from the ELCA advocacy office in Washington, D.C. – the Rev. Amy E. Reumann, Senior Director

Partial expanded content from Advocacy Connections: May 2024

SUMMER MEALS AND EBT | FARM BILL | NEW REDERAL RULES RELEASED | NATIONAL SECURITY SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDING | RESPONSE TO CONDITIONS IN HAITI

 

SUMMER MEALS AND EBT: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is advancing their annual summer meal program, with several key reforms that could help provide food assistance to children in rural areas. As school comes to an end, many state governments will be implementing USDA summer programs including to-go delivered meals in rural communities (non-congregant projects), group meal sites and summer food Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards for eligible families with children.

Why It Matters to the ELCA

Food programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) accompany the mission of our churches and ministries, food pantries and charitable investments striving for a just world where all are fed. Cuts or newly added barriers to the SNAP program could come at a dire time as food costs continue to climb in many of our communities, and as many of our ministries are over capacity.

What’s Next

The ELCA Action Center has a current active Action Alert urging lawmakers to preserve funding for SNAP and anti-hunger programs in the Farm Bill. ELCA Witness in Society staff will be meeting with congressional staff ahead of potential House introduction and will be monitoring the legislation.

FARM BILL: The U. S. House of Representatives Agriculture Committee, led by Chair G.T. Thompson (PA-15), released the proposed bill text for the multi-year package of legislation known as the Farm Bill. Find text here. As written, the proposed legislation includes things to celebrate and concerns for our priorities.

To note, this bill includes the RESTORE Act, which repeals the denial of SNAP benefits for certain individuals with previous drug-related convictions. This bill also incorporates innovative policies that aim to support farmers, promote sustainable practices, and strengthen rural development: most notably are the provisions that will help streamline rural development permitting processes and reinforcing broadband connectivity in rural communities. Additionally, this proposal would be the largest investment in conservation programs, to date.

With deep gratitude for these provisions, we have some concerns with the nutrition program and the conservation title that conflict with our priorities. This version of the Farm Bill, proposed by the House Agriculture Committee, would limit the ability to update the Thrifty Food Plan, which provides the basis for calculating SNAP benefits. Also the additional funds for the conservation program, that had originally been set aside for “climate-smart agriculture” incentives from the Inflation Reduction Act, would lose those climate-smart requirements under this proposal. The House Agriculture Committee is scheduled to mark up this draft legislation on Thu., May 23.

Why It Matters to the ELCA

In a world of abundance, we strive for an end to hunger and poverty, and towards a just world where all are fed. Additionally, we are to work with each other and the environment to meet needs without causing undue burdens elsewhere. The Farm Bill is one of the most influential pieces of legislation affecting hunger and conservation in the U.S. and around the world.

What’s Next

More will be known about exactly what is included in Farm Bill reauthorization as planning moves to availability of actual language soon. In this quickly moving climate, visit our Farm Bill Engagement Updates blog page for new information. ELCA advocacy staff is monitoring and is in the process of scheduling meetings with House members to express concern before and after the mark-up that a faithful Farm Bill can be passed that does not result in undermining nutrition and climate-smart programs.

NEW REDERAL RULES RELEASED: In celebration of Earth Day, the Biden administration announced a series of new federal programs and rules related to environmental protections and climate change. These include rules concerning the Solar for All grant competition, zero-emissions freight sector, pollution reduction from fossil fuel-fired power plants, and new transmission lines.

• $7 billion in grants through the Environmental Protection Agency’s Solar for All grant competition, a key component of the Inflation Reduction Act’s $27 billion Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund.
• A first-ever national goal to transition to a zero-emissions freight sector for truck, rail, aviation and marine, along with a commitment to develop a national zero-emissions freight strategy.
• A suite of final rules, from the EPA, to reduce pollution from fossil fuel-fired power plants in order to protect all communities from pollution and improve public health without disrupting the delivery of reliable electricity.
• The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) released a final rule to make federal permitting of new transmission lines more efficient, establishing the Coordinated Interagency Transmission Authorization and Permits program.

Why It Matters to the ELCA

Each announcement is either long-awaited implementation of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act or finalized federal rules—both of which align with ELCA advocacy efforts to encourage the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and also promote justice in the process. These announcements come at a great time to ensure these programs can be accessible to communities as soon as possible.

What’s Next

While we celebrate these monumental announcements, we are also closely watching Congress. With executive action often under much scrutiny, especially by Congress, we are expecting that some lawmakers will utilize the Congressional Review Act to challenge some of these measures. This is a resolution that, if passed by Congress, can overturn a federal rule. We will continue to monitor and express support for these new federal rules.

NATIONAL SECURITY SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDING: Congress passed, and the President signed, the supplemental funding package that included funding for international humanitarian assistance, funded at $9.15 billion. The humanitarian funding will be used to address immediate needs in different countries experiencing emergencies, including provision of food assistance to Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan and Haiti.

Why It Matters to the ELCA

Many ELCA companions and LWF member churches are involved in providing emergency assistance to displaced and other vulnerable populations in their communities and beyond. They see the scale of needs and have raised concerns about lack of basic provisions from the international community. While not enough, U.S. funding for humanitarian assistance will provide a portion of the support needed in various places around the world.

What’s Next

As Congressional appropriators begin working on FY25 federal budget, Witness in Society advocacy staff continue to advocate for robust allocation of humanitarian aid and other critical international programs to ensure life-saving assistance for those most vulnerable is sustained.

RESPONSE TO CONDITIONS IN HAITI: In March, the ELCA joined than more than 450 immigration, human rights, faith-based and civil rights organizations in a letter to the Biden administration urging the extension and redesignation of Haiti for Temporary Protected Status (TPS), pause on deportations, and expansion of lawful migration pathways.

The ELCA also helped lead an interfaith letter from more than 250 faith organizations and faith leaders. On a recent press call with congressional leaders and advocates, the Rev. David Nagler, bishop of the Pacifica Synod, said, “Some of our churches have welcomed Haitian families and have heard their stories… The question before us as a nation is will we make the policy decisions that will protect the vulnerable, provide for basic human needs, and help create a path toward a sustainable and prosperous future?”

Why It Matters to the ELCA

Calling for an indefinite halt to deportations and expulsions to Haiti during times of crisis is not new, as it follows a history of raising concern about conditions in Haiti. In 2023, the ELCA sent a letter to the administration addressing concerns of an “asylum ban” when it was widely reported that new restrictions were forthcoming and noted concern about the threat of harm of deportations to the life and dignity of individuals forced to return.

What’s Next

Even as deadly violence has overtaken the capital of Port-au-Prince, the Biden administration restarted deportations this March. The current TPS designation for Haiti is set to expire on Aug. 4, 2024. The administration must decide soon regarding redesignation.

 

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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 .

 

Following are updates shared from submissions of the Lutheran Office for World Community and state public policy offices (sppos) in the ELCA Advocacy Network last month. Full list and map of sppos available.

U.N. | CALIFORNIA| COLORADO | MINNESOTA | PENNSYLVANIA| WASHINGTON |WISCONSIN

New York

Lutheran Office for World Community (LOWC), U.N. – ELCA.org/lowc

Christine Mangale, Director

 

Lutheran Advocacy during CSW68: At the sixty-eighth session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68), 37 clergy, lay-leaders, staff and expert delegates joined the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) in New York from Mar. 8-22, especially for the first week.

Delegates came from 20 countries on five continents. The priority theme was: “Accelerating the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls by addressing poverty and strengthening institutions and financing with a gender perspective.”

Lutherans hosted in-person and virtual side-events, parallel events, worship, orientations as both a Lutheran cohort and as part of Ecumenical Women’s network and led a workshop on promising practices to prevent sexual and gender-based violence as well as met governments both in formal mission visits and informally in ad hoc lobby meetings. Lutherans met with UN Women and submitted statements and contributed language to the commission’s agreed conclusions outcome document.

The ELCA has a long history of supporting the work of LOWC at the United Nations on behalf of the wider LWF. Gender Justice has been a pillar of this work since inception and is grounded in the LWF Gender Justice Policy as well as the social teachings of the ELCA. Further, this work matters to the ELCA as it is part of our Ubuntu identity emphasizing connectedness, our commitment to work globally with Lutherans and the ELCA companion synod commitments.

Engagement at CSW68 is about growing a movement of Lutherans who will continue the work for gender justice back in their home contexts.

 

California

Lutheran Office of Public Policy (LOPPCA) – lutheranpublicpolicyca.org

Regina Banks, Director

Many important bills are being heard across policy committees leading up to the next major deadline on our state’s legislative calendar, which requires sending any bills with financial implications to fiscal committees at the end of April.

Some additional bills that we’re advocating on this session include:

AB 2728 (Gabriel) – This bill is a follow up bill to the great housing bill, SB 4, that was passed in 2023. AB 2728 would incorporate new stakeholder feedback and add common sense accountability measures for SB 4 housing, including utilization data reporting.

AB 1851 (Holden) – This bill follows the vetoed AB 249 (Holden) from 2023, which was one of LOPPCA’s lobby day bills last year. The new attempt would create a pilot program to hire a technical assistance organization that would test all potable water system outlets in designated school districts towards the goal of remediating toxic lead levels in school drinking water.

If you’re in California, remember to register for Lutheran Lobby Day on Wed., May 15, in Sacramento! Register here. We’re working on determining our priority bills for Lobby Day. The general policy focus will be on the physical and economic health of our neighbors.

 

 Colorado

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Colorado (LAM-CO) – lam-co.org

Peter Severson, Director

 

 LUTHERAN DAY AT THE CAPITOL: On Mar. 18, advocates gathered at St. John’s Episcopal Cathedral in downtown Denver to kick off Colorado Lutheran Day at the Capitol! After our morning speakers and lobby training, we walked five blocks to the Capitol to meet with our legislators. The building was buzzing with activity, but every participant got face to face with at least one of their elected officials! Below are a few great photos from the day.

 

  

 Minnesota

Lutheran Advocacy Minnesota (LA-MN) – lutheranadvocacymn.org

Tammy Walhof, Director

 

Legislation: Although the Senate electronic recycling bill has bipartisan support, it also has bipartisan opposition. Opposition lobbyists are calling the small upfront fee a tax increase. Action to senators is still very appropriate.

Despite the extreme need for more affordable housing, bonding this year will be relatively small. We need to keep up the pressure. Actions outlined in the Lenten letter challenge are still appropriate.

Events: Director Tammy Walhof is getting many requests for presentations and conversations (pre-pandemic levels). In March, Tammy had the opportunity to talk about her COP28 (International Climate Conference) experiences to about 75 people gathered in-person and more online, drawing participants from across the state. That same week she met with more than forty 9^th graders from a South Metro congregation. Following Walhof’s advocacy presentation, the 9^th graders wrote letters to their legislators in their small groups.

In April, Walhof has been at Concordia College (Moorhead), the EcoFaith Summit in Duluth (LA-MN was again a partner), and an Apple Valley congregation for an adult forum on COP28. The energy was exciting! More than 300 people gathered in-person for the summit, and online views of the plenary sessions are well over 400. From Thursday through Sunday, Walhof did eight different presentations or group conversations. At Concordia, students also coordinated and led an “Offering of Letters” on e-waste and housing.

Renowned Christian environmental ethicist, Dr. Larry Rasmussen, keynoted the EcoFaith Summit. Twelve-year-old Gigi responded to Dr. Rasmussen’s book, The Planet You Inherit.

Concordia College students organized letter-writing to legislators on campus.

 

Pennsylvania

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania (LAMPa) – lutheranadvocacypa.org

Tracey DePasquale, Director

Pennsylvania Lutherans are eagerly preparing to gather in Harrisburg on May 9 to advocate for funding and policies to tackle hunger and climate change for the sake of our neighbors here and around the globe. We are excited to welcome ELCA Presiding Bishop Eaton and the Rev. Khader El-Yateem, new executive director of ELCA Service and Justice, as we mark 45 years of Lutheran advocacy in Pennsylvania and 50 years of ELCA World Hunger.  We will celebrate the legacy and lean into the future as “Church Together for the Sake of the World God Loves.”

You can be part of the celebration! Artist Freiman Stoltzfus generously donated this gorgeous painting, The Table, as a beautiful representation of the ministry we share and a vision of what it can mean to “Set a Welcome Table.” You can order prints here or sign up to be part of an online auction for the orginail (24” x 36”) oil painting.

In addition to work on depolarization, voter access and election security, LAMPa is launching four statewide service and justice networks in April, gathering Lutherans from all seven synods around hunger and poverty, housing and homelessness, human and civil rights and creation care. The networks are intended for mutual support and learning, inspiration, story-gathering, resource-sharing and equipping for advocacy.

In the Capitol: LAMPa staff joined our PA Hunger Action Coalition partners on Apr. 9 to meet with legislative leaders to urge increased funding for food assistance.

 

Washington

Faith Action Network  (FANWA) – fanwa.org

Elise DeGooyer, Executive Director

Washington state’s 60-day legislative session concluded on Mar. 7. Since then, our Policy Engagement Director Kristin Ang and FAN board members Dr. Jasmit Singh and Rabbi Jason Levine traveled to Olympia to join other advocates to witness Governor Inslee sign the bills we advocated for into law. We are celebrating the passage of several bills that will have tangible impacts on our communities, including the Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF) bill (HB 1652) to ensure families keep 100% of their child support payments; the Bias Incidents Hotline (SB 5427) to increase and improve data collection of incidents and give more access points to existing resources and legal support for historically marginalized communities; and 100% Zero-emission School Buses (HB 1368) to protect our climate and keep children safe.

We also celebrate significant supplemental budget investments that will make a difference for our neighbors, including over $500 million for budget items FAN supported with hundreds of letters to legislators. For example, $12.23 million was allocated to launch Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer to feed hungry children during summer months and $25.25 million was allocated to the Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance for services for newly arrived immigrants who do not qualify for federal resettlement programs. You can find all our successes of the bills and budgets at our website.

FAN staff are moving into what we call our Spring Outreach season. At our annual Spring Summits scheduled for May 5 and June 9, we are excited to celebrate our advocacy, hear concerns and priorities from each other, and strategize for how we might partner together in the months ahead. ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellow Tomo Duke has met with Congress members and staff such as Rep. Adam Smith and the staff of Rep. Pramila Jayapal this past month and has been working on strategizing for federal legislation advocacy in the areas of the Farm Bill and immigration. Stay tuned for more advocacy opportunities on the federal level.

Wisconsin

The Lutheran Office for Public Policy in Wisconsin (LOPPW) – loppw.org

The Rev. Cindy Crane, Director

 

In April, we interviewed Andrew Fuller, ELCA Program Director for Economic Policy, on the Farm Bill, Child Tax Credit, and John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act: Wednesday Noon Live (15-minute video)

 

 

Bills LOPPW Supported: The Wisconsin legislative session has wrapped its major periods for making decisions as the election season has ramped up in the state.

Some pieces of proposed legislation that our office supported passed.  We were invited to a bill signing with the Governor on three anti-sex trafficking bills:

• AB 973 /SB 940: Relating to mandatory training regarding human trafficking for employees of community-based residential facilities and owners of certain entities and certain other employees and granting rule-making authority.
• AB 976 /SB 946: Relating to the testimony of a child in a criminal proceeding for a human trafficking crime.
• AB 978 / SB 954: Relating to creation of a Human Trafficking Council and requiring the establishment of county sex trafficking task forces.

Environmental bills – one building an Electric Vehicle infrastructure and one a deicer applicators certification program – passed. We were dismayed that some pieces of legislation related to immigration and juvenile justice that we supported did not pass.

For the Apr. 2 election we interviewed Molly Carmichael who works with the League of Women Voters on two harmful constitutional amendments: Video | Facebook

Despite advocacy by LOPPW and other organizations supporting voting rights, these amendments passed.

Lastly, we are continuing preparation for our October Youth Advocacy Retreat which will take place Oct. 4-6, 2024.

 

 

from the ELCA advocacy office in Washington, D.C. – the Rev. Amy E. Reumann, Senior Director

Partial expanded content from Advocacy Connections: April 2024

HUNGER IN THE FARM BILL | PARTICULATE MATTER EMISSIONS STANDARDS | PEPFAR EXTENDED FOR JUST ONE YEAR | CALLS FOR BILATERAL CEASEFIRE INCREASE | APPROPRIATIONS BILL INCREASES IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT SPENDING

 

HUNGER IN THE FARM BILL:  Rep. Glenn Thompson (R-PA), chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, announced intentions to introduce legislative text for reauthorizing the Farm Bill as soon as April. This comes after reports of policy disagreements among lawmakers on how to allocate anti-hunger, conservation and crop investment funding.

Though little is expected to pass in an election year, Congress must pass or temporarily extend a Farm Bill by the end of September before certain programs start to expire.

Why It Matters in the ELCA:

Food programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) accompany the mission of our ministries, food pantries and charitable investments striving for a just world where all are fed. Cuts or newly added barriers to the SNAP program could come at a dire time as food costs continue to climb in many of our communities, and as many of our ministries are over capacity.

What’s Next:

The ELCA Action Center has a current Action Alert urging lawmakers to preserve funding for SNAP and anti-hunger programs in the Farm Bill. ELCA Witness in Society staff will be meeting with congressional staff ahead of potential House introduction and will be monitoring the legislation.

PARTICULATE MATTER EMISSIONS STANDARDS: In February, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) updated its standards for particulate matter in accordance with the Clean Air Act. This new standard is to go into effect on May 6, 2024. Recently, Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) introduced a Congressional Review Act to nullify this rule change.

Why it Matters in the ELCA:

ELCA advocacy joined other faith partners to advocate for this change over the last year (March 2023 letter) and celebrated the new standard from the EPA. This rule change is expected to save an estimated 4,500 lives and deliver $46 billion in health benefits in 2032.

What’s Next:

ELCA advocacy and interfaith partners are advocating with lawmakers to show support for the new EPA particulate matter emissions standards and asking offices to oppose the proposed congressional review act.

PEPFAR EXTENDED FOR JUST ONE YEAR: Members of Congress included a one-year extension of the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) in the final FY24 appropriations bill. The new reauthorization will expire on Mar. 25, 2025. This is the first time PEPFAR has received reauthorization of less than five years, raising concerns about the long-term impact on global PEPFAR services.

In addition to reauthorization, Congress also appropriated a flat level of funding for PEPFAR programming, and for other bilateral HIV programs administered by USAID. The multilateral Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria received a reduction.

Why It Matters in the ELCA:

PEPFAR is the largest U.S. global health program devoted to a single disease. Today, PEPFAR supports over 20 million people around the world by providing lifesaving antiretroviral treatment. Because of PEPFAR, millions of babies born to mothers living with HIV are born HIV-free. Lutheran hospitals in countries like Tanzania partner with PEPFAR to provide various services to people living with HIV.

What’s Next:

In the coming year, ELCA advocacy and partners will continue to urge members of Congress to pass a multi-year PEPFAR reauthorization before Mar. 25, 2025.

CALLS FOR BILATERAL CEASEFIRE INCREASE:  ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton joined global Christian leaders in calling for a cease fire in Gaza. The chorus of churches and global Christian leaders wrote an Easter letter calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and saying, “We hold onto the hope that peace is possible even in the midst of this darkest hour.”

Despite White House statements and congressional action, President Biden authorized arms transfer to Israel. Despite multiple letters to the administration from church leaders – including those from the ELCA and global Christian leaders – the Biden Administration authorized a multi-billion-dollar arms transfer to Israel on Mar. 27, even after historic public condemnation of the Netanyahu government from the administration and Democratic Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.

Why It Matters in the ELCA:

The opening line of the ELCA social statement For Peace in God’s World states: “We of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America share with the Church of Jesus Christ in all times and places the calling to be peacemakers.”

What’s Next:

The ELCA will continue to advocate for a permanent bilateral ceasefire and the restoration of funding to UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

APPROPRIATIONS BILL INCREASES IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT SPENDING: On Mar. 8, Congress passed H.R. 2882, the “Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024”. The FY24 minibus package provides funding for various immigration programs and provisions. The package did not include harmful immigration policy riders. The spending package overall represents a dramatic increase in funding for immigration enforcement, detention, and removal operations; meanwhile, funding for overseas programs to address migration and refugees decreased or stayed the same.

Some notable highlights include $34 million to process work permit applications and funding for case management, alternatives to detention, and the Shelter and Service Program (SSP) through FEMA to support NGOs serving migrants.

Why It Matters in the ELCA:

The ELCA continues to work for fair and compassionate immigration policies that weigh the need for security with functioning asylum and immigration policies, arising from the accompaniment of ELCA programs and ministries with migrants. By providing yet more billions in additional for funding for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) while neglecting to address the drivers of migration or widening legal pathways to the United States, lawmakers resign to repeat the mistakes of the past. For years, the number of people arriving at the border has increased, despite an ever-increasing influx of tax-dollars for border enforcement. During the FY24 budget process, the ELCA advocated for funding to provide safety and dignity for asylum seekers, for international assistance to address the drivers of migration and for investments in refugee protection.

What’s Next:

The FY25 federal appropriations process begins in earnest soon. Reportedly, the administration is also weighing certain executive actions (used previously to impose a travel ban on people of Muslim-majority countries) which would most certainly draw legal challenges, irrespective of congressional action on a border supplemental package.

 

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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 .

 

Following are updates shared from submissions of the Lutheran Office for World Community and state public policy offices (sppos) in the ELCA Advocacy Network last month. Full list and map of sppos available.

U.N. | ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | MINNESOTA | OHIO | PENNSYLVANIA | WASHINGTON | WISCONSIN

New York

Lutheran Office for World Community (LOWC), U.N. – ELCA.org/lowc

Christine Mangale, Director

As our Lutheran Office for World Community colleagues conclude vigorous activity during the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68), no March update is available.

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Arizona

LUTHERAN ADVOCACY MINISTRY ARIZONA (LAMA) lamaz.org

Solveig Muus, Director

LAMA hosted its 3rd annual Lutheran Day at the Legislature on January 18. Gathered were 125 Lutherans and friends representing 24 of Arizona’s 30 legislative districts to hear remarks from Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, Arizona’s longest-serving senator, Lela Alston, Bishop Deborah Hutterer and others, and then met with their legislators about hunger, the water crisis, equal access to voting, and the need for low-income housing. Participants met with more than 40 lawmakers, practicing neighbor love through advocacy and demonstrating that faith is an action word. 

LAMA co-hosted its 2nd annual Anti-Hunger Advocacy Day at the Capitol on February 21. LAMA co-founded the Arizona Anti-Hunger Alliance, a statewide coalition of food banks, farmers, healthy school meals advocates, community gardeners, justice advocates, state agencies and faith-based organizations who share common values – ending hunger! – to educate our legislators and advocate for the more than 750,000 Arizonans who face hunger every day. 

The Grand Canyon Synod Hunger Leaders Network sponsored the 40-40-40 Lenten Challenge, an ELCA Region 2 inter-synod challenge. Participating were 708 individuals in 149 congregations across the five synods of Region 2. Based on the enthusiastic response to the challenge and a productive regional meeting at the ELCA World Hunger Leaders Gathering in February, the Region 2 delegates decided to meet regularly to discern how the five synods might collaborate as church together around hunger. 

The Grand Canyon Synod’s Bishop Deborah Hutterer joined other faith leaders and lawmakers from both sides of the aisle on February 15 to discuss the pressing need for affordable, accessible housing, pressing for the passage of Yes In God’s Backyard (YIGBY), legislation aimed at helping Arizona meet the needs of its inadequately-housed citizens.

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California

Lutheran Office of Public Policy (LOPPCA) – lutheranpublicpolicyca.org

Regina Banks, Director

LOPPCA has a strong focus on the state budget situation leading up to the May Revision deadline. The Legislative Analyst’s Office projects a potential $73 billion deficit as of February. Our priority areas to prevent the most drastic cuts this year are centered in housing, human services, and climate. A budget letter containing LOPPCA’s specific 2024 budget asks has been completed.  

The policy bill process is ramping up in the state legislature as well. A couple bills that we’ve begun to track and support in our office include:  

AB 2090 (Irwin) – which would require the Office of Farm to Fork in CA’s Department of Agriculture to work with transportation agencies to prioritize efforts in food deserts, especially counties most impacted by food security. Additionally, the bill would require the office to work with school districts to assess access to school meal programs during academic calendar breaks and school closures.  

SB 252 (Gonzalez) – which would prohibit the state retirement systems from making new investments or renewing existing investments of retirement funds in a fossil fuel company.  

Upcoming event: Registration is ongoing for our 5th annual Lutheran Lobby Day on Wednesday, May 15th in Sacramento! Register and learn more here: https://lutheranpublicpolicyca.org/lutheran-lobby-day-2024

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 Minnesota

Lutheran Advocacy Minnesota (LA-MN) – lutheranadvocacymn.org

Tammy Walhof, Director

E-Waste Recycling: Bills to redefine and collect electronic waste have passed House and Senate Environment Committees. Next, they must pass the respective Commerce Committees, and then Ways and Means in the House and Finance in the Senate. Our previous Action Alerts are still valid, but focus on asking legislators to urge their colleagues in the Commerce Committees to pass the bills (H.F.3566 in House; S.F.3940 in Senate). Concerns with small upfront fees to be charged on electronics to pay for statewide collection should be countered by reminding legislators that health costs of toxins getting into groundwater or air are much greater, as are taxpayer costs as counties address fire hazards from electronics in trash.

Affordable Housing: The House Capitol Investment Committee passed H.F.4194 for $500 million in Housing Infrastructure Bonds (HIBs) and an expansion of the possible uses of HIBs to allow funds to be used to address deferred maintenance, insurance, renovations, and more. Our partners at MCCD (Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers) claim that about one-third of affordable housing residents are at risk of losing housing because operators can’t keep up with expenses (a problem stemming from increasing insurance and pandemic losses). Although we do not expect obstacles at the House Housing Committee, please watch for Action Alerts as HIBs move forward from there. 

 Lenten Letter Challenge: Action is still possible from this initiative which helps generate action to legislators from your church, committee, group, friends, or wherever through our Lenten Letter Challenge (scroll to mid-page). Action doesn’t need to be tied to Lent, but Lenten season launch was meaningful timing. 

 

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Ohio

Hunger Network in Ohio (HNO) – www.hungernetohio.com

Deacon Nick Bates, Director

Gerrymandering Reform NOW! 

When legislators are more concerned with small segments of primary voters and cable news quotes, our food pantries, social services, and school groups will not be heard on the local needs. That is why the Hunger Network is all in on gerrymandering reform! The Citizens not Politicians campaign is gathering signatures to put the issue before Ohio voters in November. Luther said that Daily bread includes good government. We need a government where the people choose our representatives not where politicians choose their voters. Learn more at https://www.hungernetohio.com/redistricting 

Faith Leaders Legislative Lunch April 16th 11-1pm at the Ohio Statehouse.  

Join people of faith and advocates to have lunch with our lawmakers to discuss safe, decent, and affordable housing in Ohio and what can be done to guarantee every Ohioan a bed at night and a full table for dinner. You can reserve your seat at www.hungernetohio.com/events  

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Pennsylvania

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania (LAMPa) – lutheranadvocacypa.org

Tracey DePasquale, Director

LAMPa is excited to open registration for Lutheran Day in the Capitol, and our 45th Anniversary Gala Celebration of Advocates on May 9!  We will celebrate and cultivate being church together in Pennsylvania for the sake of the world God loves, lifting up our partnership with ELCA World Hunger as we mark 50 years of striving for a just world where all are fed. 

In February, LAMPa staff participated in the World Hunger Leaders Gathering in Texas. Read what Penn. hunger leaders took away from the event.

Gov. Josh Shapiro announced his budget in February. LAMPa found much to applaud, but called for more investment in anti-hunger programs to meet the need we are witnessing. 

 As we marked National School Breakfast Week with a win and a challenge, LAMPa encouraged congregations to step up in support of summer nutrition programs.  

 LAMPa launched a period poverty postcard campaign on International Women’s Day, Mar. 8, urging lawmakers to support the governor’s request for $3 million for menstrual hygiene products in public schools – a need raised by our ministries with struggling families and individuals across the state. 

Recognizing that Pennsylvania is a pivotal state this election year, Gov. Shapiro launched an elections security task force, and LAMPa shared tips and resources for faithful civic engagement as a way of loving our neighbor. 

 As the daffodils began to bloom in Pennsylvania, LAMPa shared resources for congregations and conferences to mark Earth Day in praise, prayer and action for the care of neighbor and our common home.

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Washington

Faith Action Network  (FANWA) – fanwa.org

Elise DeGooyer, Executive Director

 We are grateful to report that FAN had our successful Interfaith Advocacy Day on February 8. The sun shone upon nearly 200 faithful advocates who gathered from across the state. We heard from plenary speakers including Sen. Yasmin Trudeau and attended workshops on different advocacy topics presented by coalition partners in the morning. Attendees caucused among their districts and met with legislators and staff. This year, the attendees had a unique opportunity of “floor pulls,” and some legislators stepped off the floor to meet their constituents in the lobby. The dynamic presence of FAN advocates at the Capitol served as a reminder of the crucial role faith communities play in legislative advocacy. 

As Washington’s 2024 legislative session wrapped up, we have exciting news. At the time of this writing, some bills that we advocated for are nearing the governor’s desk to be signed into law, including HB 2368 Funding for Services for Newly Arrived Immigrants which impacts those who do not qualify for federal refugee programs, and HB 1541 Nothing About Us Without Us to ensure the meaningful participation of people with direct lived experience on state committees. We also witnessed several major policies stall, such as HB 2114 Limiting Rent Increases at seven percent annually, and HB 1579 Establishing a State Office of Independent Prosecutor. Updates can be found on our bill tracker. 

While some bills’ journeys to become law may have stopped short this year, FAN’s advocacy does not cease. As the legislators finalized the  supplemental budget, FAN network  raised our voices to call for budget allocations that meet the environmental and human needs of communities like children in school, senior citizens experiencing heightened food insecurity, and unhoused people.  

 

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Wisconsin

The Lutheran Office for Public Policy in Wisconsin (LOPPW) – loppw.org

The Rev. Cindy Crane, Director

Voting: On Wednesday Noon Live we interviewed Jay Heck, Common Cause, and discussed how legislative maps in Wisconsin will impact state elections. Heck has been working on fair maps in Wisconsin and explained the nuances of the new maps. We asked him: 

•   What just happened to our Wisconsin maps? 
•   Are the new ones much fairer? 
•   Why did Republicans hang on to the old ones? 
•   Why were some Democrats against the new ones? 
•   How long-lasting are the new maps? 

  Care for God’s Creation:  LOPPW is supporting SB791 that would allow Wisconsin to meet the requirements for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program. Wisconsin is one of two states that has not met these requirements. If passed, Wisconsin’s Department of Transportation would administer $78.5 million in federal funding for electric vehicle infrastructure to have Level 3 DC Fast Electric Vehicle Charging Stations every 50 miles on major state highways. 

  Immigration:  LOPPW has been advocating on four state bills relate to DACA recipients receiving occupational licensing, a tax credit, in-state tuition, and allowing them to be police officers. All but the police officer stipulation failed to pass the Assembly before the session wrapped up.  There is some chance the latter will pass in the Senate.  We know the Republican authors are committed to bringing the bills back and that there will continue to be bipartisan support.  

  New Office:  LOPPW moved with the South-Central Synod of Wisconsin into its space at Lakeview Lutheran Church in Madison! 

  

 

 

 

from the ELCA advocacy office in Washington, D.C. – the Rev. Amy E. Reumann, Senior Director

Partial expanded content from Advocacy Connections: March 2024

FEDERAL BUDGET | YES IN GOD’S BACK YARD ACT | RECOVERING AMERICA’S WILDLIFE ACT | UYGHUR POLICY ACT OF 2023 | CALLS FOR CEASEFIRE, RESTORATION OF UNRWA FUNDING | SOLIDARITY WITH ANNUNCIATION HOUSE

FEDERAL BUDGET:  The House and Senate passed the first tranche of 2024 spending bills, including funding for agriculture and housing programs. The bipartisan deal reached in both chambers in time to avoid a shutdown of many key federal agencies would fully fund core anti-hunger initiatives, such as the Women, Infant, and Children program (WIC), and does not include any harmful policy changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) nutrition program. The deal would also give a two percent increase to federal housing programs – which comes at a critical time when rents, housing costs and affordability continue to climb.

Why It Matters in the ELCA:

Hundreds of Lutherans over the past month took action on hunger issues in the budget, and hundreds more sent messages on the need for affordable housing support over the last year. Rumors of proposed cuts in earlier negotiations would have been a serious blow to the efforts of our ministries at the fore of addressing poverty in our communities.

What’s Next:

Lawmakers must now look to pass 2025 spending bills for domestic programs as the President’s Budget request makes its way to Congress.

YES IN GOD’S BACK YARD ACT:  On Mar. 12, Sen. Sherrod Brown (OH), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs (Senate Banking Committee), introduced the Yes In God’s Back Yard (YIGBY) Act, legislation to support faith-based organizations and colleges wanting to build and preserve affordable housing on their land and reduce barriers to the development of this housing. YIGBY was endorsed by a group of faith groups and coalitions including the ELCA. The Senate Banking Committee in mid-March held a hearing to discuss bipartisan approaches to address the chronic shortage of affordable housing. This came after a series of housing hearings in the spring of 2023 highlighting the core policy challenges that have led to development barriers, homelessness and skyrocketing home costs. Among the legislative proposals, lawmakers highlighted support for some efforts such as authorizing proactive disaster recovery resources and offering increased resources for churches seeking to build affordable housing.

Why It Matters in the ELCA:

Congregations across the United States have increasingly invested more in developing community housing in recent years as the lack of affordable options has become one of the leading drivers of homelessness. Development planning, zoning approval and other local barriers to building new housing can take years before ground is even broken on a new project. New technical assistance for congregations, and incentives for local governments to lower development barriers proposed in the Yes in Gods Back Yard Act, could go a long way in supporting ministry efforts to end homelessness in our communities.

What’s Next:

Though introduced in the Senate, the Yes in Gods Back Yard Act needs support from across the country in order to make it to the president’s desk. ELCA Witness in Society staff will be tracking the legislation as updates move forward.

RECOVERING AMERICA’S WILDLIFE ACT:  The ELCA has supported the passage of the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act (RAWA), S.1149, a bipartisan bill that would allocate nearly $1.4 billion of annual dedicated funding for state and tribal fish and wildlife management agencies. Even with bipartisan support, RAWA seems to have hit a stall with no indication of movement. An Action Alert is available in the ELCA Action Center to contact lawmakers on this bill.

Why It Matters in the ELCA:

The 2023 ELCA social message “Earth’s Climate Crisis”, which built upon the foundational work of the social message Caring for Creation: Vision, Hope, and Justice, “challenges all expressions of this church to…engage in legislative advocacy at all levels of government, individually and collectively” (p. 16). Our continued advocacy on environmental policies is in direct response to this challenge.

What’s Next:

Additionally, Chairman Bruce Westerman (AR) of the House Committee on Natural Resources quietly filed the America’s Wildlife Habitat Conservation Act, H.R. 7408, last week in competition with RAWA. While there has been some confusion between the two bills, it is important to note that while the America’s Wildlife Habitat Conservation Act would focus on the importance of habitat, it stops short of dedicating the necessary funding for fish and wildlife management agencies that hunters and anglers have long sought through the advancement of the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act.

UYGHUR POLICY ACT OF 2023:  The Uyghur Policy Act of 2023, H.R. 2766, was passed by the House and has been sent to the Senate for consideration. The act authorizes the establishment of a Special Coordinator for Uyghur Issues position within the Department of State. The role is established to coordinate U.S government policies, programs and projects concerning the Uyghurs and members of other ethnic and religious minority groups. Further, it authorizes $250,000 over three years to human rights advocates working on behalf of the Uyghurs and other persecuted ethnic groups.

Why It Matters in the ELCA:

The ELCA social statement For Peace in God’s World states that “Human rights provide a common universal standard of justice for living with our differences, and they give moral and legal standing to the individual in the international community. We therefore will continue to teach about human rights, protest their violation, advocate their international codification, and support effective ways to monitor and ensure compliance with them” (p. 14).

What’s Next:

The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.

CALLS FOR CEASEFIRE, RESTORATION OF UNRWA FUNDING:  There have been multiple calls by the ELCA and its leadership for both a permanent bilateral ceasefire and the restoration United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA)’s funding.

• Following the Feb. 27-Mar. 5 Conference of Bishops (COB), the body advanced a statement and letter to President Joseph Biden, calling for a permanent ceasefire, return of hostages and political prisoners, and protection of civilians and lasting peace efforts. This letter was delivered on Mar. 3.
• Following allegations by Israel that 13 of UNRWA’s 30,000 staff were implicated in Oct. 7 events, and as UNRWA investigates the allegations, the ELCA joins many others in urging that humanitarian assistance not be further cut off amid the military siege in the densely population Gaza territory. UNRWA provides humanitarian assistance, health and educational services for some three million of the 5.9 million Palestinian refugees in Gaza, East Jerusalem, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria. In Gaza, where infrastructure has been devastated and essential supplies are dangerously reduced, two million Palestinians in Gaza rely on UNRWA for humanitarian assistance.
• The ELCA joined Churches for Middle East Peace in organizing congressional meetings with legislative offices on Feb. 13, focusing advocacy on calls for a permanent bilateral ceasefire and restoration of UNRWA funding. Bishop Tracie Bartholomew, New Jersey Synod, met with senior policy staff as well as directly with Sen. Chris Van Hollen (MD) on that date.

Why It Matters in the ELCA:

The opening line of the ELCA social statement For Peace in God’s World states: “We of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America share with the Church of Jesus Christ in all times and places the calling to be peacemakers.”

What’s Next:

The ELCA will continue to advocate for a permanent bilateral ceasefire and the restoration of funding to UNRWA.

SOLIDARITY WITH ANNUNCIATION HOUSE:  On Mar. 4, the COB issued a statement in solidarity with migrants and Annunciation House. Annunciation House is a volunteer-run Catholic organization with over 40 years of providing hospitality to migrants in El Paso, Tex. On Feb. 20, the Attorney General of Texas announced it was suing the El Paso organization for alleged potential legal violations which stem from Annunciation House defending itself from demands for sensitive information. On Mar. 5, the Interfaith Immigration Coalition released an interfaith statement that collected numerous signatures from Lutherans.

Why It Matters in the ELCA:

The COB statement of solidarity with migrants and those who respond to God’s call to serve their neighbors, like Annunciation House, is rooted in a long tradition and legacy of welcoming newcomers. In the United States, congregations accompany migrants in their communities through welcoming and sanctuary congregations and synod task forces, accompany migrant children and families as the physical presence of the church in the immigration courtroom, and pray for justice among other responses.

What’s Next:

On Mar. 11, Judge Francisco Dominguez from Texas’ 205th District issued a ruling blocking further action by the attorney general against Annunciation House until the judge can review the constitutionality of the attorney general’s requests. On Mar. 5, via X/Twitter, Annunciation House posted: “Thanks to the ELCA Conference of Bishops for this statement of solidarity.”

 

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In advance of Super Tuesday, William Milner, ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellow, and Alex Parker, ELCA Advocacy Coordinator, with the D.C.-based staff shared election engagement reflections.

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By William Milner and Alex Parker

You could say we’re election nerds. We’ve woken up early, gone to the polling booth to cast our votes before school and work, and afterwards, rapidly dashed home to turn on the news and watch the results pour in. One of us even remembers in middle school printing out a map of the United States so he could write in each state’s electoral college numbers and color them in either red or blue to help him predict the night’s outcome!

This Mar. 5, known as Super Tuesday, millions of people across 16 states (and one territory) hold their primary elections for the 2024 election. Are you feeling it? The excitement is not just about exercising the right to vote. For us, the profundity of voting is an act of faith-informed service to our neighbors and as a testament to our shared commitment to building a more just and equitable society.

Election engagement is not important to us simply because of our personal affinities, or because it is our job as federal advocates. By participating in the electoral process, we fulfill our duty as stewards of democracy and advocates for justice. Our votes are not only a reflection of our personal preferences but also a means to advocate for the common good and ensure that everyone’s voice is heard in the corridors of power. As faithful advocates, we are called not only to vote, but to vote in a way that aligns with the principles of love, justice and solidarity.

“Over time Lutherans have learned that energetic civic engagement is part of their baptismal vocation, both as individuals and through the church’s corporate witness. Such civic participation is not simply voluntary, idealistic, or altruistic. The ELCA holds to the biblical idea that God calls God’s people to be active citizens and to ensure that everyone benefits from the good of government (Jeremiah 29:7, Romans 13:1-7),” reads the ELCA social message “Government and Civic Engagement in the United States: Discipleship in a Democracy” (p. 14). Many resources for faith-based election engagement are available at ELCA.org/civicengagement and ELCA.org/votes, including a new “Intergenerational Conversation Starter,” encouraging story-sharing of what civic engagement looks like for each of us informed by our faith.

Supporting full participation for all is another way faith informs our election engagement commitment. The John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act was reintroduced this past week in commemoration of the 59th anniversary of Bloody Sunday, where activists were beaten while marching for their civil rights across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Ala. Advancement of this legislation, and others like The Freedom to Vote Act, are being monitored by ELCA advocacy staff. As the ELCA social statement Freed in Christ: Race, Ethnicity, and Culture says ” This church will support legislation, ordinances, and resolutions that guarantee to all persons equally: civil rights, including full protection of the law and redress under the law of discriminatory practices; and to all citizens, the right to vote” (p. 7).

Have you caught the excitement? As faith-based advocates for justice and stewards of democracy, we see our engagement in the electoral process as not merely a personal choice or professional obligation but a sacred calling. If you’re a Super Tuesday voter or will vote another time, don’t skip the opportunity. We embark on this electoral journey, mindful of the positive impact casting your ballot can have, taking part in our shared commitment to building a more just and equitable society.

from the ELCA advocacy office in Washington, D.C. – the Rev. Amy E. Reumann, Senior Director

Partial expanded content from Advocacy Connections: February 2024

CHILD TAX CREDIT EXTENTIONS | WIC FUNDING RUNNING LOW | FEMA INDIVIDUAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM UPDATES | HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS BILL INTRODUCED IN SENATE | PUSH FOR CEASEFIRE BETWEEN ISRAEL & HAMAS CONTINUES | SUPPLEMENTAL BILL MAY REWRITE IMMIGRATION LAW

 

CHILD TAX CREDIT EXTENSION: The House of Representatives on a 357-70 vote passed a bipartisan tax package, including a modest expansion of the Child Tax Credit (CTC), added housing development incentives and tax relief for people impacted by the East Palestine, Ohio chemical spill. If passed by the Senate, the measure could lift as many as 400,000 children out of poverty and create over 200,000 new housing units according to some estimates.

Why It Matters in the ELCA

This legislative push comes as family homelessness rose over 17% in the last year and as many ministries across the United States report over-capacity in shelters and food pantry lines. Tax relief lifting thousands of people out of poverty would come at a truly urgent time for many families and those of us in need across the country. The ELCA Witness in Society staff shared two action alerts addressing both the Child Tax Credit and Low-Income Housing Tax Credit over the last year, with hundreds of Lutherans taking action on each issue.

What’s Next

Though the bill passed the House by a wide margin, passage seems less certain in the Senate. Advocates should take action calling their senators to pass the bill as soon as possible as the start of tax season is already underway.

WIC FUNDING RUNNING LOW: The Department of Agriculture is warning that the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program that provides assistance to millions of low-income families is set to run low on funding in the coming months. The funding shortfall comes as enrollment for assistance and the cost of food rose faster than the Department’s estimations, and as Congress has yet to pass a full year budget for the current fiscal year. Without congressional action, the department warns, millions of women and children could be turned away from assistance as soon as late summer.

Why It Matters in the ELCA

The WIC program is an essential, proven supplemental program that keeps over six million families out of hunger. The WIC program supplements the efforts of many of our hunger ministries, helping give direct food assistance as valuable partners. ELCA Witness in Society staff have been discussing the shortfall with concerned lawmakers and congressional staff across the political spectrum, urging the need to meet new demand for the program.

What’s Next

Though the WIC program carries bipartisan concern, appropriators in Congress are struggling to come up with the political will to meet the shortfall in funding. ELCA advocacy staff continue to monitor.

FEMA INDIVIDUAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM UPDATES: The Biden Administration, along with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), has made significant updates to the Individual Assistance program for survivors of disaster. These updates are intended to establish new benefits, cut red tape and expand eligibility, and simplify the application process for Individual Assistance.

Why It Matters in the ELCA

ELCA Witness in Society along with Lutheran Disaster Response have been advocating for changes like these to simplify the process for survivors of declared disasters. With faith-based volunteers, houses of worship and disaster response coordinators, such as Lutheran Disaster Response, often on the front-line of major disasters, changes in regulation like this can be quite impactful.

What’s Next

It is promising to see changes made swiftly at the regulatory level, but potential for Administration turnover could threaten these improvements. ELCA Witness in Society, along with partners, will continue to advocate for legislative action to simplify and improve disaster response policies. For more information or to take action through our Action Alert.

HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS BILL INTRODUCED IN SENATE: A new bill to protect human rights defenders has been introduced in the Senate. Among other things, the Human Rights Defenders Protection Act of 2024 (S.3705) seeks to create a new, limited visa category to provide up to 500 at-risk human rights defenders with a multiple-entry, multi-year visa to the United States to ensure such individuals are able to safely continue their work.

This bill requires a global strategy for human rights defenders to bolster the ability of U.S. embassies and missions to protect human rights defenders. It also expands diplomatic tools to ensure issues pertaining to human rights defenders are included in each mission’s integrated country strategy, and codifies and strengthens the Biden Administration’s Guidelines for U.S. Diplomatic Support to Civil Society and Human Rights Defenders.

Why It Matters in the ELCA

The ELCA social statement For Peace in God’s World articulates that dignity, “equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world” (pg. 14). Therefore, defending those among us who are risking their lives daily to improve the lives of others is a responsibility we as Lutherans must embrace.

What’s Next

The bill was introduced in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. The Committee is yet to schedule a hearing to mark up the bill before it can be advanced to the full senate floor for a vote.

PUSH FOR CEASEFIRE BETWEEN ISRAEL & HAMAS CONTINUES: ELCA advocacy continues to urge Congress and the Administration to: (1) Publicly call for a ceasefire to prevent the further loss of life; (2) Prioritize the protection of all civilians, including by urgently securing the entrance of humanitarian aid into Gaza and working to secure the release of hostages; and (3) Urge all parties to fully respect international humanitarian law.

Over 27,000 Palestinian people have been killed in Gaza since the start of the war, of which approximately 70% are women and children, and 1.9 million have been displaced from their homes (approximately 85% of the population). As of Jan. 29, 69 U.S. legislators have voiced calls for a ceasefire. ELCA is calling on senators to co-sponsor Senator Van Hollen amendment, which requires that “weapons received by any country under the [request be] used in accordance with U.S. law, international humanitarian law and the law of armed conflict.” The measure also requires the president to report to Congress on the matter and, according to the press release, to strengthen “current law that prohibits U.S. security assistance to any country that prevents or restricts U.S. humanitarian assistance to those in need.”

Why It Matters to the ELCA

Freed by the transformative life of Christ, the ELCA is committed to accompaniment, advocacy and awareness-raising with our partners in the Holy Land and in the United States. Sumud, an Arabic word meaning “steadfastness” used to describe this ministry and work since Oct. 2023 ELCA announcement, connects ELCA members to our companions in the Holy Land and seeks to follow the guidance, support the leadership and amplify the voices of our Palestinian partners. Together with our Lutheran companions, we accompany Palestinians and Israelis, and many other Jews, Christians and Muslims, in working to establish the justice required for peace.

What’s Next

In January, the Senate tabled Senator Bernie Sanders’ effort to curb military aid to Israel during Israel-Hamas war, but “the roll call vote begins to reveal the depth of unease among U.S. lawmakers over Israel’s prosecution of the war against Hamas…In all, 11 senators joined Sanders in the procedural vote, mostly Democrats from across the party’s spectrum, while 72 opposed.” A number of senators were unable to travel in time for the vote in D.C. due to winter weather storms. The future of the resolution is unclear, but Sanders has vowed to continue to advocate oversight from Congress.

SUPPLEMENTAL BILL MAY REWRITE IMMIGRATION LAW: Lawmakers left Washington, D.C. in Dec. without agreement on President Biden’s request for $106 billion in supplemental funding to be split among overseas priorities and border security (looking increasingly likely to be coupled with an extreme border deal). But after months of secret negotiations, a bipartisan compromise was announced.

Estimated to cost $118 billion, the bill would dramatically rewrite immigration law. The bill would create new hurdles for asylum seekers, undermine due process in immigration proceedings, and expand immigration enforcement in unforeseen ways. This was part of the compromise negotiations, which did bring along some favorable immigration provisions such as protections for Afghans.

Why It Matters to the ELCA

The asylum and border proposals are deeply misguided because deterrence does not actually prevent people from making the journey to the United States. The ELCA recognizes the most effective way to reduce migration pressures is by addressing the desperation that is pushing people out of their communities, a key focus of the ELCA AMMPARO strategy. Advocacy priorities formulated in consultation with AMMPARO companions in Central America and Mexico call for a human security and rights framework on migration, and a distancing from the current national security one. The social message on “Immigration” under “Asylum” articulates that the ELCA opposes “unreasonable obstacles and unattainable standards of proof for those seeking asylum” like many of the policies under consideration would do.

What’s Next

The outlook of the supplemental package is not clear, despite procedural votes in the Senate anticipated on Wed. Feb. 7. A vote to proceed with the security supplemental package ultimately failed on Wednesday. Senator Schumer and some Republican senators would like to vote for the same bill without the border provisions, so long as there is an amendment process.

 

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by Tomo Duke, Faith Action Network in Washington [about the author]

I visited the Washington State Capitol a few times this legislative session to advocate with our elected officials. I walked through buildings filled with elegant marble and golden interiors and observed many people dressed in fancy suits. I thought the grandeur created an illusion about elected officials’ status and power.

In a culture that tempts us to fall into idolization of elected officials or political apathy, what kind of power and accountability do we share?

 

POWER IN A UNIFIED COMMUNITY

In his Epistle to Ephesians, Paul reveals a vision of a new unified community among Jews and Gentiles through Christ. It is difficult to bear witness to this vision today in our contemporary political characterizations of red and blue, polarized ideologies, and deepening alienation between privileged and marginalized people. As the 2024 election season is rapidly barreling toward us, a competition for power is amplified. A true sense of a unified community seems remote.

But after sitting with Ephesians 3:10, I was reminded of the great power of God which redeems what’s been lost and reconciles what’s been divided.

Ephesians 3:10 claims the wisdom of God as the greater power which transcends earthly places and will reach “the heavenly places.” We must not be deceived by the worldly powers that possess an outer, physical manifestation – like the fancy government buildings and the elected titles. The inner wisdom from God appears embodied in our beings and our relationships with fellow human beings and creation.

Christ demonstrated His power not in military prowess but in His consistent presence with those of us described as lowly, afflicted and the ‘least of these’ by pouring out love. This power is never scarce but grows in abundance the more it is shared among all people, all creation.

 

LEADERS WHO MULTIPLY POWER

What I look for in elected leaders and candidates is deeper than their political party or position on hot-button policy issues. I look for those who ground their worldly power in their inner spiritual power that they are willing to share. I wish for leaders who multiply the power of the Spirit by releasing their attachment to the possession of worldly power.

Power is shared in moments like when elected officials step off the floor to meet their constituents, or when they value their time to just know and listen to their constituents by standing outside the power structures. Power is shared when constituents of diverse races, ethnicities and faith traditions from the district come together with their elected officials to share individual lived stories. Power is shared when we acknowledge humanity and equal dignity beyond one another’s societal role in the worldly hierarchy.

 

COMMON FRAGILITY

This is being posted on Ash Wednesday, a day when the church remembers, “you are dust, and to dust you shall return” (Genesis 3:19). Dust is our universally shared context. We often forget that we share in our fragility. For those in elected offices, who have the worldly power to affect millions of people at the stroke of a pen, I believe accepting the truth of our common fragility is especially important.

The spirit-filled power of love, justice and compassion needs to be shared among us and be known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.

 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Tomo Duke (she/her) serves at Faith Action Network (FAN) in Washington state. She was born and raised in Japan and has lived in the United States since 2014 as a first-generation immigrant. She graduated with a M.Div. from Duke University in 2023 and holds a B.S. in Political Science. Prior to joining FAN, she gained experiences in immigration service from humanitarian relief to policy advocacy for immigrant justice both in secular and faith-based contexts.

by Frances Dobbs, Lutheran Office for Public Policy in Wisconsin [about the author]

I believe it is important to look to Scripture for values that our leaders should inhabit. The third chapter of Ephesians explores how Christ perfectly embodies leadership, making a clear example for worldly leaders.

When reading the story of salvation history, I believe we are reminded that God has a role in appointing leaders, but that leadership also comes with guidelines for how they act. Micah 6:8 states: “He has told you, O mortal, what is good, and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God?” [bold added]. These three values shape a biblical understanding of what a leader ought to be and are exemplified in Christ’s example.

Justice can be explained as proper relationship, both proper relationship between humanity and God, and also right relationship between humanity and one’s neighbors. When interacting with our neighbors, there is a consistent call to care for the poor, the stranger and the orphan. When God’s people fail in orienting their hearts to care for one another, the Lord rebukes them harshly. An example of this is Amos 2:6: “For three transgressions of Israel, and for four, I will not revoke the punishment, because they sell the righteous for silver and the needy for a pair of sandals”.

When defining loving kindness, one should focus on the right orientation of their heart. Hosea 6:6 says: “For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.” This verse in my view demonstrates that though burnt offerings are to be accepted by God, the focus is that one must have a merciful heart in doing so. Likewise with our political leaders, there is a call to do just things with a clean heart.

Lastly, walking humbly with God is marked by a desire to be in communion with God. There is a reciprocal relationship present, that in loving God, God’s people can be guided to act justly, and in loving the oppressed and vulnerable in our society, our behavior is pleasing to God. “May all kings fall down before him, all nations give him service. For he delivers the needy when they call, the poor and those who have no helper,” reads Psalm 72: 11-12. In other words, leaders of the world ought to walk humbly with God as God is the deliverer of justice to the poor and needy.

Again, it is Christ that exemplifies this image. Through Jesus’ presence on earth, leaders are given an example of which to follow. Their authority carries significance, but it is in justice, kindness, humility and the preference of the poor that they will be worthy worldly leaders.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Frances Dobbs (she/her) is the Hunger Advocacy Fellow placed with the Lutheran Office for Public Policy in Wisconsin. She is a recent graduate from Marquette University with a B.A. in Political Science, a B.A. of International Affairs, and a minor in Theology. She is a Melkite Catholic which is an Eastern Catholic Church in communion with the Roman Catholic Church. She lives in Milwaukee and commutes to Madison for work. She has engaged in a variety of volunteer opportunities including receiving her Girl Scout Gold Award in which she started a library for Amahoro Children’s School in Musanze, Rwanda.

Following are updates shared from submissions in late January of state public policy offices (sppos) in the ELCA Advocacy Network last month. Full list and map of sppos available.

 

CALIFORNIA | OHIO|TEXAS| WASHINGTON

California

Lutheran Office of Public Policy (LOPPCA) – (lutheranpublicpolicyca.org)

Regina Banks, Director

California is facing an ongoing budget deficit, which could range from $38 billion to $58 billion for fiscal year 2024-25, per the existing analyses from various sources. This will have a significant impact on policy efforts in the state. LOPPCA is working with our partners and coalitions to prevent major cuts to critical programs that affect the most vulnerable. Significant cuts exist in the Governor’s proposed budget, which include programs surrounding climate change, affordable housing, and economic safety nets.

Emerging policy priorities apart for LOPPCA in 2024 include housing and homelessness, immigration services and support, and climate change.

Ohio

Hunger Network in Ohio (HNO) – www.hungernetohio.com

Deacon Nick Bates, Director

Veto joy was short-lived.

As we have always said, stories are sacred. Governor DeWine (Republican-Ohio) spent his Christmas holiday talking with families with LGBTQIA+ youth, psychologists, doctors and social workers. He heard the stories and stood with gender non-conforming youth and their families in receiving gender affirming care. We spoke with Channel 5 in Cleveland and Spectrum News Ohio about the joy that LGBTQIA+ Ohioans have during this season of joy. Sadly, the Ohio House of Representatives returned from their holiday early to override the veto, despite growing bi-partisan opposition to legislative overreach and overriding the nuanced and long-discussed decisions of doctors, parents, youth, and case workers.

JOIN US FOR MONTHLY ADVOCACY AFFINITY GROUP!

In 2024, we will begin a monthly advocacy meeting on zoom for advocates across Ohio. This will be at 7pm on the second Thursday of each month. Come and lift up your issues, ask questions, and learn from policy experts and one another. Register at www.hungernetohio.com/events

Texas

Texas Impact – Texas Impact

Scott Atnip, Outreach Director

Theyear 2024 was a long year for advocates in Texas with the Texas Legislature’s 140-day biennial regular session, an impeachment trial and four thirty-day special sessions focused on creating a new public school voucher program and harmful immigration policies. Thanks in part to incredible advocacy from the faith community, the voucher bills failed, but a harmful immigration bill making immigration a state crime was signed into law two weeks before Christmas.

Texas Impact is organizing a series of “Texas Faith Votes” events and other advocacy and civic engagement events across the state in January and February to prepare for an important election cycle.

Three members of the team joined other ELCA and faith advocates at COP28 and provided great content for advocates and congregations.

The Texas Impact Weekly Witness podcast covered it all and is preparing for incredible speakers and content in 2024.

Washington

Faith Action Network (FANWA) – fanwa.org

Elise DeGooyer, Executive Director

The 2024 State Legislative Session Began!

The 2024 Washington state legislative session convened January 8th in Olympia, and is a short 60-day session, ending on March 7. More than 600 bills had already been introduced in both chambers before the session began, with hundreds to follow. With an unprecedented speed of bills being introduced, FAN advocates have been busy preparing for the upcoming Interfaith Advocacy Day (IFAD) on February 8th at the State Capitol. FAN staff offered an online session to give an overview of our multifaceted legislative agenda as a multi-faith, multi-issues organization. Close to 100 people attended our legislative preview. Some of the bills from the agenda include Extreme Wealth Tax, Healthy Free School Meals for All, Clean School Buses, Housing Stability for Tenants, and more. We also hosted two online Advocacy 101 sessions for both new advocates and those wanting a refresher for legislative advocacy. During this time of policy committee hearings, we are encouraging our network to sign in support for bills, submit testimonies, and write letters to their legislators. We are grateful to our Policy Engagement Director Kristin Ang (pictured below) and volunteer lobbyist Trevor Sandison (ELCA member) for representing FAN in Olympia throughout the session, and to our coalition members who testify and help inform us on facts and talking points for each bill.

The session in the State House Legislature opened with prayers by Imam Omar Kaddoura and Rabbi Seth Goldstein (pictured below) from our network along with the Squaxin tribe. Amid complex policy discussions, we remember to take a pause and ground our advocacy in multi-faith values and our responsibilities of being good stewards to our world.