LAMPa Connects Ministries With Emergency Foods
In addition to working with policymakers to speed vital relief services, LAMPa’s network of hunger advocates and Lutheran Disaster Response connected feeding ministries across the state with thousands of meals delivered by the PA National Guard. Although ongoing advocacy is required for long-term relief and recovery, the meals were received
LAMPa Shares Survey In Response to COVID-19
LAMPa recently shared a survey with faith leaders throughout Pennsylvania inviting them to share how they may be adjusting ministries beyond their walls in response to COVID-19. The results of the survey will assist LAMPa in learning more how we may work together additionally and be better advocates for you
Updated Information On PA Primary & Mail-In Ballots
"Christians are called to be stewards of our common life through serving as faithful and active citizens. We live out our mutual responsibility for one another by guaranteeing our neighbor's right to vote and participate freely and fully in society." -- The Rev. Elizabeth Eaton, Presiding Bishop of the ELCA
2020 National Census Kick Off Day – April 1: Be Certain Everyone Counts in Pennsylvania!
April 1, 2020 is National Census Day. By this date, every home will have received their invitation to participate in the 2020 Census. When you respond to the Census, you tell the U.S. Census Bureau where you are living as of April 1, 2020. Every household can respond to the
Third COVID-19 Aid Package Passed and Signed: Thank You for Taking Action!
On March 27, Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, H.R. 748 (CARES Act), a third economic aid package to help bring direct relief to families, reinforce struggling industries and the healthcare sector, and extend assistance to vital state and federal support programs. Members of Congress and
Gov. Wolf Signs COVID-19 Response Bills
Governor Tom Wolf signed four bills today to fight the COVID-19 pandemic in Pennsylvania that bolster the health care system, benefit workers and schools, and reschedule the 2020 primary election for June 2. These bills were passed earlier this week by the General Assembly following their first-ever remote voting. House
Ongoing COVID-19 Pennsylvania Updates
LAMPA will continue to share COVID-19 updates here as they are received. LAMPa staff is working with partners addressing the needs of all people in the Commonwealth, especially our most vulnerable residents. We hold all of your communities in prayer as we endeavor to respond faithfully to the presence of
Gov. Wolf Urges USDA to Waive Food Assistance Eligibility Requirements
Governor Tom Wolf sent a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue asking that USDA waive eligibility requirements for the Emergency Food Assistance Program; reconsider Pennsylvania’s request for temporary waivers to allow more food to be distributed at school feeding sites and food banks; and to be flexible
U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services Announces COVID-19 Treatment in Relation to Public Charge
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that the agency will NOT consider “testing, treatment, nor preventative care (including vaccines, if a vaccine becomes available) related to COVID-19” in a public charge determination “even if such treatment is provided or paid for by one or more public benefits.”
U.S. District Court Issues Injunction On SNAP Time Limits Rule For ABAWDs
On Friday, March 13, a federal judge from the U.S. District Court for Washington, D.C., issued a nationwide injunction blocking the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) for Able Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) from taking effect. The Trump administration rule, scheduled to take effect April 1, would have forced nearly