Take Action Now on the Flores Settlement-Agreement
What is it? Reno v. Flores, also known as “The Flores Settlement” was a 1997 Supreme Court ruling that set standards for immigrant minors when going through the court system. Specifically, the case addressed the issue of unaccompanied minors when in the custody of federal authorities. It ruled that detained
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
Lutherans Share Their Voices for God’s Work. Our Hands Sunday
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 service, several hundred letters were shared with state and federal
Human Services Secretary Participates in SNAP Challenge to Highlight Food Insecurity
Pennsylvania Human Services Secretary Teresa Miller announced that from September 24-28, she will take the SNAP Challenge to highlight Hunger Action Month, the importance of food access, and the prevalence of food insecurity across Pennsylvania. The week will also highlight the importance of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which
Learn about General Assistance Applications
Certain low-income Pennsylvanians can now apply for General Assistance again. On July 18, 2018, the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, in a unanimous decision, found that Act 80 of 2012 was enacted in a manner that violated the Pennsylvania Constitution. Act 80 did many things, including eliminating the General Assistance (GA)
No Kid Hungry Breakfast Grant Applications Available
Applications for No Kid Hungry breakfast grants are available online. You are encouraged to share this information with your local school district's director of food service so your district has the opportunity to expand access to school breakfast. Grants will support schools with the purchase of approved equipment, materials and
Welcoming School Resources Available
At the commencement of a new school year, wouldn't it be great to focus on making your district a welcoming school to all students? Resources, including a tool kit, are available online to assist you. Working with your school board and community, join other districts in Pennsylvania to officially welcome
Governor Signs Bipartisan “Clean Slate” Law
Pennsylvania recently became the first state in the nation with a "Clean Slate" law. Gov. Tom Wolf signed the bipartisan-backed legislation, referred to as the "Clean Slate" bill designed to remove the stigma that can stand in the way of someone getting a job, housing, college admission or loans if they
ELCA Presiding Bishop Responds to Supreme Court Decision on Travel Ban
June 26, 2018 Thus says the Lord: Act with justice and righteousness, and deliver from the hand of the oppressor anyone who has been robbed. And do no wrong or violence to the alien, the orphan, and the widow ... (Jeremiah 22:3). I am dismayed by the Supreme Court’s recent
Bishop Eaton Issues Statement on Executive Order
Statement from Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton on executive order 6/22/2018 About two weeks ago, I joined more than 20 other faith leaders in raising concerns about the administration’s announced plans that it would begin separating families and criminally prosecuting all people who enter the U.S. without previous authorization. In line
