"Strong families, neighborhoods, and schools should support and help prepare persons for livelihood. Churches, businesses, financial institutions, government, and civil society also play key roles. Through these relationships people can be enabled and obligated to pursue their livelihoods as they are able. When these infrastructures for livelihood are absent, weak, or threatened (as they are for many today), people are more likely to be impoverished materially, emotionally, or spiritually." 

ELCA Social Statement on Economic Life: A Sufficient, Sustainable Livelihood for All

Pennsylvania lawmakers have failed to pass a budget for FY26, and as negotiations continue to be drawn out, funds to many services and programs are at risk. Notably, a centerpiece of the negotiations are different proposals to fund public transit agencies across the state - SEPTA, PRT, and others. Public transportation is an issue that impacts rural and urban communities alike. In all 67 counties of the Commonwealth, public transportation provides critical access for our elders, youth, disabled community members, and households without access to a personal vehicle. Transit systems statewide are hitting a funding “cliff,” which would devastate communities already suffering. 

If a budget deal is not reached, devastating service cuts and fare hikes will begin to take effect on August 24, the day before schools begin in Philadelphia. The impact on public transportation across the state will mean kids won't be able to get to school, people won't get to work, and seniors and vulnerable populations won't be able to get to places like food ministries or the grocery store. It is time for the General Assembly to reach a just and sustainable agreement that funds our public transit systems across the Commonwealth. 

Fill out our form and be taken to an editable letter that will be sent to your state senator and representative, encouraging them to include sufficient public transportation funding in the final budget to be able to promote sustainable livelihoods in Pennsylvania. 



Please personalize your letter with your own stories and experiences from your communities. Does your hunger ministry serve people who rely on transit? What will these cuts mean for them? What stories and worries are you hearing from people who rely on transit to get to school and work? Share those stories! It really does make a difference! You can also email them to us at LAMPa@LutheranAdvocacyPA.org for us to use in our direct advocacy. 

Support PA’s Investment in Feeding the Hungry - With pending federal cuts to hunger programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), a stalled negotiation on an updated Farm Bill, and continued inflation of food and housing costs, more and more Pennsylvanians are experiencing food insecurity. Pennsylvania cannot make up the entire gap of funding left by congressional budget cuts, but we can make a significant investment in proven programs that help those in need, our farmers, and our food ministries. 

Keep PA Communities Safer with CVI Funding - Gun homicides have dropped an astounding 38% in Pennsylvania over the last two years, thanks to significant state and federal investments in Community Violence Intervention programs. While there are many contributing factors to gun violence in Pennsylvania, people of faith know that putting funding directly into communities and building relationships is a good investment. Urge your state senator to include CVI programs in the final budget!

Invest in Solar Projects in PA’s Budget - As PA legislators finalize the 2026 budget, it is imperative that they support investment in solar programs that promote clean energy. We have two proven programs that will benefit communities across the Commonwealth as they seek to invest in solar projects. Solar for Schools was a huge success last year, and a similar investment in this year's budget will be well-spent. The Solar for All money has already been granted by the federal government and is simply waiting on legislative approval to be distributed. Write to your lawmakers to encourage them to include these investments in the final PA budget!