Education Top Priority in Governor’s 2021 Budget Proposal
Gov. Wolf continued to place education at the forefront of his agenda with a his 2021 budget proposal in an effort to close the gaps in one of the least equitable school funding systems in the country, increase affordability of college education and job training. The budget, outlined in an
Utility Moratorium Updates: What You Need to Know
On March 31, 2021 the utility shutoff moratorium protecting vulnerable Pennsylvanians from service termination will expire. With moratoria in place since the beginning of the pandemic, customers had been protected from losing their utility services. With many if not more Pennsylvanians still suffering from the economic downturn, the prospect of an unrenewed moratorium is daunting. When the initial
Advocacy 101 Resource Now Available
Looking for new material for you or young adults you know that will assist in learning about and getting involved in faith-based advocacy? Look no further! In conjunction with ELCA World Hunger and ELCA Advocacy, the 2019-2020 Hunger Advocacy Fellows prepared the “Advocacy 101 for Young Adults: When Faith Meets
Commonwealth and Nation Face Housing Crisis: ELCA Congregations Respond
"God heard the cry of a homeless people and delivered them out of oppression in Egypt. Jesus, "who [had] nowhere to lay his head" (Luke 9:58), ministered with compassion to the poor and vulnerable. In practicing hospitality, we are promised to encounter the living Lord: "I was a stranger
LAMPa Policy Council Sets 2021 Priorities
LAMPa's policy council met virtually on Dec. 3, 2021, and approved the following policy priorities for 2021. They are based on the experience of our ministries, guided by ELCA Social Statements and LAMPa's mission: "In response to God's love in Jesus Christ, we advocate for wise and just policies in
Gov. Wolf Announces New Funding Available to Protect Homeless Pennsylvanians During COVID-19 Resurgence
Gov. Tom Wolf announced that nearly $20 million is now available to assist Pennsylvanians currently experiencing homelessness. The commonwealth received its second allocation of federal COVID-19 Homeless Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG-CV) funds, and the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) has set aside a portion of those funds
Bishop Eaton Shares Post Election Message
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton speaks to the church about the election in a video message. The following is the video transcript: Today, the uncertainty of this election is causing anxiety and stress for many, not only in our church, but also across our nation
CARES Rental/Mortgage Assistance Application Deadline Draws Near
The deadline for the Pennsylvania COVID-19 rental and mortgage assistance relief program is quickly approaching. The November 4 deadline will pass with the PA Senate failing to pass a bill (HB 2868) to make the application process more tenable. This inaction impacts thousands of Commonwealth residents who struggle daily to
ELCA Provides Worship Resources for a National Election
Many of us feel pulled to prayer in the lead up to the election. The new ELCA Worship resource, “Worship Resources for a National Election" contains crafted prayers and suggestions for sacred music to guide worship, prayer, vigils, and devotions preceding or following the election. These resources are offered in
U.S. Supreme Court Renders PA Election Ballot Decision
The U.S. Supreme Court rendered a decision Monday that will allow Pennsylvania to count mailed-in ballots received up to three days after the Nov. 3 election. The justices were divided 4-4, an outcome that upholds a state Supreme Court ruling that required county election officials to receive and count
