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  LAMPa Highlights Newsletter                                          March 2015
In This Issue

LAMPa   
Mission Statement


In response to God's love in Jesus Christ, we advocate
for wise and just
public policies in Pennsylvania that promote the
common good.

Looking for Advocacy   Resources?   
 
See the LAMPa Online Advocacy Tool Kit

with brand new tips and strategies for your advocacy. 


LAMPa Links
GOVERNOR WOLF UNVEILS $29.9 BILLION BUDGET    state budget

  

Governor Wolf's released his proposal for the 2015-16 state budget today. It would generate additional funding for economic development and property tax relief and add $1 billion for education through a variety of tax increases. He also called for raising minimum wage to $10.10.  Read the text here and look for LAMPa's upcoming analysis. 

LUTHERAN DAY FEATURES UPDATE ON POVERTY INITIATIVE

  

By popular demand, Lutheran Day at the Capitol will provide an update on the Empowering Opportunities poverty initiative introduced last year. Majority Whip Rep. Bryan Cutler will brief attendees on the status of legislative proposals stemming from that study. This year's event will focus on "Homecomings," with learning and advocacy on issues that make our Commonwealth a better and more just place to call home. Learn more and register here.

TRANSFORM LIVES IN POVERTY VIA OPEN TABLE TRAINING 

  

Multi-Ethnic Group of People in a Meeting and Copy Space Meet Jon Katov, founder of The Open Table, and learn how this model can open your congregation to a deeper discipleship. Join us for dinner and presentation at 6 p.m., April 26, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Camp Hill. The Open Table process is the catalyst for the deployment of a community committed to the transformation of a family or individual in poverty.   
JOIN CALL TO FOCUS ON WATER AND FOOD SUSTAINABILITY 

  

tranquil-lake.jpg LAMPa is hosting a conference call and briefing on water issues in Pennsylvania on Friday, March 20,12 noon - 1:00 p.m. Register here to receive call in information.  Find out more about Earth Day resources on climate change and food sustainability . 
 
CAMPAIGN FOR FAIR EDUCATION FUNDING UNVEILS PROPOSAL

 

After a year of study, the Campaign for Fair Education Funding, of which LAMPa is a member, put forth a proposed  a student-driven funding formula for basic education that strategically directs resources to students and school districts with the greatest needs and provides the investment necessary to enable every child to succeed academically. Read the executive summary.  Read news coverage.

PUBLIC FORUMS ON LOCAL IMPACT OF STATE ED FUNDING

 

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Learn how state funding issues have affected local school districts at a public forum near you. Partners in the Coalition for Fair Education Funding are organizing events around the state.  Area lawmakers have been invited to attend as panelists from their county discuss local impact of state funding. Attend and learn how to advocate for a good foundation for the future of ALL of our children, regardless of their zip code.

ADD YOUR VOICE TO CHURCH-WIDE DAY OF SERVICE SEPT. 13

 

How is your congregation being called to serve on Sept. 13? How can your service be turned into advocacy? Tell us what you're planning or let us help you "Serve. Pray. Speak." to show God's love for all of our neighbors.  We at LAMPa can help you inspire others by sharing your ideas or work with you to develop your own. Contact us 

PROMOTE SCHOOL BREAKFAST CHALLENGE MARCH 2-6

 

Forty other states do a better job of making sure low-income students get a healthy start to the school day. LAMPa is once again working with anti-hunger partners in promoting the PA.School Breakfast Challenge. National School Breakfast Week kicks off efforts to recruit schools to increase participation. Learn more about the benefits of school breakfast, and enlist your school starting March 6 . Let us help or tell us about your efforts by contacting LAMPa

WEBINAR ADDRESSES PA'S NEW CHILD PROTECTION LAWS  

 

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The webinar "Protecting PA's Children: What Adults Working with Children Need to Know." on Feb. 25 attracted the maximum 100 participants. Power Point Slides from the event are on the LAMPa Child Protection webpage. It will be held again on March 12, 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. Register here.  Cost is $15.00. 

ASK CONGRESS TO RESTORE THE OLDER AMERICANS ACT

 

For nearly 50 years, the Older Americans Act has provided critical services to millions of seniors - from making sure low-income Americans have healthy meals to helping caregivers get the support they need, but it expired in 2011. Learn more, including how to act on behalf of our vulnerable older neighbors. 

HOUSING TRUST FUND BILL REINTRODUCED IN STATE SENATE

 

After nearly making it across the finish line last session, a bill to expand the state Housing Trust Fund to counties without Marcellus Shale drilling has been reintroduced in the Senate. Thanks to help from Lutheran advocates, Senate Bill 566 has been introduced by Sen. Elder Vogel with 24 co-sponsors and is expected to be voted out of the Urban Affairs and Housing Committee in the near future. Read more. 

FIRST PA IMMIGRANT AND REFUGEE RIGHTS CONVENING 

 

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LAMPa will participate in the first convening of its kind in Pa., designed to bring members of the immigrant and refugee communities, grassroots organizations and advocates from across the state together for training, networking and, most importantly, movement. Learn more and register here for the March 22-23 event to be held in Harrisburg. 

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