Disaster Aid President Trump signed a $19.1 billion disaster aid package on June 6, approving funding for many states and territories in critical need of recovery. The federal aid comes after months of negotiations and advocacy in Congress and will help many. More >>
Policy NOTES
Dream and Promise Act On June 5, the House of Representatives passed historic legislation, the American Dream and Promise Act (H.R.6), that would provide a pathway to citizenship for qualifying Dreamers and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) recipients.
Equality Act The House of Representatives passed the Equality Act (H.R. 5) on May 17th, which would add “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” to the classes protected against discrimination to the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Advocates can encourage the Senate to do the same.
HUD Noncitizen Rule Mixed-immigration status families would be prohibited from living in federal affordable housing programs by a notice of proposed rulemaking from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that was opened in May. Under HUD’s existing rules, eligible mixed-status families receive housing subsidies distributed specifically so that ineligible family members do not receive assistance and eligible members.
Immigration funding The detention of graduate student pastor Betty Rendón last month came as the Administration continues to sharpen immigration deterrence strategies. The ELCA social message on Immigration and other teachings promote protection of the most vulnerable, keeping families together and treating immigrants with dignity. Urge lawmakers to support just immigration funding policies.
Webinar: Moving forward on climate solutions A webinar with guidance for climate action for congregation and community is being hosted by ELCA collaborators Blessed Tomorrow with ELCA Advocacy for clergy, lay leaders and congregation members on Wed. June 26 at 1 p.m. ET. Register and check out the accompanying “Moving Forward” resource.
Update on Global Fragility Act On May 20 the House of Representatives passed the Global Fragility Act of 2019, which will help the U.S. government improve its capacity to identify and address threats to civilians in fragile, conflict-prone regions around the world.
Faith voices at climate summit Plans are moving forward with leadership of ELCA Advocacy, The Episcopal Church, Texas Impact and others for a high-level, faith-based conference on building resiliency in the face of the heightening of a changing climate. It would take place around the UN Climate Change Summit this fall.
Hunger Advocacy Fellowship The application process remains open for two ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellowships – a 12-month transformative experience that combines leadership development and faith formation with impactful advocacy that moves us toward an end to hunger and a just world where all are fed.
PROTECT THE HOUSING RIGHTS OF MIXED-IMMIGRATION STATUS FAMILIES Make a public comment on HUD proposed rulemaking that would prohibit mixed-immigration status families from living in federal affordable housing programs.
SUPPORT THE EQUALITY ACT The House has passed the Equality Act (H.R. 5). The bill would adMd "sexual orientation" and "gender identity" to the classes protected against discrimination by the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
HELP PASS GLOBAL FRAGILITY ACT A bipartisan group of lawmakers have advanced the Global Fragility Act of 2019, seeking to improve the capacity of the United States government to identify and address root causes of violent conflicts around the world.
SUPPORT AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND HOMELESS PROGRAMS Addressing the root causes of the affordable housing crisis helps ministries dedicated to solutions that create safe shelter, put more food on the table for low-income families, and help end homelessness.
Blog & Resource: Seismic Storm - In the boat together with Jesus beside us
"Facing the full reality of the climate crises is terrifying. It triggers in me flight or fright. When I dwell on the details, it is immobilizing. ... Jesus has given us what we need. My fervent hope and prayer is that we will chart a course as a church together to persistently and resolutely be bearers of God’s fierce love and deep justice. Peace, be still. We got this. Together in the boat – let us go over to the other side." – the Rev. Amy E. Reumann
Blog: Goodness of biodiversity: Mindfulness required
"The intricacies and diversity of creation are mind-boggling, a reflection and reminder of the power and glory of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit expressed through the created order. Marking [International Day for Biological Diversity] increases our understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues in God’s good creation. … From a lunch bag apple to ingredients in your cold medicine, our food and health are dependent on biodiversity.” – Ruth Ivory-Moore
This guide to climate action for your congregation and community was prepared by collaborator Blessed Tomorrow. “Whatever your path” among different ways to move forward on creation care, it says, “you will be working for the good of God’s creation and joining in a multi-faith effort to care for the most vulnerable among us and to promote equity and justice in our communities and around the world.”
An ELCA Advocacy resource series dives into the intersection of climate change and disaster response in food assistance, global food security, health, housing, migration, resilience and weather. Use these resources for information and discussion about how disasters intensified by climate change cross-cut many things we care about as Lutherans for which we are #PreparedToCare.
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Disaster Aid
