from the ELCA Advocacy office in Washington, D.C. – the Rev. Amy E. Reumann, director

DISASTER AID BILL | CENTRAL AMERICAN MINORS PROGRAM | AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN THE FEDERAL BUDGET | FOREIGN ASSISTANCE TO NORTHERN TRIANGLE | GLOBAL CONFLICT PREVENTION

DISASTER AID BILL:   Lawmakers are close to finalizing a spending deal on disaster aid before the Memorial Day recess (see Action Center to take action at this important time!). On May 1, over 80 Lutheran bishops and faith leaders from across the country voiced on Capitol Hill concern about disaster aid and other concerns related to the impacts of natural disasters, and they shared the need to mitigate the growing effects of climate change. Last month, Congress failed to send a disaster aid deal to the President’s desk, stalling much-needed support for survivors and communities in desperate need of recovery funding. From wildfires and tornadoes, to hurricanes and drought, far too many low and middle-income families are still displaced from the growing number of natural disasters: living with other family members, paying expensive rents, or put at increased risk of homelessness. Churches and other houses of worship are often the first to offer critical assistance for communities in the wake of disasters and are essential partners in helping foster better stewardship and resiliency in our communities. Interested advocates can contact their lawmakers through the Action Center in support of inclusive disaster programs.

CENTRAL AMERICAN MINORS PROGRAM:   On Friday April 12, 2019, the ELCA welcomed the settlement agreement on Central American Minors Program (CAM) by urging the current administration to protect vulnerable populations, especially those 2,700 Central American children that will have a chance to seek protection in the U.S. and be reunified with their family member. In the press statement issued by the Interfaith Immigration Coalition in which the ELCA takes part, the ELCA emphasized on the importance of amplifying the CAM settlement in an effort to hold the administration accountable to actually processing these children fairly and equitably.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN THE FEDERAL BUDGET:  As Congress discusses their priorities for the next federal budget, our ELCA ministries are aware that the lack of access to affordable housing limits the opportunities for many of us in our communities and is integral to the success of vital aspects of our lives. These include hunger, affordable healthcare, community safety, gainful education and employment. Houses of worship and other community stakeholders can take part in “Our Homes, Our Voices National Housing Week of Action” by joining or hosting local events such as movie screenings and neighborhood discussions. Taking place May 30-June 5, the annual week of action brings attention to the needs of addressing the affordable housing crisis, the scandal of homelessness in our communities, and the need for new investments that help these issues.

FOREIGN ASSISTANCE TO NORTHERN TRIANGLE:  On March 30, President Trump directed the State Department to end foreign assistance to El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras as the administration indicated that these countries have failed to curb immigration to the U.S. Over 40 U.S.-based faith, human rights, foreign policy, humanitarian, immigrant rights and border-based civil society organizations, including the ELCA, issued a statement to express deep concern over the Trump Administration’s latest actions on Central America including the wholesale cutoffs of assistance to these three nations sometimes referred to as the Northern Triangle. ELCA Advocacy continues to gather information and working closely with organizations such as Bread for the World and Latin America Working group to monitor the situation and the impact it will have on the root causes of migration.

GLOBAL CONFLICT PREVENTION:  Since our last newsletter, the Global Fragility Act (GFA) has moved further in Congress. According to the World Bank, 80% of humanitarian needs are driven by conflicts, posing great challenges to economic development and challenging efforts to end hunger. GFA must pass before the end of the year. The Global Fragility Act of 2019 would improve U.S. capacity to identify and address. A bipartisan group of lawmakers in Congress have recently introduced the Global Fragility Act of 2019, which would improve the capacity of the U.S. to identify and address causes of conflicts around the world. Among other things, the bill requires the Administration to develop a 10-year strategy for preventing violent conflicts in fragile countries. New reports show that global violence has continued to increase over the last decade, causing tremendous devastation and humanitarian crises. ELCA Advocacy sent an action alert in support of the issue earlier this week. You can call on your lawmakers to take action at the ELCA Action Center.

Receive monthly Advocacy Connections directly by becoming part of the ELCA Advocacy network – http://elca.org/advocacy/signup , and learn more from elca.org/advocacy .

from the ELCA Advocacy office in Washington, D.C. – the Rev. Amy E. Reumann, director

HUNGER TIME LIMITS | CENTRAL AMERICAN TPS | GLOBAL FRAGILITY ACT | FOREIGN ASSISTANCE FUNDING | CLIMATE ACTION NOW ACT

HUNGER TIME LIMITS RULE: To date, the ELCA Advocacy office has received nearly 500 comments from Lutherans to the Department of Agriculture (USDA) opposing efforts to add additional time-limits for receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits on women and men without dependents. USDA extended the comment period to April 10th, and the Administration will announce its next steps in the coming weeks. Advocates can share their opinions on adding time limits to food assistance and hunger issues at the ELCA Action Center.

CENTRAL AMERICA TPS: The Trump administration announced last year that it was ending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nearly 57,000 Hondurans and almost 200,000 Salvadorans protected by the program. Earlier this month, an updated document on the effects of ending TPS for countries like El Salvador and Honduras was released. The resource, with contributions from ELCA Advocacy and other Latin America Working Group partners, highlights the repercussions of ending the program: from undermining U.S. foreign policy interests to reducing the efficacy of investments in Central America and more. If the practice announced last year is implemented by the administration, those affected will have until early 2020 to return to their native country or risk falling into undocumented status.

GLOBAL FRAGILITY ACT: A bipartisan group of representatives and senators have recently introduced the Global Fragility Act, a bill to address issues of conflict around the world. The bill seeks to improve the capacity of the United States government to identify and address threats to civilians in fragile, conflict-prone regions around the world. In the coming weeks and months, ELCA Advocacy will be working with our partners to build support of the Global Fragility Act in Congress, and we have great hope that the bill will pass if brought to the floor for a vote.

FOREIGN ASSISTANCE FUNDING: For Fiscal Year 2020, significant (at 24%) cuts have again been proposed by President Trump to the International Affairs budget compared to the Fiscal Year 2019 enacted levels. The budget proposal prioritizes defense spending while slashing funds for non-defense agencies such as the State Department, USAID, and other development-focused agencies. It proposes to cut humanitarian assistance funding by 34% despite today’s unprecedented humanitarian challenges.

On March 30th, President Trump directed the State Department to end foreign assistance to El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras as the administration indicated that these countries have failed to curb immigration to the United States. ELCA Advocacy is monitoring the situation and the impact it will have on the root causes of migration. This a big concern for us. Last year when the president proposed similar drastic cuts to the International Affairs budget, Congress did not go along with that plan. We will be working with Congressional offices to ensure that these proposed cuts do not end up in the final budget bill.

CLIMATE ACTION NOW ACT: Drawing upon the support from a broad constituency including local, state, national and tribal leaders, among them business leaders, consumers, labor and health organizations, House Democrats introduced H.R. 9, the Climate Action Now Act (Act), on Mar. 27. The Act would prevent federal funds from being used by the Administration to withdraw from the Paris Agreement. Additionally, the Act would call for the president to develop and to make public a plan for the United States to honor pollution reduction commitments made to the international community in 2015.

Receive monthly Advocacy Connections directly by becoming part of the ELCA Advocacy network – http://elca.org/advocacy/signup , and learn more from elca.org/advocacy .

from the ELCA Advocacy office in Washington, D.C. – the Rev. Amy E. Reumann, director

FOREIGN ASSISTANCE | YEMEN RESOLUTION | JUST TRANSITION | GENDER JUSTICE | ACTION CENTER NOTE | DATE NOTE

FOREIGN ASSISTANCE FUNDING OUTCOMES: Congress has passed a budget compromise that includes spending levels for international affairs programs. These programs address food insecurity, poverty and other top international ELCA Advocacy priorities. Some programs focusing on poverty reduction saw a slight increase, e.g. global health programs and international disaster assistance.

YEMEN RESOLUTION IN CONGRESS: Last month the House passed a joint resolution calling for an end to U.S. military assistance to the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen. The legislation now heads to the Senate, where 51 votes are required for passage. ELCA Advocacy staff are monitoring the progress of the resolution, which could affect peace outcomes in the region.

JUST TRANSITION AND CLIMATE: ELCA Advocacy and the Franciscan Action Network are working with members of the Edison Electric Institute, which represents U.S. investor-owned electric utilities, to find areas of commonality in addressing the impact of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Together, the partnership is exploring two aspects of the problem—energy efficiency and just transition—and is trying to establish common definitions and principles for just transition. Faith-based organizations can complement the just transition process by addressing the social impact on communities where coal-fired plants have been closed in a manner that utility companies may not be equipped to help, as communities make the transition to a carbon-neutral resilient society where no one is left behind.

INTERNATIONAL GENDER JUSTICE: At the State of the Union Address, President Donald Trump announced a new initiative called Women’s Global Development and Prosperity, with the goal of advancing women’s full and free participation in the global economy. The initiative aims at building on programs that are already in existence. The initiative sets up $50 million fund for USAID to invest in new programs that will help women start their own businesses, overcome barriers to doing business, and find jobs. With the goal of reaching 50 million women by 2025; and requires interagency coordination among different agencies.

FROM THE ACTION CENTER – HUNGER DOESN’T WATCH A CLOCK: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has proposed a rule that would put time limits on food benefits for unemployed and underemployed people who can’t document a designated number of weekly work hours or job training. People who cannot meet the documentation requirement would lose SNAP food assistance eligibility after three months, regardless of how hard they are trying to find work or acquire job skills. This would lead to increasing hunger in our communities. Shortly after the rule was posted last month, ELCA Advocacy responded with an Action Alert opposing it. Advocates have until April 2 to submit comments to the USDA through the Action Center at http://ELCA.org/advocacy/actioncenter .

ON THE CALENDAR – ECUMENICAL ADVOCACY DAYS: The annual Ecumenical Advocacy Days conference, gathering hundreds of faith-based advocates from across the country, will be held April 5-8 in Washington, D.C. Early-bird registration for the conference ends Friday, March 9, so interested attendees should apply soon! This year’s conference focuses on the theme “Trouble the Waters,” drawn from John 5:1-9, and calls on God to bring healing to our nation and world. Advocate meetings with Congress will focus on a range of issues, from expanding voter protections to increasing meaningful public participation to realizing social justice in our communities. ELCA Advocacy will host a reception during the conference for Lutheran attendees visiting the city. Additional information for Lutheran attendees will be shared before the conference begins.

Receive monthly Advocacy Connections directly by becoming part of the ELCA Advocacy network – http://elca.org/advocacy/signup , and learn more from elca.org/advocacy .

U.N. | California | Colorado | Minnesota | New Mexico | Southeastern Synod | Pennsylvania | Virginia | Washington | Wisconsin

Lutheran Office for World Community, United Nations, New York, N.Y.

Dennis Frado, director

57^TH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION FOR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT: The fifty-seventh session of the Commission for Social Development (CSocD57) took place from 11 to 21 February 2019, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The Priority theme this year was “Addressing inequalities and challenges to social inclusion through fiscal, wage and social protection policies”. The Commission’s emerging issues theme was “Empowerment of people affected by natural and human-made disasters to reduce inequality: Addressing the differential impact on persons with disabilities, older persons and youth”.

Across nine days, the challenges and inequalities of social inclusion were explored through fiscal, wage and social protection policy during high level panels and side events. A plenary on February 13 highlighted the peoples most affected during times of crisis; people with disabilities, older persons and youth and how current policies could be more inclusive and empowering through all stages of planning and implementation. An emphasis on the importance of including those with psychosocial/mental disabilities in disaster planning was also addressed, with the need for visual materials, and verbal cues during moments of natural or man-made disasters.

For further information, check out CSoD57.

UNITED NATIONS BLACK HISTORY MONTH TOUR: During the month of February, the United Nations

Ark of Return located on the United Nations Visitors Plaza. © LOWC/Rebekka Pöhlmann

offered for the first time a special Black History Month tour. Each weekday the Black history-themed tour of the United Nations included a look at the Ark of Return, a permanent memorial in honor of the victims of slavery and the transatlantic slave trade, located on the United Nations Visitors Plaza. The art piece was designed by Rodney Leon, an American Architect of Haitian descent, and unveiled on 25 March 2015 to commemorate the more than 15 million African men, women and children, who were enslaved.

During the tour the visitors had the chance to learn about the contributions of people of African descent to the work of the United Nations in fields such as peace and security and human rights, with a special emphasis on decolonization. Ralph Johnson Bunche, for example, was the first person of African descent to receive a Nobel Peace Prize in 1950 for his efforts to help resolve the Arab-Israeli conflict in the 1940s, specifically the 1949 Armistice Agreements. He was also highly involved in the formation and early administration of the secretariat of the United Nations.

The tour was also organized in the context of the International Decade for People of African Descent 2015-2024.

California

Regina Banks, Lutheran Office of Public Policy loppca.org

BILL INTRODUCTION DEADLINE: February 22, 2019 marked the final day for the California Legislature to introduce bills for the 2019 Legislative Session. The Senate and Assembly Desks remained open through the weekend to process the bill introductions. Nearly 2,600 bills were introduced this year, covering an extensive range of topics and subject-areas. Among the several bills introduced were no fewer than 17 that represent the End Child Poverty Plan recommendations. Many other bills were introduced with respect to LOPP-CA’s other legislative priorities of Water Justice and Immigration and Migration issues. The policy council will begin to narrow down bill priorities in the coming weeks.

SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGNS: The Communications Committee has heard your cry: Invest in LOPP-CA’s Social Media presence! We know that you are looking for LOPP-CA on social media platforms and we are preparing to meet you there. Please visit us on Facebook at Lutheran Office of Public Policy- California. We are sharing updates, article and time-sensitive action items. Like, share and repost our content. The policy council has a goal of getting 5000 followers by the end of the year. You can help us meet our goal and stay up-to-date with the activities. Plans are underway for Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube. Watch this space!

Colorado

Peter Severson, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry–Colorado lam-co.org

LUTHERAN DAY AT THE LEGISLATURE: We had a successful lobby day event on Thursday, February 21.

Constituents of State Sen. Tammy Story (2nd from right) meet in her office at the State Capitol for Colorado Lutheran Day at the Legislature

Thanks to all who came out for fellowship, conversation, education and advocacy! We heard from State Senator Jeff Bridges, Rocky Mountain Synod Bishop Jim Gonia, and Colorado Center on Law & Policy attorney Jack Regenbogen. Our asks were all criminal justice related: support for automatic record sealing, “Ban the Box,” and abolishing the death penalty.

Many attendees met with their legislators and/or a legislative aide during our time at the Capitol. The next day, Bishop Jim Gonia offered the opening prayer for the House of Representatives, where he gave thanks for the vocation to public service of our state legislators. You can watch video of his remarks online here (via Facebook).

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: We have been advocating recently on bills to extend eviction notice windows for renters (HB 19-1118) and to expand the Child Nutrition School Lunch Protection Act (HB 19-1171). LAM-CO Director Peter Severson testified in both hearings. We expect the introduction next week of several high-profile bills on our agenda, including Paid Family Leave and Abolishing Colorado’s Death Penalty. Follow all the bills that have been introduced at http://leg.colorado.gov and be informed on issues that you care about. Stay tuned!

Minnesota

Tammy Walhof, Lutheran Advocacy–Minnesota www.lutheranadvocacymn.org

HOUSING & THE GOVERNOR’S BUDGET: Gov. Walz’s budget highlights housing as a critical issue facing Minnesota, calling for investments across the housing continuum from homelessness to homeownership. We appreciate that the governor gives the housing crisis the increased attention it needs! However, we must go beyond his proposals to even do more to meet the housing needs of students, families, employers, and communities across Minnesota. State investments must also include supportive services (in Health & Human Service budget).

CLEAN ENERGY LEGISLATION: Legislation has been introduced that creates a set of renewable and carbon-free energy targets for Minnesota’s utilities to meet between now and 2050, with 100% carbon-free energy the eventual goal. It allows flexibility if meeting the targets significantly effects energy costs or reliability, and allows modification for future unknowns like new technology, environmental impacts, or obstacles to building energy infrastructure. (The bill defines “renewable” energy as electricity produced from solar, wind, small hydroelectric facilities, hydrogen and biomass. “Carbon-free” energy is defined as electricity produced without emitting carbon from sources like nuclear energy which aren’t renewable).

CLEAN ENERGY & CLIMATE ACTION DAY: Join students, neighbors, families, people of faith! Engage in opportunities throughout the day to learn, share, meet with legislators and let them know you want action on clean energy. Participate in action stations, inter-faith worship, and a rally in the Capitol Rotunda. Stay for the day or come when you can. Register at: http://bit.ly/MNEnergyDay

• WHEN: Wednesday, March 13, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• WHERE: Christ Lutheran Church on Capitol Hill, 105 University Ave. W., St. Paul 55103

New Mexico

Ruth Hoffman, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry- New Mexico (LA-MN) lutheranadvocacynm.org

2019 LUTHERAN ADVOCACY DAY: The 2019 Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-New Mexico Bishop’s Legislative

Rep. Armstrong with LAM-NM Director

Advocates gather

Luncheon and Issues Briefing drew over 150 advocates from throughout the state. For the first time, over half of the attendees were from our ecumenical partners. The morning began with our Issues Briefing at the United Church in Santa Fe, one of our partner congregations from the United Church of Christ. Advocates attended briefing sessions on several issues included in the LAM-NM 2019 Advocacy Agenda. Bishop Jim Gonia shared remarks in the morning as well as at the luncheon. At the luncheon, Rep. Deborah Armstrong was recognized as Legislator of the Year for her work on health care issues. Also honored was the New Mexico Faith Coalition for Immigrant Justice for its dedicated work to advocate for and serve the interests of the immigrant community in New Mexico.

Southeastern Synod

Hilton Austin, Director

CAPITOL VISITS: It has been an exciting month, packed with lobby days at Georgia’s state capitol. Hilton and Jordan have been able to participate in several of our partner’s Lobby days to raise awareness for a myriad of issues including environmental justice, criminal justice reform, immigration reform, and Medicaid expansion.

ANNUAL GATHERING: We were humbled by a great turn out and positive responses to our office’s Fourth Annual Advocacy Gathering, titled “Walking Wet,” in Atlanta. Amy Reumann joined us for our event as the keynote speaker and left all in attendance feeling reenergized and ready to advocate both in our local communities and as a Church body. Participants were also able to enjoy fellowship time with other advocates and participate in workshops hosted by Inspiritus (formerly Lutheran Services of Georgia), Georgia Interfaith Power and Light, the Southern Poverty Law Center, and Catherine Strate and Policy Council Member Dawn Bennett.

LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES AND UPDATES: It has been a busy month with many reoccurring themes across the 3 states(Georgia, Mississippi, and Tennessee); Our office is currently determining our priorities for the push leading up to Georgia Crossover Day, March 7th. The Alabama legislature kicks off March 5^th. In addition to helping the folks in our Synod make sense of current legislation, we are publishing legislative updates so folks can see what their lawmakers have been up to so far this session.

Pennsylvania

Tracey DePasquale, Lutheran Advocacy – Pennsylvania (LAMPa) lutheranadvocacypa.org

LAMPA CO-SPONSORS ADVOCACY WEBINAR: LAMPa and United Methodist Advocacy are co-sponsoring a webinar March 5 to help congregations and faith-based non-profits in Pennsylvania understand their right to engage in advocacy. Click here to register.

STAFF & VOLUNTEER OUTREACH: Tracey visited with members of the Tree of Life (LSS) sharing an informative conversation about LAMPa. Over the course of several months in 2018, LAMPa assisted a group of congregants at Upper Dublin Lutheran Church (SEPA Synod) who were interested in creating an advocacy team. They did their homework, including a congregational survey, and launched what they call the “A Team” on the Sunday she visited. Tracey also spoke at worship services. Lynn and policy council member Cheryl Burns shared a program on Advocacy and Hunger at St. Stephen’s (LSS).

JOIN US IN THE CAPITAL: Bring Your Faith to the Table — On May 19 and 20, join people of faith from around Pennsylvania for inspiration, education and participation — in worship, service, learning and advocacy. MONDAY, MAY 20 — LAMPa’s traditional Lutheran Day of Advocacy — Set a Welcome Table! features Keynote speaker Kathryn Lohre, assistant to the Presiding Bishop of the ELCA. Learn more and register.

SUNDAY, MAY 19 — Come to the Welcome Table! and join neighbors of many faiths for service, learning, prayer, artistic expression and a community meal — all with an emphasis on strengthening what unites us. A variety of service and learning opportunities will be offered, as well as preparation for advocacy for our common home. Learn more.

Virginia

Kim Bobo, Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy virginiainterfaithcenter.org

The Virginia General Assembly adjourned on February 24^thafter a chaotic session. VICPP is thrilled that 2 bills passed both the Senate and the House and are now waiting for the Governor’s signature. Under current state law, jobs like shoe-shine boys, newsboys, ushers, and movie ticket-takers are exempt from the minimum wage, stemming back to the Jim Crow era. We worked with Del. Cia Price and Sen. Lionell Spruill to remove this discriminatory language from Virginia’s minimum wage law. We also worked with Del. Lashrecse Aird and Sen. Frank Wagner to pass legislation that requires employers to provide workers with a paystub. Under current state law, paystubs are optional. However, paystubs are critically important to helping prevent and deter wage theft. VICPP is looking forward to working on more aggressive legislation for the 2020 General Assembly Session.

Washington

Paul Benz, Faith Action Network (FAN) fanwa.org

FAN has had a busy month! We are right in the middle of Washington State’s Legislative session. The House and Senate are hearing and discussing thousands of bills and working hard to set the budget for the next two years.

We had scheduled our Interfaith Advocacy Lobby Day for Valentine’s day. The Seattle area experienced numerous winter storms in the beginning of the month and had more snowfall than we’ve had in more than 50 years – nearly 22 inches in just the first two weeks of February. Unfortunately, these icy roads and hazardous conditions led to canceling Interfaith Advocacy Day. We are working hard to ensure that the faith communities in our network have the tools they need to make their voices heard at the legislature in other ways. The FAN staff has been leading and speaking at educational events, attending and supporting other lobby days, and assisting faith communities in their own understanding of different bills and the legislative structure.

Legislative session is about halfway through. As we move through different votes and policy cutoffs, we are keeping a keen eye on the bills on our legislative agenda. A few of the bills we’re advocating for address:

• Repealing the death penalty (HB 1488/SB 5339)
• Increasing access to fresh fruits and vegetables through funding the Food Insecurity and Nutrition Incentives (FINI) program (HB 1587/SB 5583)
• Revising economic assistance programs by updating standards of need, revising outcome measures and data collected, and reducing barriers to participation (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families – TANF) (HB 1603/SB 5684)
• Establishing a post-conviction review board and review process for early release for qualifying individuals who are incarcerated (SB 5819)
• Establishing a statewide policy supporting Washington State’s economy and immigrants’ role in the workplace (Keep Washington Working) (HB 1815/SB 5497)
• Supporting 100% Clean Electricity to make our state’s electric grid free of fossil fuels by 2045 (HB 1211/SB 5116)

Wisconsin

Cindy Crane, Lutheran Office for Public Policy in Wisconsin loppw.org

ADVOCACY TRAINING/PREPARATIONS: The director, Cindy Crane, preached and led a workshop on advocacy for pastors from conferences in the Northwest Synod in Chetek. The focus was on how to talk to congregants about faith-based advocacy.

Our intern, Sarah, is gathering information about legislators on a spreadsheet that will help us in our advocacy.

LOPPW is involved in planning the People of Faith United for Justice Advocacy Day on April 11. The director is investigating a focus on water, which is one of our priorities related to Care for God’s Creation.

Kelsey Johnson, LOPPW’s hunger fellow, is working on materials based upon LOPPW’s resources to create packets for our advisory council members to present to conference deans in their synods.

Kelsey and Cindy engaged several people who expressed a passion for justice but were not signed up for our action alerts at the Greater Milwaukee Synod’s Together in Mission in Brookfield.

ANTI-SEX TRAFFICKING: Kelsey and Cindy led a workshop on anti-sex trafficking in the South-Central Synod in Boscobel. Kelsey managed an LOPPW table at an anti-trafficking event at a Catholic church in Madison. She has been in regular contact with one of our speakers from our January rally to explore writing a bill together. Cindy was in regular contact with WELCA in the East Central Synod to discuss what’s next after the rally. She was also in touch with Jen DeLeon, director of advocacy for WELCA, about how Jen can support our efforts.

ELCA: Cindy was part of a relators for DEMs meeting.

ELCA Advocacy Office, Washington, D.C.

The Rev. Amy Reumann, director

ELCA.org/advocacy

PRAY. FAST. ACT: Our next centering day to #PrayFastAct with the Episcopal Church is Sunday, Oct. 21. The focus this month is on holistic investments in infrastructure programs and ensuring public works assist communities in the greatest need.

The U.S. has a long history of investing in communities across the nation, leaving a foundation that is still in much use today. However, as lawmakers discuss reinvesting in our deteriorating infrastructure, there is a considerable risk that new gains will not be implemented equitably in spaces that need revitalization the most. As stakeholders and drivers of local vitality, places of worship and faith activists can play a critical role in supporting good stewardship of investments and programs that contribute to our infrastructure.

VOTER REGISTRATION: The U.S. mid-term elections are only weeks away, and voter registration deadlines are fast approaching in many states. Churches and synods can be effective places in expanding civic engagement—and ministry outreach becomes even more critical as deadlines loom near. Congregations can learn more about hosting a voter registration drive and other activities at the ELCAvotes webpage.
A new ELCAvotes Homeless Resource has tips and recommendations for congregations inspired to expand voter engagement. Churches engaged in the margins and faith activists are often the best positioned, and sometimes only, means to expand voter outreach to people struggling with homelessness.

PUBLIC CHARGE RULE: Last month the Department of Homeland Security shared a proposed rule that could make it harder for immigrants who receive public benefits to obtain green cards. This ruling expands what it means to be a “public charge,” those who have to rely on public assistance to support themselves and their families. If implemented, it could deny immigrants legal status if they or their dependents have used benefits, such as SNAP or Medicaid. Many civil rights and faith groups have already denounced the effort, concerned that the proposal would limit access to citizenship for lower-income immigrants.

ELCA Advocacy and ELCA World Hunger, in partnership with Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, hosted a webinar discussing the ruling and the specific concerns of the faith community. The rule will have a 60-day public comment period. Be sure to follow ELCA Advocacy in the coming weeks for more information and ways to take action.

FAMILY SEPARATION: Many activists in the ELCA Advocacy network participated in an interfaith national call-in day on Sept. 26 to reject family detention. The call-in to lawmakers highlighted the faith community’s concern with separating families and brought attention to alternatives to detention. While new policy changes that harm children and families seeking protection in the U.S. are implemented, Congress has an important role to play in allocating funds for the Department of Homeland Security.

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 continue, as long as they are not changed.

Earlier this month, ELCA Advocacy shared a blog on mental health in farming communities and how the farm bill plays a critical role in shaping rural life. Be on the lookout for upcoming action on the farm bill and other stories in the coming weeks.

Lutheran Office for World Community, United Nations, New York, N.Y.

Dennis Frado, director

U.N. HIGH LEVEL MEETING TO END TUBERCULOSIS: Lutheran Office for World Community (LOWC) staff attended the first-ever U.N. General Assembly high-level meeting on tuberculosis (TB), held in New York on Sept. 26 under the theme “United to End TB: An Urgent Global Response to a Global Epidemic.” The World Health Organization (WHO) sounded the alarm that countries are not doing enough to end tuberculosis – the world’s deadliest infectious disease. During the high-level meeting, Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed described tuberculosis as a “vicious epidemic,” which infects some 10.4 million people across the world and is fueled by poverty, inequality, migration and conflict. To end the epidemic she urged increased funding, securing the best scientific data, making informed decisions and empowering communities, among other things. The meeting concluded with the adoption of an ambitious political declaration on tuberculosis, endorsed by heads of state.

U.N. Photo/Eskinder Debebe

Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed (center) at the first-ever high-level meeting on the fight against tuberculosis. Also pictured are Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (left), director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO); and María Fernanda Espinosa Garcés, president of the 73rd session of the General Assembly.

On Sept. 27, LOWC staff, together with other faith leaders and health service providers, joined their voices and committed to combat the spread of HIV and AIDS and tuberculosis at an interfaith prayer breakfast on building partnerships to end these diseases in children and adolescents. The breakfast was organized by the World Council of Churches-Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance, in partnership with UNAIDS, the (U.S.) President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the U.N. Interagency Task Force on Religion and Development.

SIDE-EVENT: TIME TO ACT ON GLOBAL MENTAL HEALTH: Near the start of the 73rd session of the General Assembly, a side-event took place to raise awareness about mental health. Organized by the Permanent Missions of Ecuador, Canada, Bahrain, Belgium and the Netherlands, as well as the WHO and United for Global Mental Health, several leaders outlined their will to strengthen mental health care in their countries.

Health care ministers from these countries noted that general health care that does not include attention to mental health can never be holistic. The key to good mental health care is early protection, prevention and the reduction of stigma.

U.S. FUNDING FOR AUGUSTA VICTORIA HOSPITAL IN PERIL: In response to media reports on Sept. 7 that the State Department, through the U.S. Agency for International Development, would discontinue its financial support to Augusta Victoria Hospital and five other East Jerusalem hospitals, the Peace Not Walls campaign, an ELCA program, issued an action alert. It appeals to ELCA members to call the White House hotline (202-456-1111) and use the comments page to urge the president to order the release of the $25 million for Augusta Victoria and the other hospitals, and to urge that senators and representatives contact the White House as well. Earlier in the month, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton wrote to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo about the matter. As of the end of September, the situation had not appreciably changed as no official notification had been given to the hospitals as to whether or not the funds would be forthcoming. Continued advocacy is welcome.

California

Mark Carlson, Lutheran Office of Public Policy – California (LOPP-CA)                 lutheranpublicpolicyca.org

2018 LEGISLATIVE ACTION CONCLUDED: Sept. 30 was the deadline for departing Gov. Jerry Brown to take action on bills passed in the two-year session. With considerable fanfare, he signed SB 100 (September Advocacy Update), placing California on a path to 100 percent clean electrical energy by 2045.  He signed several other LOPP-CA-supported bills related to protecting California’s coast from any new federal offshore oil leases, and expanding environmental justice protections for disadvantaged communities.  Of other bills supported by LOPP-CA, he signed measures enhancing disclosure of campaign contributions for social media political advertising, narrowing the sweep of the “felony murder rule” that has significant racial disparities, and requiring greater disclosure of video footage and personnel information in police deadly force incidents.

Sign at Global Climate Action Summit

GLOBAL CLIMATE ACTION SUMMIT: LOPP-CA was part of the leadership team for Lutheran-hosted “Talanoa Dialogue” events on “Loss & Damage” and “Just Transition,” held at Grace Cathedral during the Global Climate Action Summit in San Francisco. 

The Rev.  Dan Smith (left), Mary Shaima and Joann Anderson.

2018 BALLOT MEASURES: Work in the next month is focused on the 11 measures on the November ballot, with housing the top priority.

NEW BOOK: Retired U.S. Rep. Lois Capps’ (Santa Barbara) new book, Keeping Faith in Congress – Why Persistence, Compassion, and Teamwork Will Save Our Democracy, was published in September (Fortress Press). LOPP-CA had been involved in encouraging Capps to pursue the book project as she retired from Congress two years ago. She is a former board member of Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, Berkeley, Calif., and an alumna of Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma, Wash., and Yale Divinity School, New Haven, Conn.

Colorado

Peter Severson, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry–Colorado                                     lam-co.org

BALLOT MEASURE ADVOCACY: Colorado ballots will be in the mail in just two and a half weeks’ time. Voters will have plenty of time to fill them out, which is why Lutheran Advocacy encourages all voters to vote ballot measures first! There are 13 items on the statewide ballot addressing a range of issues from oil and gas development to transportation to education.

Check out the resources available at lam-co.org. You’ll find the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-Colorado 2018 Voter Guide, as well as bulletin inserts, flyers and posters related to the efforts we’re supporting on the ballot: “yes” on Amendment A and “yes” on Prop 111.

THEOLOGICAL CONFERENCE: The Rocky Mountain Synod held its annual Theological Conference in Estes Park, Colo., Sept. 17-20. Among the featured speakers was Prairie Rose Seminole, ELCA program director for American Indian and Alaska Native Ministries; Dr. Ray Pickett from Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, Berkeley , Calif.; and the Rev. Albert Ranaivomanana, director of Betela Seminary in our companion synod in Madagascar.

STATE PUBLIC POLICY GATHERING: Colorado was host to the network of ELCA state public policy office directors and staff at Cathedral Ridge retreat center in Woodland Park, Sept. 8-11. The network welcomed Dr. Cynthia Moe-Lobeda of California Lutheran University, Thousand Oaks, to lead conversation around ecological ethics and creation justice.

Minnesota

Tammy Walhof, Lutheran Advocacy–Minnesota                        lutheranadvocacymn.org

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR CANDIDATE FORUM (watch or listen) : Lutheran Advocacy-MN actively promoted Homes for All’s gubernatorial forum. Both major-party lieutenant governor candidates, Donna Bergstrom and Peggy Flanagan, have housing and low-income experience. More than 500 people attended in person or by livestream.  Another 150 plus have watched online. If you haven’t seen it, watch the forum!

LUTHERAN ADVOCACY-MN HIGHLIGHTED AS A HOMES FOR ALL PARTNER (read): Lutheran Advocacy-MN is honored to be the first partner featured, as Homes for All recently started to highlight coalition partners on its blog. Learn more about our work on housing and how you can participate.

QUESTIONS FOR STATE LEGISLATIVE CANDIDATES: 

Clean energy: The Minnesota Legislature voted nearly unanimously to pass the 2007 Next Generation Energy Act. Gov. Tim Pawlenty signed it into law. It set a standard of 25 percent renewable energy to be reached by 2025 (30 percent for Xcel Energy) and encouraged energy efficiency. The law has helped Minnesota add many businesses and jobs, reduce prices with low-cost renewables (15 percent below national average), cut energy consumption by 1 percent a year and dramatically lower emissions from power plants.

• What would you do to continue Minnesota’s transition to renewable energy?
• How would you support clean energy businesses and jobs?

Housing: Across Minnesota, there isn’t enough affordable housing. High housing costs contribute to increased hunger rates. Families with minimum-wage jobs must work 71 hours a week to afford a two-bedroom apartment. In Minnesota, 450,000 households are cost burdened.

• What would you do legislatively to increase levels of safe affordable housing?
• How would you protect existing affordable rental housing?
• What would you do to prevent and end homelessness?

New Mexico

Ruth Hoffman, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry–New Mexico (LAM-NM) lutheranadvocacynm.org

Legislative interim committees are in full swing: New Mexico legislators meet in various interim committees from May until December. LAM-NM monitors, attends and provides public comment at the interim committees, which consider topics related to the LAM-NM Advocacy Agenda. During July and August, LAM-NM attended meetings of the Legislative Health and Human Services Committee as well as the Criminal Justice Subcommittee. Additionally, LAM-NM director, Ruth Hoffman, attended the quarterly meeting of the Medicaid Advisory Committee, of which she is a member. Among the other interim committees we follow are the Revenue Stabilization and Tax Policy Committee, the Mortgage Finance Authority Oversight Committee (which deals with affordable housing issues), and the Legislative Finance Committee.

Ohio

Nick Bates, The Hunger Network in Ohio (HNO)                       www.hungernetohio.com

On Sept. 23 faith leaders from across Ohio convened at HNO’s Faith and Advocacy Summit. This year the theme was “Beyond Resistance.” We are called to do more than resist structural evil by saying “no.” As people of faith, we provide an alternate vision of our future that is just and compassionate, especially for those who are living on the margins. As people of faith we work to rebuild our communities by saying “yes” to a just and compassionate world.

The Rev. Sally Padgett discussed our immigration policies and the steps of First English Lutheran Church in Columbus, Ohio to provide sanctuary to a mother and her children – one who has special needs. Kelsi Robinson packed a wealth of information into a few minutes to present facts related to Issue 1 – otherwise known as the Neighborhood Safety, Drug Treatment, and Rehabilitation Amendment. Ohio prisons are running at 130 percent of capacity, largely due to low-level, nonviolent drug offenses that unfairly target the poor and African American communities in Ohio. This amendment will:

• Reduce felony charges for low-level, nonviolent drug possession to misdemeanors.
• Reward individuals with reduced sentences for completion of education, treatment or other programs that will reduce recidivism.
• Reduce the prison population with community-based approaches to probation violations instead of mass incarceration.
• Reinvest saved dollars into treatment programs that we know work.

The Hunger Network in Ohio encourages a “yes” vote on Issue 1 this November.

Pennsylvania

Tracey DePasquale, Lutheran Advocacy – Pennsylvania            lutheranadvocacypa.org

ELCA CONGREGATIONS SHARE THEIR VOICES: Pennsylvania Lutherans shared their voices for “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday by addressing letters to federal and state legislators, advocating on behalf of those whose voices may not always be heard. Because of their thoughtful advocacy, several hundred letters were shared. Learn more.

REJECT ENVIRONMENTAL ROLLBACKS: Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania (LAMPa) constituents received an alert urging them to contact their state senator to ask them to oppose HB 2154, which would significantly change the environmental requirements for conventional oil- and gas-drilling operators, putting clean air and pure water in jeopardy. The Senate is poised to vote soon. Take action.

LAMPa POLICY COUNCIL MEETS: The LAMPa Policy Council recently gathered for its annual retreat. One of this year’s retreat goals included building a sense of call to the ministry of LAMPa as the body of Christ. Read more.

 “SAFE HARBOR” DEADLINE LOOMS: LAMPa staff shared an alert, participated in a capitol rally and contacted constituents seeking their help in contacting their state representatives and Speaker Mike Turzai to pass SB 554, a bill to protect child sex trafficking victims. If it is not passed in this session, the bill dies and will need to be reintroduced. Learn more.

CREATION JUSTICE: More than 60 people participated in the Community Solar webinar that LAMPa, along with other faith partners, sponsored on Sept. 20. Learn more. The PA Energy-Star Stewardship Tour visited seven locations statewide with the EPA sharing resources for congregational creation and financial stewardship. Learn more

Southeastern Synod

Hilton Austin, director                                                                       haustin337@att.net

HUNGER ADVOCATE FELLOW: It has been an exciting month, with the addition of our hunger advocate fellow. Jordan Slappey hit the ground running with the State Public Policy Office (SPPO) Retreat in Colorado. Two days later, she represented Southeastern Synod Advocacy at the Women of the ELCA convention at Lakepoint State Park in Eufala, Ala. We are currently in the process of creating new synod advocacy trifold brochures; the first is ready to go to print.

MEDICAID EXPANSION: Virginia Interfaith has shared many of the details of their successful Medicaid expansion campaign with our Tennessee Healthcare ready bench. This group has been fighting for Medicaid expansion for several years now and is currently preparing for the upcoming legislative season; it was encouraging for us to see the success in Virginia.

BALLOT INITIATIVES: We are currently working on developing an educational resources around upcoming ballot initiatives.

Virginia

Kim Bobo, Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy       virginiainterfaithcenter.org

In June, Gov. Ralph Northam signed the bill allowing Virginia to expand Medicaid. This will allow up to 400,000 eligible Virginians to receive health care as of Jan. 1, 2019. Lutherans and other people of faith in Virginia helped make this happen. But as part of the bill passage, Virginia agreed to apply for a federal waiver to create work requirements and cost sharing with Virginia’s Medicaid program. The Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy (VICPP) opposes these proposed work requirements and cost sharing proposals because they will reduce those served by approximately 25,000 people, they will be costly for the state to administer, and they will be confusing for participants.  VICPP urges Virginians to submit comments by Oct. 20 opposing the proposed work requirements and cost sharing requirements. It will only take a few minutes to submit your comments at tinyurl.com/healthcarehope.

Wisconsin

Cindy Crane, Lutheran Office for Public Policy in Wisconsin (LOPPW)            loppw.org

IMMIGRATION:  Within four days, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested 83 people in Wisconsin. Several city and Dane County leaders decried those actions. ICE did not cooperate with local authorities and gave no indication that it was apprehending criminals. We are investigating ways we can respond. Read one of LOPPW’s posts of the press conference at Centro Hispano in Madison here.

LOPPW’s hunger advocate fellow, Kelsey Johnson, is keeping track of the possible changes that could be made in the public charge of benefits, in conjunction with our D.C. office.

 BISHOPS’ INPUT:  LOPPW staff recently met with all six bishops in Wisconsin to hear about their concerns in their communities and give updates. LOPPW will take their feedback to its advisory council. One of the outcomes of the meeting was that the bishops agreed to sign on to a letter about the farm bill to U.S. senators in Wisconsin and Michigan and all U.S. representatives for Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula. Read the letter to Rep. Sean Duffy.  All letters are posted here.

ADVOCACY CONFERENCE: Women of the ELCA’s Shirley Paulson of the East Central Synod of Wisconsin invited the national organization’s new director for justice, Jen DeLeon (far left), to be a keynote speaker at its synodical advocacy event in Plover, Wis. LOPPW Advisory Council member Deb Martin and Rep. Katrina Shankland also spoke.

STAFF RETREAT: LOPPW’s hunger fellow with other fellows from around the country at our annual advocacy staff retreat.

COMING SOON:  Care for God’s Creation conference and overnight campus retreat.

ELCA Advocacy Office, Washington, D.C.

The Rev. Amy Reumann, director                                                                                              ELCA.org/advocacy 

ADVOCACY ON “GOD’S WORK. OUR HANDS.” SUNDAY: On Sunday, Sept. 9, we look forward to celebrating the ELCA volunteer day of service and action, “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday. This year, ELCA Advocacy has shared advocacy resources, including a sample letter to Congress supporting the Voting Rights Advancement Act and a Voting Rights Fact Sheet. Be sure to check out all the resources and activities on the “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday toolkit page.

VOTER REGISTRATION: Tuesday, Sept. 25, is National Voter Registration Day. The day draws attention to voter registration deadlines across the nation and encourages prospective voters to sign up, check their status or volunteer for further democratic participation. Additionally, new #ELCAvotes resources will be released later this month, including:  

• a new Bible study that looks at instructive parallels between the early church community found in Acts 4 and how we vote our faith values in society; and
• a voting guide for people facing homelessness, including congregation resource tips on facilitating voter registration.

Be sure to check ELCA Advocacy social media in the coming weeks for  more engagement around #ELCAvotes!

FARM BILL UPDATE: It is a crucial moment in the legislative process for the farm bill as it moves to the conference committee, and many important policies dealing with local efforts against hunger and international food security are at stake. A farm bill fact sheet on international food aid will be distributed by ELCA Advocacy later this month. Additionally, faith leaders from certain states are joining a petition to Congress, urging their lawmakers to support a farm bill that reduces hunger and improves nutrition.

“PUBLIC CHARGE” RULE: Both ELCA World Hunger and Advocacy are monitoring a rule change being considered by the Department of Homeland Security. Historically, the U.S. government has restricted immigration applications if it is determined an immigrant would be a “public charge,” that is, they would likely depend on cash assistance or long-term medical care. The rule expansion will raise barriers for people to obtain and maintain legal immigration status in the U.S. if they or their dependents access public benefits.

A post to the ELCA World Hunger blog written by an Advocacy staff member highlights the short period for public comment. Those of us active in hunger-related ministry are encouraged to consider the potential impact and prepare to comment in opposition to this rule.

Lutheran Office for World Community, United Nations, New York, N.Y. 

Dennis Frado, director 

UN Photo/Loey Felipe Ms. Espinosa (right) is congratulated by Miroslav Lajčák, President of the 72nd session of the General Assembly, following her address to the General Assembly. Also pictured is Secretary-General António Guterres.

U.N. GENERAL ASSEMBLY: On June 6, the General Assembly elected Ecuadorian Foreign Minister María Fernanda Espinosa Garcés president of its upcoming 73rd session. She is only the fourth woman to hold that position and the first since 2006. Espinosa Garcés noted that she is also the first woman from Latin America and the Caribbean to preside over the Assembly.

Espinosa Garcés has previously been minister of foreign affairs and human mobility, minister of defense, and coordinating minister of cultural and natural heritage. She was the first woman to be named permanent representative of Ecuador in New York, after having served as ambassador in Geneva. She said, “As you know, I am also a poet as well as a politician. As such, I am fully aware that no view is useful if we do not see, and no word has value, if we do not listen. I will be ready to listen to you all and work for, and with you.” Read her vision statement here.

Espinosa Garcés has published more than 30 academic articles on the Amazon River, culture, heritage, development, climate change, intellectual property, foreign policy, integration, defense and security. She has also published five volumes of poetry and received the Ecuadorian National Poetry Prize in 1990.

UPCOMING GENERAL ASSEMBLY SPECIAL EVENTS:

Sept. 5                          High-level forum on a culture of peace

Sept. 24                        High-level meeting: Nelson Mandela Peace Summit

Sept. 25 – Oct. 1         General debate

Sept. 26                        High-level plenary meeting to commemorate and promote the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons

Sept. 26                        High-level meeting on the fight against tuberculosis

Sept. 27                        High-level meeting to undertake a comprehensive review of the prevention and control of non-  communicable diseases

NEW APPOINTMENT TO U.N. HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS: U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres has appointed Michelle Bachelet of Chile the next U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights. In September, she will succeed Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein of Jordan.

Bachelet ended her second four-year term as president of Chile in March 2018, having already held the position between 2006 and 2010.  The first woman elected to Chile’s highest office, after her first term, she joined the United Nations as the first executive director of the newly established U.N. Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (U.N.-Women).

A long-time human rights champion and ground-breaking leader,  Bachelet is a pediatrician who began her government career as an adviser in the Ministry of Health, rising quickly to become the first woman to lead the ministry in 2000 and its Defense Ministry in 2002.

She became involved in Chilean human rights activism in the early 1970s. She and her parents were political prisoners, and her father, a general in the air force, died in prison. After their release, Bachelet and her mother spent several years in exile. She returned to Chile in 1979, finished school and became a pediatrician and public-health advocate. Bachelet also studied military strategy at Chile’s National Academy of Strategy and Policy and at the Inter-American Defense College in the United States.

California

Mark Carlson, Lutheran Office of Public Policy                                                                       http://loppca.org 

LEGISLATIVE SUMMARY: The California Legislature concluded its two-year session on Aug. 31 with mixed success for proposals supported by the Lutheran Office of Public Policy-California. SB 100, a bill to require 60 percent carbon-free electrical energy by 2030 and 100 percent by 2045, passed with considerable uncertainty and drama. As this is written, it is on Gov. Jerry Brown’s desk awaiting action. A New York Times editorial supported it. A major disappointment was the demise of two bills to fund access to safe, affordable water in disadvantaged communities, rural and urban. SB 844, whose supporters included agricultural interests, would have enacted a fee on fertilizer and dairies, primary sources of nitrate contamination in groundwater. SB 845 would have enacted a voluntary fee on water bills to fund domestic water supply projects, including maintenance and operation. Despite long negotiations and a degree of bipartisan support, the fear of distorted political attack ads over “taxes” in the election prevailed on the last day.

NOVEMBER BALLOT PROPOSITIONS: The public launch of the campaign for Propositions 1 and 2, the measures on the November ballot that would fund low-income housing, including permanent supportive housing for the chronically homeless and housing for veterans and farmworkers, took place at the Vietnam War Memorial in Capitol Park. Pastor Kirsten Moore of Calvary Lutheran Church, Rio Linda, and conference dean offered a brief statement at the news conference, joined by Sacramento Mayor Steinberg, other local elected officials and several state legislators, including the chairs of the Assembly and Senate housing committees.

Colorado

Peter Severson, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry–Colorado                                                                  lam-co.org 

Advocates for Proposition 111 gather in Colorado Springs to officially kick off the campaign to Stop Predatory Payday Loans

BALLOT MEASURES CERTIFIED: Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-Colorado supports two measures on the statewide November ballot. One is a constitutional referendum, Amendment A, referred from the Legislature.

Pastor Caitlin Trussell of Augustana Lutheran Church in Denver speaks at the Yes on A/Abolish Constitutional Slavery rally in Denver’s City Park

Amendment A would strike the exception from Colorado’s ban on slavery and involuntary servitude, finally abolishing slavery from our state constitution. The campaign kicked off on Aug. 28 with a rally in Denver’s City Park.

The second measure, as Proposition 111, will cap payday lending interest rates at a maximum of 36 percent. We are thrilled to stand up with those who have been exploited by these predatory practices, along with economic justice advocates, in saying no to usury in Colorado. The campaign kicked off with a news conference in Colorado Springs on Aug. 29.

Colorado will have six referred measures and at least five citizen initiatives on the ballot this fall, ranging from redistricting to oil and gas setbacks to funding for transportation and education. Two additional initiatives are awaiting possible certification, which would bring the total to 13 statewide items. Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-Colorado will be on the road doing a lot of voter education this fall!

Minnesota 

Tammy Walhof, Lutheran Advocacy–Minnesota                                                                  tammy@lcppm.org 

Amy, Tammy, & Kendrick with three of six Policy Council members who made it to Kendrick Hall’s farewell open house

STAFF TRANSITIONS: We’re delighted to welcome Amy Shebeck to help part-time with communications and administration! Amy jumped right in, helping create a handout on immigration family separation, representing us on the Homes for All Communications Team and overhauling our website!

We’re excited for Kendrick Hall’s next step – his continuing professional education (CPE) assignment with Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota’s Center for Changing Lives (homeless youth), but we already miss his day-to-day work, especially on  housing issues! His Hunger Advocacy Fellowship was completed in August.

ISSUE PIVOTS: Important federal issues need our attention! We aren’t dropping our state-level issues but have

added farm bill and immigration concerns for fall work.

FARM BILL: The House farm bill (passed 213-211) decimates bipartisan rural-urban coalitions. Rep. Collin Peterson states the House bill “doesn’t do enough for the people it’s supposed to serve. It … leaves farmers and ranchers vulnerable; it worsens hunger and it fails rural communities.” The Senate’s bipartisan bill (passed 86-11) doesn’t make drastic changes to programs, offers more certainty for farmers, ranchers, food security advocates and more.

The bills will be negotiated by a conference committee–- the house appointed an unprecedented 47 members, compared to nine from the senate!

IMMIGRATION: Immigration took center stage in national news this summer with the outcry around family separation, court ordered reunification and many related issues. Tammy Walhof, LA-MN director, participated in a trip to Tucson and Nogales, Ariz., (both U.S. and Mexican sides of the city) to learn more. She has many stories to share. See our action alert on Facebook (and in the photo!). Watch our website and Facebook for updates and urgent action alerts!

North Carolina 

GeoRene Jones, North Carolina Synod Social Justice & Advocacy Ministries 

ENCOURAGING VOTER ENGAGEMENT: St. Mark’s Lutheran in Asheville is a good example for congregations desiring to support the ELCA’s Voter Engagement Initiative, ELCAvotes.  The congregation’s Christian Action Team partnered with The United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County, which provided materials, submitted voter registrations and emailed voting reminders to those who took the pledge to vote. Team preparation included production of event handouts, which included sample ballots and early voting information detailing dates and locations. Production costs were covered by a Thrivent Action Team grant.

Making themselves available in the common areas of the building after Sunday services, the team (pictured above) helped currently registered voters verify their registration record as up-to-date – including correct address –and registered eligible voters using official registration forms. Team members delivered the completed forms to the local Board of Elections. Also available were non-partisan information on candidates running for office, links to websites with additional information, and a sign-up sheet for people willing to make their pledge to vote. The team also provided a transportation sign-up sheet for individuals needing assistance in getting to the polls. Overall, the event garnered 49 pledges to vote, including eight individuals aided in registering to vote.

VOTER EDUCATION RESOURCES: Our website provides congregational leaders ELCAvotes resources through synod conference deans and direct mail. Bible studies, the ELCA’s Civic Education and Voter Education Guide and support information for the Voting Rights Advancement Act.

Pennsylvania

Tracey DePasquale, Lutheran Advocacy–Pennsylvania                                     lutheranadvocacypa.org

ELCA WORLD HUNGER: ELCA World Hunger staff members Julianna Glassco and MaeHelen Jackson recently visited several anti-hunger sites in central Pennsylvania, including the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, which they toured with Karen Woodings, advocacy manager. They are shown, at right, at the food bank alongside corn they picked at The Wittel Farm, a ministry of the Lower Susquehanna Synod and the Lutheran Camping Corporation.

CREATION JUSTICE: LAMPa continues to promote the upcoming Energy-Star Stewardship Tour for faith communities Sept. 25-27 at seven locations across the state. Learn more about this partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency and faith-based organizations. In addition, LAMPa, along with other faith partners, is sponsoring a community solar webinar on Sept. 20 at 7 p.m. Learn more. Attendees at all events will be equipped to connect with policymakers on renewable energy.

In the photo, Senator Cy visits with a family who has two children with pre-existing conditions.

POVERTY SIMULATION: Lynn Fry, program director, recently participated in a poverty simulation in Franklin County. “It would be quite beneficial if all legislators were able to participate in this simulation so they could gain insights into how difficult life is for a segment of our population. Even though assistance programs are available, many are very difficult to access,” Fry said.

GOD’S WORK. OUR HANDS.: LAMPa is providing resources to help congregations take their service to their neighbor a step further toward justice through advocacy.

HEALTH CARE ROUNDTABLE: Fry also attended a health care roundtable hosted by U.S. Sen. Robert Casey. Casey spoke about concerns related to insurance requirements on existing conditions with those in attendance.

Southeastern Synod

Hilton Austin, director               

We are excited to introduce our new Hunger Advocacy Fellow, Kimberly Jordan Slappey, who started on Sept. 4. Jordan is a recent graduate of the University of Georgia.

• Major: religion. Focus: the religion of the civil rights movement and the intersections between gender, race and religion.
• Minor: political science. Focus: constitutional law and the law as it pertains to marginalized populations.

Jordan plans to attend Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in the fall of 2019 following her internship as an ELCA World Hunger advocate. Jordan has a background in church work, LGBTQ+ advocacy and local government. When she isn’t working, Jordan enjoys podcasting, geocaching, attending concerts and playing video games. Jordan is looking forward to broadening her knowledge and understanding of the many facets of advocacy.

Washington 

Paul Benz, Faith Action Network                                                                                                             fanwa.org  

BALLOT INITATIVES: FAN is engaged, as always, on numerous statewide initiatives:

• 940 – Reform our state’s use of deadly force statute, which is one of the most egregious in the ability of a county prosecutor to convict a law enforcement officer. Endorsed
• 1000 – Reinstate our affirmative action laws that were rescinded by an initiative several years ago. It is currently in the signature-gathering stage and has until the end of the year to complete that stage. Endorsed
• 1631 – Create a carbon fee of $15/ton on our state’s largest emitters of CO₂s and is an obvious way to reduce global warming through our state laws. Endorsed
• 1634 – Prohibit municipalities outside of Seattle from enacting a tax on sugary beverages. FAN right now is neutral.
• 1639 – Improve gun responsibility laws in our state, raising the purchase age to 21 for semi-automatic rifles, enhance the background checks for those purchases, and create a liability law for gunowners who are found to not have safely stored their firearms/weapons in an incident where someone in the owner’s home was injured with that firearm. Endorsed

CANDIDATE FORUMS: FAN is finalizing the logistics for four highly competitive state legislative district races and one congressional district race. These are hosted by faith communities in FAN’s network and sponsored or co-sponsored by FAN. Candidates are allowed opening and closing statements, are asked prepared questions and then take questions from the audience, but they are not allowed to ask questions of one another.

CLUSTER GATHERINGS: FAN convenes the 21 geographic clusters that make up our 141-member state Network of Advocating Faith Communities every fall. We have 18 scheduled for September through November. These gatherings allow us to inform and strengthen our relationship with our faith community advocates and to have intersectional conversations about how to be more collaborative and effective in our justice work.

ANNUAL DINNER: FAN has two major events during the year – IFAD (Interfaith Advocacy Day during the legislative session), and our Annual Dinner. This year’s dinner will be on Sunday evening, Nov. 18, and we’ve invited Washington’s U.S. Rep Pramila Jayapal to speak. Our goal is to have 400+ in attendance.

Wisconsin

Cindy Crane, Lutheran Office for Public Policy in Wisconsin                                              loppw.org  

HUNGER FELLOW: Welcome to Kelsey Johnson, who just started as LOPPW’s 2018-19 Hunger Fellow! Thank you to ELCA World Hunger for providing a grant for this important ministry! Kelsey has been active in the church. Most recently, she served with the ELCA Young Adults in Global Mission program in Jerusalem and the West Bank. At the Lutheran School of Hope in Ramallah (West Bank), she assisted with English and art classes. She has explored topics related to refugees, interfaith dialogue and accompaniment. Kelsey graduated with a degree in journalism and mass communications from the University of Iowa. She has interests in writing, using social media and working with young people. Kelsey says she is very excited to be working with LOPPW.

FARM BILL: LOPPW has continued to encourage people to contact their members of Congress about the farm bill.  Kelsey has initiated a social media campaign with a focus on the bill.

CARE FOR CREATION: LOPPW with the South-Central Synod of Wisconsin’s Care for God’s Creation team is organizing an event to focus on what’s working in Wisconsin to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.  Participants will gain practical ideas and resources for increasing renewable energy in their business and congregational lives and advocacy tools. Save the date.

WISCONSIN HAS TWO NEW BISHOPS: Congratulations to Bishop Viviane Thomas-Breitfeld of the South-Central Synod and Bishop Laurie Skow-Anderson of the Northwest Synod! LOPPW was delighted to have a presence at both joyful installation services.