Air Pollution Report Underscores Need for Action
As the federal government considers weakening federal air quality and global warming emissions standards, air pollution remains a threat to public health in communities across Pennsylvania, according to a new national report. "This report shows that our communities – around our nation and right here in Pennsylvania -- are struggling
“Safe Harbor” Stalls – Your Help is Needed!
Thank you to everyone who has advocated for SB 554, "Safe Harbor", a bill aimed to protect children in our Commonwealth who are sexually exploited by traffickers from becoming re-victimized in the juvenile justice system when they are arrested and prosecuted for prostitution and other "masking crimes" arising directly out
Youth Experience Advocacy at Gathering in Houston
More than 30,000 youth and their adult leaders attending the 2018 ELCA National Youth Gathering in Houston Texas, June 27-July 1, had the opportunity to learn about and engage in advocacy on issues from hunger to immigration to environmental justice and human trafficking. ELCA Advocacy staff, including LAMPa director Tracey
Energy Star Road Trip
Representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are seeking sites to introduce the Energy Star program for houses of worship. The EPA Energy Star specialists are looking at doing a “road show” in September in several locations across the state to present information on the Energy Star resources they have
Governor Signs Bipartisan “Clean Slate” Law
Pennsylvania recently became the first state in the nation with a "Clean Slate" law. Gov. Tom Wolf signed the bipartisan-backed legislation, referred to as the "Clean Slate" bill designed to remove the stigma that can stand in the way of someone getting a job, housing, college admission or loans if they
ELCA Presiding Bishop Responds to Supreme Court Decision on Travel Ban
June 26, 2018 Thus says the Lord: Act with justice and righteousness, and deliver from the hand of the oppressor anyone who has been robbed. And do no wrong or violence to the alien, the orphan, and the widow ... (Jeremiah 22:3). I am dismayed by the Supreme Court’s recent
Joint State Government Commission Issues Report on Death Penalty
A long-awaited report on a study of the death penalty suggests a number of changes to the way Pennsylvania handles its capital-punishment cases, including a state-funded agency to defend those charged in capital cases and a transparent and humane process for lethal injection. The Joint State Government Commission was tasked
Governor Wolf Signs 2018-2019 Budget
Governor Wolf signed the 2018-2019 state budget into law Friday, June 22, a week before the June 30 deadline with very little controversy. This year's budget includes no new taxes, funding transfers to pay for new school safety initiatives, and deposited money into the Rainy Day Fund for the first
Pennsylvania Synods Pass Resolutions at Assemblies
Four ELCA Synods in Pennsylvania voted to pass resolutions regarding social justice issues at their recent assembly gatherings. The Lower Susquehanna Synod, meeting at Messiah College, May 31 - June 1, 2018, adopted a resolution regarding homelessness. The Northwestern Pennsylvania Synod, meeting at Thiel College, June 15-16, 2018, adopted a
Payday Lenders Thwarted For Now
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