Last week, over 140 Lutherans gathered in Harrisburg for LAMPa's annual Lutheran Day at the Capitol.  Torrential rain couldn't stop our advocates from gathering together to learn about issues facing Pennsylvania's most vulnerable. Read more here. 

At its meeting on May 16, the LAMPa Policy Council endorsed the "Fast for PA's Vulnerable."  This is a 'fast' which is being done while the PA Legislature works to confirm the 2011-2012 PA State Budget.  Read more about the fast here. Follow the conversation on the fast's Facebook page.

"Fasting for a New Day" by Sr. Janet Stump is an accompanying blog post by a LAMPa Policy Council member that details a personal experience with fasting for social change.

The PA House of Representatives is poised to pass its budget this week. The House bill restores some of the Governor's education cuts by taking funding out of social welfare programs. What is at stake and how shall we advocate when important programs are being pitted against one another? Read an update  here.   

LAMPa was invited to provide testimony before Auditor General Jack Wagner on the the diversion of Tobacco Settlement Funds away from health care priorities and the adultBasic program. Read the testimony here.

Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children has launched a new website. Check it out for the latest information regarding the safety and well-being of children around the state. 

The Pennsylvania Compact is a statement of values about immigration endorsed by business, law enforcement, community and faith groups. Its goal is to move our Commonwealth toward a moderate and civil discussion on immigration that leads to practical, inclusive policies that promote family cohesion, freedom, public safety and a strong economy.  Sign on to it here.   

The Hunger Free Communities Prayer Breakfast in Philadelphia has initiated a Hunger Free Communities blog. Read the first post, by LAMPa staff Marissa Harris Krey, about the connections between education funding and hunger.