Enthusiastic Lutheran advocates gathered on May 7 for for worship, inspiration, education, and a trip to the State Capitol to make legislative visits.   

• heard from The Rev. Andrew Genszler, ELCA Director for Advocacy, about citizenship as discipleship and advocacy as central to a Lutheran understanding of baptism  
• delivered a letter from our Bishops in opposition to Payday Lending 
• attended the kick-off of LAMPa's School Breakfast Campaign 

The Rev. Andrew Genszler

Did you know that visits in the district will reinforce and deepen our advocacy voice from Lutheran Day? Now is the perfect time to do so, before the legislature returns on June 3. Many attendees committed to make follow-up visits in their districts in the next several weeks, but anyone can do so.    

To support you in those visits, take a look at the following resources:

• New LAMPa Online Advocacy Tool Kit with new  
• tips and strategies for youradvocacy 

  Bishop Claire Burkat and Mrs. Judy Gifford

• Find your Legislator and their contact information 

Resources to enhance your advocacy on the issues - call, write or visit to speak out for these issues:  

• State Food Purchase Program - join in the effort to increase funding to better serve those who are hungry through food banks and pantries. See the Issue Brief here. 
• Minimizing the "Cliff Effect" -  speak out in favor of making work support programs work better for families working their way out of poverty.  Read more here. 
• Stop Payday Lending - A co-sponsorship memo introducing a new bill came out last week. It is just as bad as last year's bill, but actually claims to end payday lending through a "micro-credit" program that is just a wolf in sheep's clothin. Follow these links to access
• talking points and analysis of the new proposal
• the PA Bishop's letter expressing opposition to legalizing Payday lending  
• a sign on to state-wide religious leader letter in opposition to Payday  - can we get 1,000 signatures? 
• Send an email to your Senator right now through ACTIONET 

          Or view it all in one place on the LAMPa website.  

          Your voice is crucial right now to halt this bill.         

Did you miss Lutheran Day this year? Your voice is still needed! You can still take part by learning about the issues and scheduling a visit using the links above.