2007-2008 Public Policy Advocacy

2007-2008 Public Policy Advocacy Agenda

Along with all citizens, Christians have the responsibility to defend human rights and to work for freedom, justice, peace, environmental well-being, and good order in public life. They are to recognize the vital role of law in protecting life and liberty and in upholding the common good” ^[1]

It is the intent of Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania (LAMPa) to provide a common voice for the Lutheran Church in Pennsylvania as it seeks to uphold the common good. The starting point for this activity will be engaging members of the Lutheran church living in PA in exploration of the issues that tear at the human fabric. LAMPa will speak to public policy makers. As it does so, LAMPa will represent those who find it difficult or impossible to speak for themselves. LAMPa recognizes that much of its work will be building for long term change by addressing issues as they come before the PA legislature. It seeks to build continuity in its witness as it speaks to various issues and over a number of years.

This continuity will derive from the Social Statements and Messages of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and its predecessors. These statements give the theological foundation and guidance in policy review.

LAMPa recognizes and welcomes the diversity of personal opinions held by Lutherans in Pennsylvania. In addition to the use of the Social Statements, LAMPa shall engage in sound research, theological reflection, and adequate study in the development of specific LAMPa advocacy positions. This discipline will inform the interpretation of these positions to the Lutheran constituency, public policy makers and society at large.

Priority Issues to be addressed are:

Poverty/ Hunger

“Through human decisions and actions, God is at work in economic life. Economic life is intended to be a means through which God’s purposes for humankind and creation are to be served. When this does not occur, as a church we cannot remain silent because of who and whose we are. Based on this vantage of faith, “sufficient, sustainable livelihood for all” is a benchmark for affirming, opposing, and seeking change in economic life.” ^[2]

Subjects that may be addressed in this arena:

§ Taxation Policies

§ Medicaid provisions

§ Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

§ Immigration policies and local hospitality

§ Access to education

§ Higher Education funding

“Rising health care costs leave a growing number of people without adequate health care. Health care resources are often rationed based on ability pay rather than need. Finding access to quality health care services is difficult for many. The growing number of elderly people adds another stress on health care resources. Fear and self-interest defeat social justice in the political processes of health care reform.” ^[3]

Subjects that cannot be anticipated at the time of the adoption of the Advocacy Agenda and are subsequently introduced in the Legislature or in procedures proposed or adopted by the Executive Branch may be addressed. If deemed to have priority by the Executive Director and the Chairperson of the Policy Council, they will be addressed using the Social Statements and Messages of the ELCA.