LAMA’s Ministry Report for 2026 Synod Assembly. Read highlights of an busy year of advocacy and engagement in Arizona and in the Grand Canyon Synod.

Arizona’s 2026 candidate list (265 to date!) is already filling out across statewide, congressional, and legislative races, making this a good time to learn who is running in your district and start asking how they will serve the common good.

This op-ed by Joseph Palomino, director of The Arizona Center for Economic Progress, argues that years of tax cuts and the flat income tax have weakened the state’s ability to invest in the foundations of a strong economy. First published by The Arizona Republic on Monday, May 11.

Everywhere except Arizona, Heat Relief Week is now, May 18-22, 2026. In Arizona, we already know it’s hot; Arizona ‘celebrated’ May 4-8. Learn about Arizona’s Heat Relief Network and how you and your faith community can help this summer.

On Wednesday, May 6, 2026 LAMA joined faith leaders for a meeting with Senator Ruben Gallego regarding ICE and Immigration policies. Read LAMA’s remarks.

The State of Arizona Nonprofit Security Grant Program (AZ-NSGP) is now accepting applications. Deadline for applications is Friday, June 12, 2026. Info meetings Thursday May 7 and -Tuesday, May 12.

On Wednesday, May 20, Arizona inmate Leroy McGill is set to be put to death by lethal injection. ELCA Witness in Society sent Governor Katie Hobbs a letter asking her to commute McGill’s death sentence. Read the letter.

Arizona’s steep drop in SNAP enrollment—nearly half its recipients—stems not only from new federal rules but also from the state’s aggressive implementation and added bureaucratic hurdles that are making it harder for eligible residents to access food assistance.

New report titled Housing Arizona by the ASU Morrison Institute for Public Policy is now available for download. The Background Report Launch of "Housing Arizona" is April 23 at Rio Salado College.

Arizona has seen a 47% decline in food stamp participation, the largest of any state, due to new eligibility rules and a shortage of state workers. AZ Republic article by Ray Stern.

RTS Action Alerts! Click to read the bills we’re watching related to Health Care in Arizona. One bill of concern, HCR2056, the “Right to Refuse” Constitutional Amendment, has hearing Wednesday, March 25 at 7:00 am.

RTS Action Alerts! Click to read the bills we’re watching related to Civic Engagement and Voting Arizona. These bills are moving, several are being heard Wednesday, March 18.

For the first time ever, the state changed the overall income guidelines (called categorical eligibility, something established in 1996), effective March 1, 2026. Read blog by Terri Shoemaker of Arizona Food Bank Network.

RTS Action Alerts! Click to read the bills we’re watching related to healthcare in Arizona. These bills are moving through the legislature now, it’s nearly crossover week!

The Prophetic Witness Campaign is an Arizona-based, faith-rooted initiative organized by the Arizona Faith Network and Corazón AZ to protect human dignity, advocating for social change through a religious lens. It calls on clergy and faith leaders to respond to societal issues. 

RTS Action Alerts! Click to read the bills we’re watching related to food insecurity in Arizona. These bills are being heard this week ~ we urge you to activate your faith in love today!

This article explaining new SNAP changes is by Will Humble, executive director of Arizona Public Health Association (AzPHA). Mr. Humble will be the featured speaker at Lutheran Day at the Legislature on February 23.

Join Arizona Food Bank Network (AzFBN), friends and colleagues from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm to learn how food banks and policymakers are working together to fight hunger across Arizona. Register today!