July 6, 2020
On June 26, 2020, California’s Central District Court ruled that ICE should release children from the country’s three family detention centers, two in Texas and one in Berks County. “There is no more time for half measures,” Judge Dolly Gee wrote, citing unsafe conditions at the centers and the dangers the coronavirus pandemic poses to...
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July 2, 2020
The General Assembly unanimously passed two policing reform bills and a measure to remove barriers to professional licensing for individuals with certain unrelated prior convictions before recessing for the summer, but left work on elections reforms on the table as the President’s re-election campaign sued the state this week over changes made to procedures in...
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July 1, 2020
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is seeking applicants for the Migration Policy Program Director. This position is located in the Advocacy Office of the ELCA located in Washington DC and serves the church as a member of the Domestic Mission Unit. The Domestic Mission Unit mission is to foster and facilitate the work...
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June 29, 2020
Applications for $175 million of state funding for rental and mortgage assistance are now available, and the funds will be distributed in counties on a first-come, first-serve basis. The program is managed by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA). Visit www.PHFA.org for details and eligibility criteria. PHFA recently shared implementation details for the new state...
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June 29, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers inform our actions. Join us on Thursday, July 9, from 12:30 – 2 p.m. for an online training event “Advocacy Tools for Loving Your Neighbor”. This online training event, designed to equip you, is jointly hosted by the Episcopal Church and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Both Presiding Bishop Michael...
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June 26, 2020
A new slate of leaders was elected in the House Republican Caucus following the resignation of former PA House Speaker Mike Turzai, effective June 15. Turzai, who resigned his House seat with five months remaining in his term accepted a position as general counsel for Peoples, a Pittsburgh-based gas utility. The House unanimously elected Rep....
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June 25, 2020
Keystone Counts recently shared an update on the 2020 Census in Pennsylvania. LAMPa is one of the more than 100 coalition members of Keystone Counts, a statewide coalition of advocacy groups, service providers, and community organizations joined together to build an education and outreach effort for a fair and accurate 2020 census. The nationwide response...
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June 24, 2020
June 24, 2020 “ELCA social teaching supports human rights for all people, regardless of their sex (biological), gender, or sexuality. This stance is rooted in respect and welcome for all people as created in the image of God and evident in the ELCA’s longstanding commitment to protecting civil and human rights” (Faith, Sexism, and Justice:...
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June 23, 2020
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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June 19, 2020
In the aftermath of the recent murder of members of the LGBTQ community, the recent historic Supreme Court ruling, and ongoing conversations about equality and justice in our society, the Pa Coalition Against Hate, of which LAMPa is a member, issued the following statement: “Now in Pride Month, a time when we reflect on the...
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