Email - Advocacy Connections: May 2023

ELCA

Debt Ceiling
The debt ceiling debate in Congress is reaching fever pitch following announcement by the Department of Treasury that the United States could hit its debt limit close to June 1. There are significant implications should the nation default on its debt including funds for Social Security, veterans benefits and more. Though we encourage lawmakers to spend within our means, spending cuts should not fall hardest on those of us who rely on public programs for daily subsistence. A call-in Action Alert invites us to call our lawmakers to encourage them to protect the integrity of antipoverty programs in any final debt ceiling deal.
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Policy NOTES

Environmental Justice Executive Order
President Biden signed an executive order directing every single federal agency to work toward "environmental justice for all" and improve the lives of communities hit hardest by toxic pollution and climate change.

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Human Trafficking
A bipartisan bill, the International Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (S. 920), has been reintroduced with proposed reforms to expand U.S. efforts.

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Proposed Asylum Rule Now In Effect
The Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice finalized the new “Circumvention of Lawful Pathways” rule on May 10, which went into effect following termination of the Title 42 public health order.

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Young Adult Border Trip
Fourteen young adults were selected for an immersion trip in collaboration with ELCA AMMPARO, ELCA Young Adult Ministries, LIRS and Border Servant Corps. The trip took place between April 26-30.

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Action Alerts

*new* ENSURE ANTI-POVERTY PROTECTIONS IN FINAL DEBT CEILING DEAL
Decisions should not fall hardest on those of us who rely on public programs for daily subsistence. Call your lawmaker through the Capitol Switchboard: 202-224-3121.

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*new* AFFORDABLE HOUSING CREDIT IMPROVEMENT ACT PASSAGE POSSIBLE
A bipartisan team of senators is working to expand housing supply and low-income protections.

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URGE AUGUSTA VICTORIA HOSPITAL SUPPORT IN FY24 BUDGET
East Jerusalem Hospital Network holds vital humanitarian role.

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HELP AVERT HOUSING CUTS IN FY24 BUDGET
Urge Congress to pass a budget with strong homeless and affordable housing programs.

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Featured Resources

Job Openings: Hunger Advocacy Fellows (year-long)

Be paid to do faith-rooted advocacy as a Hunger Advocacy Fellow. Opportunities in D.C., with LOWC in New York City, and state public policy offices in Arizona, Pennsylvania, Washington state and Wisconsin.

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Job Opening: Federal Advocacy Intern (summer)

Alongside the energizing interplay of our faith lens and federal policy is a great place to spend a summer internship! Apply with the ELCA D.C.-based advocacy office for this summer opportunity.

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Events: Farm Bill Listening Sessions – Bilingual (Spanish) & Young Adult

Listening sessions to inform ELCA Farm Bill advocacy are bringing great input to strengthen what we can do as this pivotal legislation is reauthorized. Times to hear from those most comfortable speaking Spanish (May 24) and from young adults (May 23 or 25) are coming up! Register & share.

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Christians Against Chrisitan Nationalism

ELCA Social Media: What does it mean to be a Christian against Christian nationalism?

Patriotism and Christian nationalism are often conflated, but they are not the same thing. Posts to ELCA socials are being shared over the next several weeks explaining how you can support the full participation of all in our religiously diverse society.

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Dates of Note

National Endangered Species Day
From Creation Justice Ministries (2019): “With great sorrow we acknowledge that one in five species are threatened or endangered with extinction… Help us remember that we, too, are your creation: vulnerable and interdependent.”

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“God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday
This day is an opportunity to celebrate who we are as the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America – one church, freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor. Refreshed resources for 2023 are on the way!

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nonprofit software

Policy NOTES

Action Alerts

Featured Resources

Job Openings: Hunger Advocacy Fellows (year-long)

Job Opening: Federal Advocacy Intern (summer)

Events: Farm Bill Listening Sessions – Bilingual (Spanish) & Young Adult

ELCA Social Media: What does it mean to be a Christian against Christian nationalism?

Dates of Note

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