PA Department of Education Announces School Breakfast Cafeteria Upgrade Grant Recipients
The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) announced more than $925,000 in competitive grants have been awarded to 72 elementary, middle and high schools across the state for the purchase of new food service equipment for cafeterias. Funding for the grants is made available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture and
Golden Rule 2020: Add Your Name to Call for Dignity and Respect in Politics
November 3, 2019, marks one year before the national elections. Many churches are demonstrating their concern about the polarization in our country by being part of Golden Rule 2020. The ELCA signed a joint statement of support available at https://www.revivecivility.org/golden-rule-2020-call-dignit. In part the statement says, “We believe that we can
PA Elections Legislation Includes $4M for Census Efforts; Enumerator Recruiting Begins
Legislation to update Pennsylvania's election laws and pay for upgrades to voting machines includes up to $4 million to help ensure an accurate 2020 Census count in the Commonwealth. The law, signed by Gov. Tom Wolf on Oct. 31, is a significant change. It allows anyone to cast a mail-in
Impending “Public Charge” Rule Could Drive Up the Uninsured Rate for Children
The “public charge” test refers to the evaluation by federal immigration officials to determine whether a person applying for a visa or green card is likely to rely on government benefits. The final rule, which was published by the Department of Homeland Security, changes the public charge definition by adding
Lutherans Raise Their Voices For God’s work. Our hands.
ELCA congregations across Pennsylvania shared their voices for "God’s work. Our hands" Sunday by addressing letters to legislators, federal and state, advocating on behalf of those whose voices may not always be heard. As a result of their thoughtful advocacy, several hundred letters were shared with state and federal lawmakers.
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,
Gov. Wolf Announces Governor’s Census 2020 Complete Count Commission
Governor Tom Wolf announced that Pennsylvania has selected organizations to be on the Governor’s Census 2020 Complete Count Commission. The Commission will support the commonwealth’s efforts to achieve a complete and accurate census count. “Having an accurate count of Pennsylvania’s population is essential for fair representation at the federal level,”
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
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
Resources for Walking Together During the Government Shutdown
During this government shutdown, those affected are at the front of our minds – and we know you share in this care and concern, too. The current shutdown impacts many of us and our neighbors – from furloughed federal workers waiting for paychecks to hungry families worrying that the help
