Message on Government and Civic Engagement: Discipleship in a Democracy
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in American (ELCA) has shared The First Draft of the Social Message on Government and Civic Engagement: Discipleship in a Democracy. The development of this message on government, civic engagement, the relationship of church and state and related matters, was called for by the 2019 ELCA
Lutheran Disaster Response – Eastern PA Partners Seeks Volunteers in Response to COVID-19
Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) – Eastern PA partners with agencies across the Commonwealth of PA to serve those most in need during disaster. LDR - Eastern PA anticipates a number of needs arising that local churches can play a role in meeting. One opportunity that has just become available is
USDA Answers Questions Regarding COVID-19; SFSP; SSO; and Meal Delivery Using Existing Authority
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has prepared this document in response to COVID-19 as it relates to the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and Seamless Summer Option (SSO) and Meal Delivery Using Existing Authority. Question and Answer 1. Can schools that have been approved for non-congregate feeding through SFSP
U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services Announces COVID-19 Treatment in Relation to Public Charge
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that the agency will NOT consider “testing, treatment, nor preventative care (including vaccines, if a vaccine becomes available) related to COVID-19” in a public charge determination “even if such treatment is provided or paid for by one or more public benefits.”
U.S. District Court Issues Injunction On SNAP Time Limits Rule For ABAWDs
On Friday, March 13, a federal judge from the U.S. District Court for Washington, D.C., issued a nationwide injunction blocking the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) for Able Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) from taking effect. The Trump administration rule, scheduled to take effect April 1, would have forced nearly
Pennsylvania’s Charitable Food Network Responding to Virus: Food Banks Remain Open to Serve, But Need Community Help & Support
With the continuing spread of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) nationally and daily changes taking place across the commonwealth, Pennsylvania’s charitable food network has been adopting new policies and practices to ensure the good health and safety of its clients, partners, volunteers, staff and supporters, as member agencies are on the
ELCA Publishes Civic Engagement Guide
The ELCA has published a Civic Engagement Guide. The resource guide is designed to encourage, empower and equip voter education and other responsible civic participation shaped by faith values. Civic engagement, according to a frequently referenced definition, means working to make a difference in the civic life of our communities
