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
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
PA Hunger Leaders Advocate in D.C.
Eleven World Hunger Leaders from across Pennsylvania, joined Tracey and Lynn, to participate in the ELCA World Hunger Leadership Gathering, January 21-24. More than 150 leaders from across the country gathered at Reformation Lutheran Church, Washington, D.C., focusing on the theme “Until All Are Fed”. All in attendance were equipped
