Consequences of an Undercount in the 2020 Census
The 2020 Census will be critically important to the future of Pennsylvania, and even a minor undercount would have dire implications that would last for at least a decade. The Commonwealth receives $26 billion each year in funds that are determined by the Census, including funding for healthcare, infrastructure, housing,
General Assistance: a Critical Program for Pennsylvania
LAMPa, along with organizations that serve communities across the Commonwealth, recently signed onto a letter asking Pennsylvania lawmakers to protect General Assistance (GA). The letter, delivered to all legislators, urges them to vote against House Bill 33, which would eliminate GA in Pennsylvania, and to ensure continued funding for GA
2019 ELCA Advocacy Policy Priorities
God is calling us into the world to serve together. Shaped by the ELCA’s social teaching documents and experiences of its congregations, ministries and partners, the ELCA advocates to end world hunger and stands up for policies that create opportunities to overcome poverty, promote peace and dignity, and preserve God’s
Legislators Learn About Hunger in Pennsylvania
A Legislative Lunch and Learn, sponsored by Hunger-Free Pennsylvania and partners was held February 4, 2019, in the East Wing of the Capitol. LAMPa Director Tracey DePasquale served on the planning team. Tracey and Lynn assisted with the event that gathered more than 100 PA Senators, Representatives, staffers and constituents
Gov. Wolf Announces Proposed Overhaul of State Public Benefits Programs
Harrisburg, PA – Governor Tom Wolf recently announced a proposed overhaul of state programs to help Pennsylvanians receiving public benefits earn career-building skills, find good jobs, and access affordable, permanent housing, among other goals. The overhaul would create greater accountability for programs aimed at getting people into the workforce, increase
Central Pennsylvania Food Bank Stops Special Hours as Federal Shutdown Ends
Harrisburg, PA – The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank announced today that it has stopped the special Hub service hours that it had begun two weeks ago to serve federal workers and contractor employees impacted by the Federal Shutdown. However, the Food Bank’s leadership is concerned that some impacted families may
PA to Maintain Food Security Programs Through Feb. Despite Federal Shutdown
Harrisburg, PA - Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Teresa Miller today announced that February benefits for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients will be dispersed on January 18, 2019, and will be available for use by January 19, 2019. The early payment follows an announcement from the United States Department
Federal Shutdown, Waiver Proposals Threaten SNAP, Put Residents at Risk
By Sheila Christopher, Executive Director Hunger-Free Pennsylvania Two recent developments in the federal government could spell disaster for thousands of Pennsylvanians who receive monthly food benefits. If President Trump keeps the government shut down through February, as he recently suggested, monthly food benefits could stop. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or
LAMPa Policy Council Sets 2019 Priorities & Elects New Officers
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
Farm Bill Update
Despite efforts by leadership in the House and Senate Agriculture committees, Congress failed to reauthorize the farm bill by the Sept. 30 deadline. With the prior law now expiring, dozens of programs will stop and many others placed on hold. Long-standing authorized programs such as crop insurance and SNAP will
