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

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 .

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 (2^nd 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) lutheranadvocac ypa.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.

by Abbigail Hull, ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellow – Washington, D.C.

The courage of a middle school boy stayed with me after my first opportunity as an ELCA Hunger Fellow to facilitate faith advocacy training and lawmakers meetings for a Lutheran youth group visiting Washington, D.C. from Massachusetts. During one of those meetings, he forthrightly told a policy-maker that addressing educational disparities is necessary to eliminating hunger in our country. “Shout out, do not hold back!” Like the exclamation of Isaiah 58:1 which we hear on Ash Wednesday, this student was calling out the sinful inequalities of the world.

During this season of self-reflection, humility, of fasting, what does it mean when we hear the Lenten verse from Joel 2:12-17, “blow the trumpet of Zion…for the day of the Lord is near…sanctify a fast; call a solemn assembly; gather the people”?

When I initially think of fasting, I think of a personal spiritual practice – a personal decision and action that requires abstaining from some behavior. This can be a positive experience. However, when I view fasting in this way, I have the tendency to use it to punish myself for the things I do not like about myself. I often eat too much chocolate, for example, so no chocolate in Lent. This turns me inward and not outward to the world and my community.

This is not the fasting Isaiah is talking about when he proclaims:

Is not this the fast that I choose:
to loose the bonds of injustice,
to undo the thongs of the yoke,
to let the oppressed go free,
and to break every yoke?
Is it not to share your bread with the hungry,
and bring the homeless poor into your house;
when you see the naked, to cover them,
and not to hide yourself from your own kin?
Isaiah 58:6-7

I believe Isaiah is calling me and other Christians to turn outward – fast and repent from the injustices seen our community. He calls us to envision fasting as a tool for communal reflection and action to better align ourselves with our neighbors and with God’s vision for the world. It is an engagement of our hearts and bodies.

Last year, the ELCA participated in a campaign to #PrayFastAct with our Episcopalian siblings in solidarity with our hungry neighbors and in response to potential cuts in anti-poverty programs. When the pang of hunger is felt when fasting, we are reminded of the shared mortality of our human bodies. We are all from ashes and to ashes we shall return. We are also reminded that many of our neighbors have no choice in this fasting. We see the sinfulness of the world and are called to repent from the sinfulness in ourselves and our world.

In that solidarity, may we all have the same humble courage of that young man to gather together, shout out, and work toward justice in our society.

National policies can and should both reflect our Christian value of welcome and protect U.S. citizens. These two principles are not mutually exclusive. Our leaders do us all a disservice when they fail to acknowledge and honor this truth.

This week, the Administration signaled it would expand its policy to return some asylum seekers to Mexico while they await a decision on their case, known as the “Remain in Mexico” policy. Additionally, President Donald Trump declared a national emergency at the border to fund a physical barrier.

Children and families continue to flee their communities, and many are stuck at the northern border of Mexico due to changes in U.S. policy. Both the emergency declaration and expansion of Remain in Mexico policy will further traumatize them by increasing animosity and backlogs to the asylum system.

The national emergency declaration seeks to obtain $8 billion dollars for a wall by transferring funds from a Treasury Department drug forfeiture fund, Defense Department drug interdiction program, and the military construction fund, among other sources. At a time when apprehensions at the southern border are at a historic low, the transfer of funds from other programs to the southern border is unnecessary.

A wall is not the solution to fixing immigration or addressing border security. We urge the President and Congress to work together for immigration reform that protects the rights and well-being of those who seek asylum here.

To learn more about a Lutheran understanding of immigration issues, read the ELCA social message on “Immigration.”

To learn more about the policy to send asylum seekers to Mexico while awaiting their case, also known as Remain in Mexico, read this Catholic Legal Immigration Network analysis.

To review a letter in which ELCA Advocacy joined over 50 other organizations outlining our specific concerns and asking Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen of the Department of Homeland Security to terminate the Remain in Mexico policy, see post from the Latin America Working Group.

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

Dennis Frado, director

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF COMMEMORATION OF THE VICTIMS OF THE HOLOCAUST: On January 28^th, the United Nations commemorated the Holocaust in the General Assembly Hall. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the President of the General Assembly Maria Fernanda Espinosa Garces addressed the international community, especially the Holocaust survivors and veterans of World War II, who attended the ceremony.

Inge Auerbacher shares her account of being a child survivor of the Teresienstadt concentration camp and ghetto during the Holocaust Remembrance Ceremony on the theme “Demand and Defend Your Human Rights”. (UN Photo/Loey Felipe)

They each stressed the necessity to speak out against antisemitism and to stand together with all nations. The victims of the recent Pittsburgh massacre at the synagogue “Tree of Life” were also commemorated.

Chargé d’affaires of the US mission to the UN, Jonathan R. Cohen, reminded the audience of the other genocides which happened and still happen around the world. He called people to action and to defend human rights around the world.

The Youth choir “P22 Chorus” performed the piece “Who am I?” with lyrics written by Inge Auerbacher. As a Holocaust survivor, Ms. Auerbacher stressed in the lyrics and in her testimony that all people are part of the human family. Marian Turski, also a Holocaust survivor, emphasized in his speech that the most important thing in life is compassion and empathy. These values have to come with a willingness to understand other people who differ from us.

During the ceremony Cantor Benny Rogosnitzky recited memorial prayers for those killed during Holocaust.

Sara J. Bloomfield, Director of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, was the keynote speaker at the event and warned of the politicization of the Holocaust. “The unthinkable is always possible”, she said and asked the audience to think about their role in society.

Sandro de Bernhardin, Chair of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, described the work of that intergovernmental body, which is formally committed to Holocaust remembrance.

Find more information about the Holocaust and the United Nations Outreach Programme here

California

Regina Banks, Lutheran Office of Public Policy (LOPP-CA) loppca.org

LOPP-CA HAS A NEW DIRECTOR: The Policy Council of the Lutheran Office of Public Policy – CA is pleased to announce that Regina Q. Banks, JD has begun as LOPP-CA Director! She succeeds Mark Carlson whose successful tenure as Director sunsets January 31^st.

ADVOCATING FOR IMPOVERISHED CHILDREN: LOPP-CA acted with its partners in the Lifting Children and Families Out of Poverty Task Force in participating in the End Child Poverty in California Advocacy Day at the state capitol January 22nd. The event was very well received with over 90 legislator visits and a standing-room-only press conference with democratic state lawmakers. Over 40 organizations came together for the event to support the final report and recommendations of the task force. Among the recommendations are a welfare grant increase beyond the governor’s budget proposal and targeted child tax credit that would also function as a rental subsidy.

LUTHERAN LOBBY DAY PLANNED: LOPP-CA held its first policy council meeting of 2019 on February 2 at the Southwest California Synod offices in Glendale. Many new and exciting initiatives were planned and will be announced soon. But please mark your calendars now for Lutheran Lobby Day: Wednesday, May 29, 2019 in Sacramento. Issues discussed will include policy council issue priorities for 2019: Deep Childhood Poverty, Immigration and Water Justice.

Colorado

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

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: We have been active on legislation introduced since the start of the session on January 4. Bills we support include:

House Bill 1013, Low Income Child Care Expenses Tax Credit, seeks to make permanent a state tax credit for

Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser speaks at a press conference on January 31, 2019, to mark the implementation date for Proposition 111, which will cap payday loan interest rates at 36%. In November, Colorado voters approved Prop 111 by a 77-23% margin.

families who make less than $25,000 in annual income. Although the committee inserted an 8-year sunset, we continue to support the bill. It passed Finance 10-1.

House Bill 1025, Limits on Job Applicant Criminal History, would prevent employers from asking if an applicant has a criminal record on an initial job application. Formerly incarcerated persons and advocates shared stories during testimony, and the bill passed Judiciary 8-3.

In addition, we are monitoring bills related to investigating a state health insurance option, exemptions from wage garnishment for medical debt, and rental application fees. Many other bills on which we expect to take positions are yet to be introduced. This year’s legislative session will continue through May 3.

DAY AT THE CAPITOL: We invite all Coloradans and people of faith to join us at the State Capitol for Lutheran Day on February 21! Meet your legislators and get the inside scoop on what’s going on under the gold dome. Register now at lam-co.org.

CONGREGATIONAL VISITS: Thanks to the good people of Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, Boulder, and Nativity Lutheran Church, Commerce City, for hosting visits from LAM-CO Director Peter Severson in January!

Minnesota

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

HOMES FOR ALL: Lutheran Advocacy-MN (LA-MN) continues to be deeply engaged in the Homes for All

Tammy speaking with Rep. Hausman at H4A Legislative Kickoff

Coalition (H4A), since high housing costs and lack of affordable housing are primary causes of hunger. The coalition includes 215+ endorsing organizations. We are part of smaller group that work on the nuts and bolts of the legislative agenda. Tammy Walhof (LA-MN Director) meets 1-3x/week with the H4A Policy Team to discuss strategy, while Amy Shebeck (our Communication/Administration Coordinator) meets regularly with the H4A Communications Team and manages coalition social media.

On January 17, H4A held a Legislative Kickoff which included awards for House and Senate Housing Champions. H4A presented our ambitious agenda to the Housing Finance & Policy Division, chaired by Rep. Alice Hausman, and held a press conference with Rep. Hausmann (DFL) and Sen. Carla Nelson (R). Check our website for links to the H4A agenda, 1-pagers, & updates, as well as our LA-MN sample letter to legislators.

CREATION CARE: Check out Green Tips on our Facebook page every Friday! (Thanks for providing that great information Laura Raedeke, Nisswa). At the legislature, the Energy & Climate Division (committee) have been holding hearings 2x/week to lay the groundwork and educate for upcoming legislation. We’re working closely with partners and legislators on various clean energy ideas – Your action will be needed soon!

Upcoming events that LA-MN helps sponsor:

Feb. 7 – Day on the Hill with JRLC (Joint Religious Legislative Coalition)
March 13 – Clean Energy & Climate Action Day at the Capitol

Please watch Facebook & our website for action & updates!

North Carolina

GeoRene Jones, North Carolina Synod Social Justice & Advocacy Ministries (SJAM)

Lutherans will gather on March 26 to at the NC Legislative Building in Raleigh to advocate with elected officials for affordable housing.

LUTHERANS AT THE LEGISLATURE, MARCH 26, 2019: Beginning with a Prayer Breakfast hosted by Rev. Dr. Timothy M. Smith, Bishop of the NC Synod, ELCA Lutherans will spend a day engaged in advocacy efforts with legislators. The event will focus on affordable housing, an issue magnified by the recent hurricanes along North Carolina’s coast last fall. After Hurricane Florence, FEMA identified this state’s absence of affordable housing as a major impediment to long-term recovery after disaster.

Members of our Social Justice & Advocacy Team are engaged with several agencies to develop education and talking points for attendees at the education session at Holy Trinity (Raleigh) during the morning. Good Shepherd (Raleigh) will provide multi-passenger vehicle transport from Holy Trinity to the Legislative Building for afternoon visits with legislators and their staffers. Educational partners include the North Carolina Housing Coalition, the North Carolina Coalition for Homelessness.

Participants will return to Holy Trinity for debriefing and collaboration about what’s next. Plans include participation in North Carolina’s annual conference for providers of services to the homeless, May 21-22. This year’s theme is, Bringing It Home: Ending Homelessness in 2019.

New Mexico

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

2019 LEGISLATIVE SESSION: The 2019 session of the New Mexico legislature convened on January 15 at noon

LAM-NM Director, Ruth Hoffman, with Rep. Abbas Akhil

in Santa Fe. LAM-NM is hard at work in support of the issues on our 2019 Advocacy Agenda. Legislation enacting an increase in the state minimum wage to $12, improving the state TANF program, and providing significant funding increases for early childhood education have already passed their first committees. LAM-NM continues to focus its work on issues related to poverty and hunger.

The NM House of Representatives membership of seventy includes twenty freshman, including the first ever Muslim-American representative, Abbas Akhil, from Albuquerque. Currently, the majority of the New Mexico House are people of color.

Bill sponsors listen to advocates’ testimony, including LAM-NM Director Ruth Hoffman, in support of significant funding increases for early childhood education.

Workers from Somos un Pueblo Unido and El Centro appear with HB31 sponsors, Rep. Joanne Ferrary and Rep. Miguel Garcia, in support of increasing the state minimum wage.

Southeastern Synod

Hilton Austin, Director

4TH ANNUAL SOUTHEASTERN SYNOD ADVOCACY GATHERING: While watching three legislatures during the month and communicating to our advocates, we have been preparing for our Annual Advocacy Gathering at St John’s Atlanta on Fegruary 2, Super Bowl weekend; and it is in Atlanta; and there is no room at the inn. We have managed to find host families for the people traveling from other states.

Our theme this year is ‘Walking Wet’

Walking Wet is all about whom God has called us to be as He claims us in the waters of baptism. Walking Wet means we know where we belong and to whom we belong.

Walking Wet is to know without a doubt that through the waters of baptism, God promises to always love us, to forgive us, to support us, and to always be by our side.

Walking Wet is about confidence and trust.

Walking Wet implies we are part of a large group, brothers and sisters in Christ.

Walking Wet gives us a new perspective from which to love and serve our neighbor.

Four years ago, five of us, including Bishop Gordy, met to talk about creating a Georgia Public Policy Office in Atlanta. We had a call; and we had a vision.

Looking back, I guess you might say, we had a small vision.

God was doing a new thing and His Vision was much grander than we could perceive.

Over the past four years, thanks to you, our advocacy partners, and God’s ever present guidance, we have changed the lives of many people in Georgia by advocating for value-based Public Policies in Criminal Justice Reform, Human Trafficking laws. We successfully opposed anti-refugee legislation. We’ve marched to protest Stewart County Detention Center and we’ve marched at the Nation’s Capital. We have been present numerous times at the Tennessee Capital. Some have even been arrested. We’ve called more attention to Care for Creation. Last year, we had the most success with 9 out of 10 bills passed and 1 successfully opposed. At the same time, we began to organize our advocacy in Alabama and Mississippi.

God is good!

Ohio

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

WE ARE NOT BARGAINING CHIPS: The Hunger Network was pleased to join with our friends at the United Methodist Church for all People in Columbus to participate in a ‘Shutdown Townhall’. With coverage by local media, members of the community share stories about the role SNAP, housing assistance, treatment programs, and other public services play in their lives. Director Nick Bates framed the stories for legislators and the media with an overview of the policy details of what is going on. SNAP benefits were released early, and local food pantries remain concerned that the changes will disrupt household budgets and increase the strain on pantries.

TRI-SYNOD LEADERS RETREAT: HNO was excited to attend the tri-Synod Professional Leaders retreat at Sawmill Resort in Huron, Ohio. We appreciate the number of people who stopped by our table to say hi, take an advocacy guidebook, or sign a postcard! If you didn’t get a chance to stop by our table or connect with YOUR state public policy office, send us an email at Nick@hungernetohio.com .

THE BUDGET IS COMING! THE BUDGET IS COMING!: Be on the lookout for opportunities to learn and engage on Ohio’s next budget, because our state budget is a moral document. From school funding, investments in children, drug treatment and much more will be topics of conversation. Our legislators will have an opportunity to invest in Ohio’s future and strengthen our state. As people of faith, we have an opportunity to support smart investments that will build a stronger Ohio for families.

Pennsylvania

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

LAMPA HELPS LAUNCH ANTI-TRAFFFICKING BILLS: LAMPa staff joined Rep. Seth Grove, R-York, and Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill, R-York, as they announced their intent to introduce legislation to increase fines and prison sentences for criminals convicted of human trafficking. Read more.

LEGISLATORS LEARN ABOUT HUNGER: Alongside PA Hunger Free Coalition colleagues, LAMPa staff participated in a Legislative Lunch and Learn at the State Capitol on February 4. More than 100 legislators and staff participated in the interactive educational hunger stations and enjoyed a lunch as is served in the child nutrition summer feeding program.

LIVING LUTHERAN FEATURES ANTI-TRAFFICKING ARTICLE: The work of Pennsylvania Lutheran advocates to secure legislation to protect child sex trafficking victims was featured in the February issue of Living Lutheran. The passage of “Safe Harbor” in the fall of 2018 was a huge victory for victims and advocates who worked on this bill for many years.

STAFF MEETS WITH INTERIM SEMINARY PRESIDENT: Tracey and Lynn recently met with United Lutheran Seminary Interim President Dr. Richard Green. They discussed additional ways LAMPa and the seminary community can continue to grow in relationship.

LUTHERAN DAYS IN THE CAPITAL FEATURE INTERFAITH ACTIVITIES: On May 20, LAMPa’s Lutheran Day of Advocacy focuses on the theme “Set A Welcome Table.” Featured speaker is ELCA Executive for Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Relations Kathryn Lohre. LAMPa joins interfaith partners, May 19 for service and learning, including a blessing of waters, service projects, arts performances and a community meal, concluding with teaching and preparation for advocacy on climate change.

Virginia

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

January was a busy month for the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy because Virginia’s state General Assembly began on January 9th! VICPP is working on over 30 pieces of legislation this year. These bills include:

removing the Jim Crow language from Virginia’s Minimum Wage Act

Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax addresses VICPP advocates during the Day for All People
removing the exemption for piece work from the minimum wage
cover all workers under the minimum wage, regardless of the size of the business
providing paystubs to all workers
protecting workers against retaliation for filing a wage complaint
let workers take their wage complaints to court
create a driver’s privilege card for immigrants
establish in-state tuition for all Virginian students, regardless of immigration status
codifying the Governor’s Advisory Council on Environmental Justice
safe closure of coal ash ponds
increase access to clean solar energy for homes, congregations, and communities
end the suspension of driver’s licenses for nonpayment of fines and fees
raise the minimum wage

constituents meeting with Sen. Glen Sturtevant (R- Richmond City) at VICPP’s Day for All People
decriminalize disorderly conduct in schools
reducing evictions
making Virginia’s Earned Income Credit refundable, like it is at the federal level

Hopefully, when the session ends on February 23, 2019, at least a handful of those bills will pass the legislature and will be sent to the Governor’s desk to be signed into law.

VICPP also hosted our annual Day for All People Lobby Day on January 22nd. Over 250 people came to Richmond to learn about VICPP’s priority issues, meet with their legislators, and hear from Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax. You can see more pictures here.

Washington

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

LEGISLATIVE SESSION BEGINS: Our 2019 Washington State Legislative Session officially began on January 14! Close to 30 new legislators were sworn in. They represent the greatest diversity we’ve had at the state level, including two new firsts: Rep. Debra Lekanoff, the first Native American woman in the House; and Rep. My-Linh Thai, the first refugee state legislator. After just the first week, the legislature introduced 408 bills in the House and 461 bills in the Senate! This has kept us very busy keeping up with bills. If you are interested in where the bills on our legislative agenda are in the legislature, check out the bill tracker on our website that we update regularly.

INTERFAITH ADVOCACY DAYS: We are in the midst of our three yearly Interfaith Advocacy Days. These opportunities allow us to share with our elected leaders our voices of compassion and justice. These events include workshops on FAN’s 2019 Legislative Agenda, advocacy tools, and planning meetings with legislative districts. In Olympia, at our State Capitol Campus, attendees also meet with legislators. We are looking forward to our Advocacy Day in Yakima on February 9, and our Olympia Advocacy Day on February 14.

On January 26 we held our Eastern Washington Legislative Advocacy Day in Spokane. Over 120 advocates joined us from the eastern side of the state to learn and work together. There were times of worship and prayer, sharing meals together, learning about ways to get involved, and workshops on legislative priorities. Paul led a workshop on Health Care and Nutrition priorities, and other workshops included bills on tax reform, the environment, affordable housing, gun safety, and immigration. Pictured is a panel of faith leaders and Paul discussing FAN’s legislative priorities.

As we are busy preparing for our other advocacy days, Paul also attended the Statewide Ecumenical Executives Annual Meeting in Houston in early January.

Wisconsin

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

ANTI-SEX TRAFFICKING RALLY: We held a rally on a freezing cold day in between a major snowstorm and polar vortex. We are thankful to Bishop Jim Arends of the La Crosse Area Synod; Jan Miyazaki, JD, of Project Respect in Madison, Morgan Meadows, M.Ed., survivor and educator of Door County, Representative Jodi Emerson of Eau Claire, and Bishop Viviane Thomas-Breitfeld of the South-Central Synod for their words of wisdom and inspiration. The Safe Harbor bill has gone from being on the back burner to being passed out of committee in both houses. We want to make a final push to pass it this legislative session. We were covered in an article in the Cap Times.

Video of the event.

Hunger Fellow Kelsey Johnson took major leadership in co-organizing the rally and arranged all of the legislative visits. As a result of her contacts, she was invited to meet with a legislative staff on a separate day. One of the several highlights was that a participant from the Green Bay area influenced her representative, the Republican majority leader, to co-sponsor the bill.

CARE FOR GOD’S CREATION: LOPPW staff participated in a day long Wisconsin Climate Table meeting, where we heard from the new Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes about the governor’s agenda related to climate change. LOPPW staff suggested forming a committee to explore actions the new governor can take with executive orders to protect the environment.

God is calling us into the world to serve together. Shaped by the ELCA’s social teaching documents and experiences of its congregations, ministries and partners, the ELCA advocates to end world hunger and stands up for policies that create opportunities to overcome poverty, promote peace and dignity, and preserve God’s creation. Introduced by the ELCA Advocacy director, the following policy priorities focus ELCA Advocacy activity on current central issues.

On Tuesday, February 5, President Donald Trump addressed our nation and introduced this administration’s major priorities for 2019. The annual State of the Union speech provides an opportunity for citizens of the United States to learn about the policies our elected leaders hope to focus on in the upcoming legislative year.

In this important moment, ELCA Advocacy presents our public policy priorities for 2019. This policy action agenda focuses the work of the ELCA in Washington, D.C. on actions that will reduce poverty and hunger, promote safe and healthy communities and care for our environment. ELCA Advocacy invites you to live out your baptismal identity by serving your neighbor through participation in the ELCA Advocacy network.

~ The Rev. Amy E. Reumann, director, Advocacy

Formative ELCA social teaching documents impacting domestic policy include the social statements Economic Life: Sufficient, Sustainable Livelihood for All and Church and Criminal Justice: Hearing the Cries, and the social message “Homelessness: A Renewal of Commitment.”

AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND HOMELESSNESS

Secure shelter is a critical component of the foundation of the human person, the absence of which can contribute to hunger and challenges in healthcare, education, job prospects and more.

In 2019, we will work with state, national and interfaith partners to strengthen policies that reinforce housing affordability for low-income households. We will accomplish this through: • Strengthening funding levels and access to housing programs in the federal budget; • Advocating for structural housing reform through vital investments in infrastructure and programs such as the National Housing Trust; • Opposing efforts to increase rent or work eligibility requirements on low-income households, which could significantly impact seniors and people with disabilities.

CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAMS

God richly provides for daily bread — the earth can produce enough food for everyone. Yet, many of our sisters and brothers still go hungry.

In 2019, we will • Advocate to fund, improve and strengthen child nutrition programs through measures that adequately fund and promote access to School Breakfast Programs; National School Lunch Programs and after school snack programs; Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC); and other vital nutrition assistance programs; • Support keeping these programs in the federal safety net rather than state block grants to prevent long-term erosion of access.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM

The ELCA is prompted to speak and to act because so many cries of suffering and despair emerge from the criminal justice system — from victims, the incarcerated, their families, communities, those wrongly convicted, they who work in the system — and have not been heard.

Building on the momentum of recent improvements in criminal justice and sentencing reform, in 2019 we will: • Advocate to restore judges’ discretion in sentencing decisions and decriminalize addiction; • Promote greater economic and racial justice by allowing thousands of federal prisoners to seek fairer punishments than those they are currently serving; • Support criminal justice funding that focuses on crime prevention and recidivism reduction which will better serve all our communities; • Promote programs that improve the dignity of women in prison populations.

HEALTHCARE

Health is central to our well-being, vital to relationships, and helps us live out our vocations in family, work and community. Each person bears some responsibility for his or her own health, but health and healthcare also depend upon other people and conditions in society and our communities.

Our commitment to ensuring the availability of quality and affordable health insurance remains a priority for many across our country. In 2019, we will: • Advocate to improve and strengthen the Affordable Care Act and expand where possible access to vulnerable populations at the edges of poverty who lack access to affordable health care insurance; • Protect and strengthen Medicaid, Medicare and disability programs to ensure the health of persons with low-incomes, seniors and those living with disabilities.

Formative ELCA social teaching documents impacting environment policy include the social statement Caring for Creation: Vision, Hope and Justice.

ENVIRONMENT AND CARING FOR ALL CREATION

As stewards of this world, we are called to care for the earth and examine our behaviors toward creation. While we need to take from the land for food and sustainability, we also need to be careful that we maintain good stewardship and do not exploit the wonderful things the earth provides.

In 2019 we will: • Advocate with Congress and the Administration for strong environmental protection regulation to protect all of creation; • Support climate finance measures that reduce emissions and enhance resilience to negative climate change impacts; • Prepare educational materials making connections between the common thread of the environment with hunger, poverty, health concerns, migration, disaster response and national security concerns; • Support Lutheran Disaster Response with climate change and disaster connections as well as stewarship of the land; • Work with Lutheran Restoring Creation and ELCA Stewardship on starting Creation Care Coaches Training; • Work with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on federal lead policy, starting with urban areas; • Work with EPA on promoting public gardens; • Work with associations and faith-based entities on just transition issues in areas where renewable energy technologies are expanding.

Formative ELCA social teaching documents impacting international policy include the social statement For Peace in God’s World and the social messages “Human Rights” and “Gender-based Violence.”

CONFLICT PREVENTION, PEACEBUILDING, HUMAN RIGHTS

Concern for the well-being of others lies at the very heart of Christian faith. Christians have a variety of social identifications through their nation of origin, race, ethnicity or political affiliation, but all Christians have a common identity as children of a loving creator.

In addition to promoting and advancing human rights, we will work to increase capacity and support for U.S. and multilateral initiatives/programs that aim to build peace and prevent conflicts around the world. Specifically, we will: • Advocate for passage of the Global Fragility and Violence Reduction Act; • Ensure Congress allocates funds for the Complex Crisis Fund in the FY2020 budget; • Encourage continued U.S. engagement in South Sudan, especially in the peace process as well as humanitarian and development assistance; • Monitor U.S. Cuba policy and encourage the Administration to take positive and mutually beneficial steps that will help move the two countries toward normal relations; • Work with foreign policy staff in the Administration and Congress to promote values of good governance and inclusive participation in the electoral processes.

FOREIGN ASSISTANCE

“For all” in the title of the ELCA social statement on economic life refers to the whole household of God—all people and creation throughout the world. We should assess economic activities in terms of how they affect “all,” especially people living in poverty.

In 2019, we will work to build broad support for international development and humanitarian aid in Congress. Specifically, we will: • Advocate to bolster funding levels to international poverty-focused programs as appropriate in the International Affairs budget; • Oppose efforts by Administration or Congress to cut funds to these programs; • Work to improve ways some programs are administered or implemented to ensure programmatic efficiencies and accountability; • Monitor the Administration’s review of foreign assistance and respond accordingly; and • Advocate for passage of legislation that focuses on improving specific poverty-focused programs, such as those enhancing child and maternal health.

GENDER JUSTICE

The ELCA is committed to the continual work of prayer, learning, reflection, discernment, and action to resist patriarchy and sexism as we live together in community into the promised abundant life God intends for all.

In 2019, we will work to ensure that prevention of gender-based violence becomes a priority in U.S. foreign policy and diplomatic engagement. In addition, we will promote gender integration throughout development and humanitarian programs. In doing so, we will: • Advocate for passage of legislation that seeks to improve the quality of life for women and girls globally, such as the International Violence Against Women Act; • Oppose efforts to dismantle the Office of Global Women’s Issues, housed in the Department of State; and • Monitor and analyze the U.S. government’s gender-focused program activities and provide feedback to appropriate entities.

Formative ELCA social teaching documents impacting migration policy include the social messages “Immigration” and “Human Rights.”

ADDRESSING ROOT CAUSES OF MIGRATIONS

Thousands of children and families from Central America continue to flee their communities and search for safety in the U.S. As a church, we envision a world in which children and families do not have to leave their communities in order to live a safe and sufficient life.

In 2019, we can help address this goal with advocacy and AMMPARO measures through: • Strengthening funds from the U.S. government to anti-corruption mechanisms and development programs that are culturally appropriate for Central American communities; • Opposing US. Foreign policies that support the militarization of Central American countries or prevent people from seeking protection in a country where they feel safe.

PROTECTING CHILDREN AND FAMILIES WHO FLEE THEIR COMMUNITIES AND THOSE WHO ARE LONG-TERM U.S. RESIDENTS

Our faith calls Lutherans to see our neighbors as ourselves. As people flee their communities, the ELCA will continue to celebrate and stand alongside our immigrant neighbors.

In 2019, we can help address this goal through: • Support of robust asylum and trafficking prevention laws alongside laws that provide a pathway to citizenship to long-term residents of the U.S.; • Opposition to attempts to weaken asylum laws or other laws that protect vulnerable children and families fleeing their communities.

Formative ELCA social teaching documents impacting this policy focus include the social statement Freed in Christ: Race, Ethnicity & Culture.

CAMPAIGN FINANCE VOTER PROTECTIONS

We are called to conversation and prayer around our role as U.S. residents and as people of faith in ensuring our election systems promote dignity and respect for all.

In 2019, we will • Advocate to ensure access to voting by the broadest number of eligible voters in our nation; • Promote laws and regulations that prevent efforts to disenfranchise voters on election day or create burdens to eligible voters in voter registration process; • Support efforts to keep money out of politics and to oppose repeal of the Johnson Amendment; • Support strong funding for the Census to ensure that the whole population is adequately represented in Congress.

Become part of the ELCA Advocacy network from elca.org/advocacy/signup to receive updates and notifications at moments when action is most impactful. Find social teaching documents from ELCA.org/faith/faith-and-society . Find a downloadable copy of the 2019 ELCA Advocacy Policy Priorities at elca.org/resources/advocacy and share.

Our values are tangibly expressed when elected policy makers create laws and programs that support and protect vulnerable people in all our communities in times of great need. The current government shutdown is an impediment. Vital domestic programs that ensure food, housing, health, safety and more are stalemated. Global initiatives that bring sustenance and hope are interrupted. Civil servants across our land and low wage federal contractors who strive daily to carry out the work of our government are experiencing increasing strain as the shutdown elongates.

Federal programs that provide vital housing
assistance to low income families, seniors and
others are facing challenges the longer the
government shutdown continues. Visit this
interactive map published by the National
Low Income Housing Coalition, in which
ELCA Advocacy is a participating member,
to see how your state is effected.

God calls us to care and to act. See the Action Alert for suggested action to help move our nation beyond the current impasse.

Congress and the president should reopen government. The hard work of fixing the immigration system in the United States by ensuring a pathway to citizenship for members of our community without legal status in the United States and by supporting research-based border policy should follow.

Our opportunities to be heard are limited during this shutdown period. Currently the White House call center is closed. Tips to leave a voice message with your Senators and Representatives urging them to reopen government can be found in the Action Alert: “End the government shutdown.”

California

Mark Carlson, Lutheran Office of Public Policy loppca.org

Mark Carlson and Regina Banks

A NEW DIRECTOR: The Lutheran Office of Public Policy – California is delighted to announce the appointment of a new director, Ms. Regina Banks, J. D. Her background includes work as a legislative staffer and work in a legal clinic. She is an alumna of Valparaiso University Law School. Regina replaces Mark Carlson, who served in various capacities in the office since its founding in 1984.

Faith Leaders with Governor Newsom

A NEW GOVERNOR AND LEGISLATURE: Following holiday recess, the 2019-2020 session of the California Legislature reconvened January 7, Inauguration Day for Governor Gavin Newsom. The day started with a Unity Service hosted at St. John’s Lutheran Church, home of LOPP-CA, and organized by the San Francisco Interfaith Council. Gov. and First Partner Jennifer Seibel Newsom, parents of four children, bring fresh energy, a new generation of leaders, and, among other priorities, a renewed focus on early childhood education and health.

A SPECIAL ANNIVERSARY: The 30^th Anniversary of the Cleveland School Shooting in Stockton, adjacent to then-Faith Lutheran Church, was observed at the Stockton Civic Auditorium on January 17. Pastor Alan Field, present at Faith at the time of the shooting, traveled from Tucson to participate. Five elementary-age students were killed, and nearly 30 students (including a member of Faith Lutheran; others were mostly from Southeast Asian refugee families) and a teacher were wounded, by a troubled young man with encounters from childhood to young adulthood with child welfare, juvenile justice, alcohol and drug, and mental health services. The incident was the primary catalyst for the ELCA Social Message on Community Violence.

Colorado

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

2019 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA: Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-Colorado has published its 2019 legislative agenda. You can read our agenda at www.lam-co.org. Our top-line goals are to ensure that people living in poverty can meet basic needs while addressing systemic issues that prevent people from earning a self- or family-sustaining income, with heightened concern for people disproportionately impacted by policy change in these areas. Below are several major issues we anticipate addressing:

ENDING THE DEATH PENALTY: We support the abolition of capital punishment in Colorado and anticipate advancing this issue in 2019.

SCHOOL LUNCHES: We will seek to expand the reduced price lunch co-pay through high school. This will build on our work in 2018, when we successfully expanded the co-pay from grade 5 up through grade 8.

CLEAN SLATE: Too many Coloradans experience unstable employment and housing situations because of a criminal record. We will support legislation to automatically seal the records of those with charges that did not result in a conviction after 60 days, as well as non-violent drug misdemeanors after 7 years. These offenses are already eligible for sealing under Colorado law, but an individual must undertake the costly and time-consuming petition process themselves.

In addition, we anticipate work on paid family leave, local control over raising minimum wage, source of income discrimination and warranty of habitability for housing. The Colorado General Assembly convenes on January 4, 2019, and will meet for 120 days.

Minnesota

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

NOTE: Lutheran Advocacy-MN’s advocacy priorities were provided previously. Please check our website for details!

NEW ADMINISTRATION & LEGISLATIVE SESSION: Gov. Tim Walz and his Lieutenant Governor, Peggy Flanagan, took the oath of office January 7. The Walz-Flanagan administration is a reflection of their “One Minnesota” campaign theme. Nearly 20% of new department commissioners live in Greater Minnesota, and 50% grew up there. More than 20% are people of color, and women commissioners exceed 50%. [Learn about commissioners] On January 8, the 2019-2010 legislative biennium began. Democrats have taken leadership of the House of Representatives while Republicans retain control of the Senate.

CITIZEN ADVOCACY: Nothing is as effective as citizen advocacy! It is an easier than many people realize, and LA-MN staff are ready to help you set up meetings, supply you with talking points, help prep you for legislator conversations, and supply samples for letter campaigns. LA-MN Director, Tammy Walhof, is also willing to meet with church or synod committees, speak for adult forums or worship, provide workshops, and facilitate activities with youth groups. LA-MN wants to help you (and your congregation) live your faith in the public square!

Important committees for LA-MN’s affordable housing & energy work are:

House

Housing Finance & Policy Division chaired by Rep. Alice Hausman

Health & Human Services Finance Division chaired by Rep. Tina Liebling

Health & Human Services Policy Division chaired by Rep. Rena Moran

Energy & Climate Finance & Policy Division chaired by Rep. Jean Wagenius

Senate

Agriculture, Rural Development & Housing Finance Committee chaired by Sen. Torrey Westrom

Agriculture, Rural Development & Housing Policy Committee chaired by Sen. Bill Weber

Health & Human Services Finance & Policy Committee chaired by Sen. Michelle Benson

Energy & Utilities Finance & Policy Committee chaired by Sen. David Osmek

*(If bonding bills occur in the first year of the biennium, the Capitol Investment Committees will also be important. Usually, bonding occurs in the second year of each biennium)

New Mexico

Ruth Hoffman, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry – New Mexico lutheranadvocacynm.org

2019 ADVOCACY AGENDA SUMMARY: The LAM-NM Advocacy Agenda is adopted each fall by the LAM-NM Policy Committee. Since our beginnings, our Advocacy Agenda has focused primarily on alleviating poverty and hunger because New Mexico ranks among the states with the highest rates of poverty and hunger. Below is a summary and here is link to our full 2019 Advocacy Agenda document.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING & HOMELESSNESS:

Support for the state Housing Trust Fund
Funding for programs that assist people experiencing homelessness

FAMILY-SUSTAINING INCOME:

Policies & programs that assist people living in poverty to work toward family-sustaining income

Temporary Assistance to Needy Families
Quality early childhood programs & childcare assistance
Raising the state minimum wage with inflation adjustments
Right of workers to organize & bargain collectively
Restricting predatory lending
Paid sick and family leave

HEALTHCARE:

Outreach & enrollment of those eligible for Medicaid or the NM Health Insurance Exchange
Increasing the number of people with health coverage by working toward a Medicaid Buy-in program
Creation of the mid-level profession of dental therapist to increase access to dental care
Increase funding for the DD (Developmental Disabilities) Waiver

HUNGER:

Increasing funding for the state SNAP supplement program & removing barriers to SNAP enrollment
Efforts to close New Mexico’s food gap & funding for food banks

TAX POLICY:

Tax policy that is fair and provides stable, sustainable & adequate revenue to meet the needs of the our state, particularly the most vulnerable
Effective oversight & review of state tax credits, exemptions & incentives

CRIMINAL JUSTICE:

Ending solitary confinement for juveniles and people with serious mental illness in prisons, jails & detention centers; restricting the use of solitary confinement for the general population in prisons, jails and detention centers
Working against efforts to reinstate the death penalty
Supporting efforts to “Ban the Box” on initial employment applications so that felony convictions are not used to screen out applicants

Note: The LAM-NM Policy Committee may add issues as opportunities might arise.

NORTH CAROLINA

Deacon GeoRene Jones, NC Synod Social Justice and Advocacy Ministries (SJAM)

NC Synod SJAM policy priorities for 2019 are affordable housing, immigration, voting rights, and gun violence.

The NC Governor’s Crime Commission Special Committee for School Safety, specifically tasked with identifying resources and developing recommendations to strengthen school safety, graciously received from the ELCA Social Statement “Caring for Health: Our Shared Endeavor” (2003) and 2016 Churchwide Assembly’s Resolution, “Gun Violence Prevention.”

The Synod’s Legislative Advocacy Day, March 26, 2019, will begin with a Prayer Breakfast at the State Legislative Building. The day will include education workshops for participants and culminate in visits with State Legislators and their policy staff members.

The ‘A-Team’ (“A”=Advocacy) of Christ the King of Cary, NC meets with SJAM Convener Michael Jones, and Deacon GeoRene Jones and, to review the congregation’s peace and justice ministries. Says Pastor Wolfgang Herz–Lane, “[We are] so excited about how our congregation is working for the sake of the world.

Pastors Carol and Greg Yeager are leading the task force to host an ELCA/SJAM Tent at the 2019 Wild Goose Festival July 11-14, in Hot Springs, NC. The annual 4-day event is a Spirit, Justice, Music, and Arts Festival, providing a space for those who want to connect faith, justice, and energy for fresh expressions of Christianity.

Ohio

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

As we ring in the New Year, Ohio’s public policy office is excited to get back to advocating to end hunger by addressing the root causes of poverty!

WHAT DO WE EXPECT?

Governor-elect DeWine is well known for his passion around children’s well-being. Since November, HNO – along with coalition partners – has been trying to understand his priorities and how we can collaborate to invest in Ohio’s future. We anticipate a lot of dialogue over the next 12 months about our child welfare system, the opioid crisis, and school funding. “We just need a lot more money invested to solve Ohio’s biggest problems,” Deacon Nick Bates, director of HNO. We look forward to working with the Ohio Legislature in crafting a two year state budget that reflects our values as a state.

HNO will continue to push legislators to re-think how we use TANF dollars in Ohio. Currently Ohio has a $500million surplus of TANF dollars that could go a long way in helping families struggling to get by. We will also continue to fight for common sense criminal justice reforms that treat addiction as a healthcare issue and not a criminal justice issue.

HNO will also join in coalition with others protect Medicaid. Many members of the Ohio House and Ohio Senate are upset that outgoing Governor John Kasich expanded healthcare access through Obamacare to an additional 700,000 Ohioans. With a new Governor, fears remain that these hardworking families may lose their health coverage.

Our work in 2019 will continue to build up and educate our congregations so that they can advocate on the issues most important to them – including human trafficking, the environment, diversity, and much more.

We don’t do this work alone. We appreciate local congregations, communities, and partner organizations. As the body of Christ, we all have different talents and we look forward to working with all of you in 2019!

Please sign up on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hungernetworkohio or online at www.hungernetohio.com

Pennsylvania

Tracey DePasquale, Lutheran Advocacy – Pennsylvania lutheranadvocacypa.org

In December, LAMPa received a ceremonial signing pen, certificate and copy of signed Safe Harbor Bill. Photo credit: Bishop Kurt Kusserow

POLICY COUNCIL SETS 2019 PRIORITIES: LAMPa Policy Council met in December to set their agenda priorities for the upcoming term of the Pennsylvania General Assembly. Following a thoughtful, engaging and lengthy conversation among those present the following priorities were identified: Hunger; Creation Care; Poverty; and the 2020 Census.

Hunger continues to be a central focus of LAMPa as everyone acknowledges the intersections between hunger, health, housing and poverty. LAMPa, along with synods and congregations, ELCA Advocacy, and partners will continue to provide education, resource development and advocacy on how to get fresh foods to local communities. LAMPa will continue to advocate for additional funds in the upcoming Pennsylvania state budget for the State Food Purchase Program (SFPP) and the Pennsylvania Agriculture Surplus System (PASS).

Creation Care was deemed an additional priority for the coming year, as we seek to protect all of creation, especially the most vulnerable. LAMPa will work to promote emissions standards to mitigate climate change, including equipping congregations to make sound choices regarding their own practices, such as energy consumption.

To learn more about LAMPa’s 2019 priorities click here.

LAMPA ADVOCATES SHARE TESTIMONY: LAMPa advocates submitted testimony on proposed methane regulations for oil and natural gas operations in Pennsylvania at a hearing Dec. 13. LAMPa is encouraging its creation care network to continue writing letters in support of strong curbs on this contributor to climate change.

Southeastern Synod

Hilton Austin, Director

2019 PRIORITIES: It is really too early to determine the legislation we will be addressing. We will continue to watch legislation in our 4 state synod; our priorities remain to be Human Trafficking, Criminal Justice Reform, Immigration and Detention, Care for Creation, Education funding, Hunger, and Medicare Expansion. We know that Medicaid Expansion will be an issue in Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee. Legislative sessions begin January 8^th in Mississippi and Tennessee, January 14^th in Georgia, and March 5^th in Alabama. By our 4^th Annual Advocacy gathering on Feruary 2, 2019, we should have a pretty good idea what legislation we will be supporting or opposing.

POLICY COUNCIL: Three members of our Policy Council have rotated off; and new members have joined the team. Fresh eyes are always beneficial. Our Policy Council meets via Zoom once a month to help maintain communication between the 4 states. Members of the Policy Council are taking responsibility to engage and mobilize people within each state. We are also checking with colleges to find an intern in each state to track legislation and communicate to the Policy Council. It has also been determined that we should re-focus on our Ready Benches; this is where we began and was very successful.

HUNGER FELLOW: Jordan has been a great addition. Jordan continues to meet with congregations, work with the Policy Council, develop brochures, and develop new advocacy partners in Tennessee and Georgia. He has a great passion for being present in the community. Jordan is currently tracking legislation as we move toward the legislative session and helping coordinate our annual advocacy gathering.

MLK DAY OF SERVICE: We are cosponsoring MLK Day of Service with Lutheran Services of Georgia. The day will kick off with exciting, intergenerational and interactive learning for all: Children’s Activities (grades K-5) will feature learning about the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Fearless Dialogues will feature learning for Youth (middle and high school) and adults. Following Fearless Dialogues, SES Advocacy will have a station setup for letter writing concerning current state and national legislation.

Washington

Paul Benz, Faith Action Network fanwa.org

CONGRESSIONAL BIPARTISAN VICTORIES- FARM BILL AND THE FIRST STEP ACT: We are excited about the recent bipartisan Congressional victories. FAN and our advocates have been pushing for a good Farm Bill that protects SNAP, and a comprehensive criminal justice reform bill that not only addresses lowering recidivism, but also reduces the number of folks incarcerated in the first place. The passage of the Farm Bill and the First Step Act are encouraging.

INTERIM MEETINGS:As we are approaching the beginning of Washington State’s legislative session, Co-Director Paul Benz has been having interim meetings with elected officials. For many of the meetings, some of FAN’s advocates have been able to join as well. This is a good time to discuss with their senators and representatives what they would like to see happen during session. Pictured are Paul and advocates from Washington’s 38^th district with Representative Mike Sells at Trinity Episcopal Church.

LEGISLATIVE SESSION/FAN AGENDA: Legislative Session begins on Monday, January 14^th. This is a longer session in which we will set the biennial budget. FAN has been working on our legislative agenda, and our priorities for session. We have six different policy areas on our agenda, which include bills on advocating for a biennial budget that protects the poor and vulnerable, restoring justice in our criminal justice system, funding housing for all, caring for creation, protecting immigrant families and civil rights, and ensuring healthcare and mental health for all. If you are interested in taking a closer look at our agenda, you can find it on our website at http://fanwa.org/legislative-agenda/.

IFAD: One of our biggest events of the year is Interfaith Advocacy Day. On February 14^th, we will have hundreds of advocates join us at the State Capitol to participate in workshops on advocacy and policy, and meet with their elected officials about FAN’s legislative priorities. We are just starting to prepare for this enormous event.

After another week of stalled budget negotiations, the U.S. is now in the third week of the partial government shutdown. Various media outlets and agencies have covered important points over the past few days, such as the 800,000 workers left without pay, limited TSA service and shocking images of deteriorating national parks as services close. But perhaps less noticeable are the growing effects that a prolonged shutdown could place on low income families.

Though many services and programs Congress authorizes are still temporarily running on necessary or “mandatory” funding, local agencies that work with federal contracts will start to feel a tighter and tighter squeeze the longer the government remains closed. For instance, local public housing agencies that provide housing aid will likely run lower and lower on their own funding the longer the shutdown goes, risking the closure of local operations. Other important low-income housing programs, such as certain types of rental assistance and multifamily housing, may start to face serious challenges as well if the shutdown runs past February 1st. (Read more about the shutdown impact on housing programs here.)

Uncertain funding decisions and gaps in funding can be destabilizing and risky for private and non-profit stakeholders who work with the government, disincentivizing investors from partnering with public programs in the future. When building an apartment building, for example, contractors may be less likely to choose low-income options if they are dependent on a shaky funding arrangement. For faith-based and other service organizations that challenge local poverty, the failure of government programs to meet their commitments is a serious issue. Households living paycheck to paycheck, seniors and the most vulnerable among us cannot afford the uncertainty and lapses in services that a prolonged shutdown brings.

In addition, past Administrations have set aside reserves to keep the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funded through potential governmental shutdowns. That funding is managed by the Department of Agriculture (DoA) which is currently an unfunded agency of the government. This year, however, DoA has not indicated if it has the funds to keep hunger funds like SNAP running, which could impact millions of hungry people in our nation. Other programs, such as school meals and the Women’s Infant and Children’s program are at risk. All these services form a critical backdrop for our country’s ability to prevent hunger in our most vulnerable communities.

U.S. government shutdown can also impact foreign assistance and our engagement overseas. Our diplomatic and development agencies cannot make new funding commitments during a shutdown unless it is deemed necessary to protect life and government property. In addition, a government shutdown decreases oversight of international programs due to staff furloughs. This could lead to program inefficiencies and reduce the amount of resources and services available to at-risk populations.

Government shutdowns reduce the availability and credibility of public programs. Policy debates over funding should not ride on the backs of low-income households and those who can afford it. As stated in the ELCA Social Statement, The Church in Society: A Lutheran Perspective (1991), “The witness of this church in society flows from its identity as a community that lives from and for the Gospel. Faith is active in love; love calls for justice in the relationships and structures of society. It is in grateful response to God’s grace in Jesus Christ that this church carries out its responsibility for the well-being of society and the environment.” Lawmakers must hear from their constituents that closing the federal government is not an effective solution, and we must continue to build public leadership to reinforce the integrity of the nation.

During this shutdown, most traditional avenues for communicating with our lawmakers are also shut down. Consider often-monitored social media accounts, like Twitter, and local news outlets to urge reversal of the shutdown and re-stabilization of vital government services and relationships.

by Andrew Fuller, Advocacy Coordinator

The start of the 116^th Congress begins this week. As five new Lutheran lawmakers are sworn in to the U.S. House of Representatives, check out some of the Lutheran legislators who will serve our country in this new Congress.

Both incumbent ELCA Lutherans who ran for re-election to the U.S. Senate, Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., and Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, successfully won their respective races in November. They will rejoin their other Lutheran Senate colleagues when the new Congress starts in January 2019, including ELCA members Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., and Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa; as well as Wisconsin Evangelical Luthe ran Synod (WELS) member Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis.; and The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS) member Cory Gardner, R-Colo.

Five new Lutheran-affiliated members will be joining the U.S. House of Representatives this year., Lutheran colleagues now include Rep. David Trone, D-Md.; Rep. Angie Craig, D-Minn.; Rep. Kelly Armstrong, R-N.D.; Rep. Xochitl Torres Small, D-N.M.; and LCMS member Rep. Jim Hagedorn, R-Minn. Two incumbent Lutheran members did not win their bides for re-election this year: self-described Lutheran member Rep. David Young, R-Iowa; and LCMS member Rep. Erik Paulsen, R-Minn.

Incumbent ELCA House of Representatives members who won re-election and will continue serving in the 116th Congress include Rep. Zoe Lofgren, D-Calif.; Rep. Scott Peters, D-Calif.; Rep. Chellie Pingree, D-Maine; Rep. Collin Peterson, D-Minn.; Rep. Stacey E. Plaskett, D-U.S. Virgin Islands; Rep. Lloyd Smucker, R-Pa..; Rep. John Carter, R-Texas; and Rep. Denny Heck, D-Wash. Re-elected LCMS representatives include Rep. John Shimkus, R-Ill.; Rep. Larry Bucshon, R-Ind.; and Rep. Glenn Grothman, R-Wis. WELS member Rep. Ron Kind, D-Wis., also will rejoin the House. Other self-described Lutherans re-elected to the House are Rep. Jack Bergman, R-Mich.; and Rep. Donald Norcross, D-N.J.

Special Mention:

Four Lutheran members did not seek re-election last November, including ELCA Rep. Bill Shuster, R-Pa.; Rep. Tim Walz, D-Minn.; Rep. Diane Black, R-Tenn.; and LCMS member Rep. Dave Reichert, R-Wash. Among those not seeking re-election, former Congressman Tim Walz won the gubernatorial race in Minnesota and will be joining the state house at the start of 2019. We are grateful for their leadership in Congress and look forward to engaging with them in the future!
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Get a jump start on building relationships with your lawmakers with ideas from an interfaith guide, “Make Sure Your Member of Congress Knows You!”

ELCA Advocacy

March Update: Advocacy Connections

March Update: U.N. and State Edition

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

Dennis Frado, director

California

Regina Banks, Lutheran Office of Public Policy loppca.org

Colorado

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

Minnesota

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

New Mexico

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

Southeastern Synod

Hilton Austin, Director

Pennsylvania

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

Virginia

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

Washington

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

Wisconsin

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

Shouting in the season of Lent

Love not fear lives out our Lutheran faith: ELCA AMMPARO stands against policies that hurt asylum seekers

February Update: U.N. and State Edition

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

California

Colorado

Minnesota

North Carolina

New Mexico

Southeastern Synod

Ohio

Pennsylvania

Virginia

Washington

Wisconsin

2019 ELCA Advocacy Policy Priorities

AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND HOMELESSNESS

CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAMS

CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM

HEALTHCARE

ENVIRONMENT AND CARING FOR ALL CREATION

CONFLICT PREVENTION, PEACEBUILDING, HUMAN RIGHTS

FOREIGN ASSISTANCE

GENDER JUSTICE

ADDRESSING ROOT CAUSES OF MIGRATIONS

PROTECTING CHILDREN AND FAMILIES WHO FLEE THEIR COMMUNITIES AND THOSE WHO ARE LONG-TERM U.S. RESIDENTS

CAMPAIGN FINANCE VOTER PROTECTIONS

Shutdown stalemate causes increasing difficulties

January Update: State Edition

California

Colorado

Minnesota

House

Senate

New Mexico

NORTH CAROLINA

Ohio

Pennsylvania

Southeastern Synod

Washington

Pressure on vulnerable people amplified by shutdown

Lutherans in the 116th Congress

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