Here I Pod is a podcast series from ELCA Advocacy bringing together voices of faith-based advocates caring for all people and creation. Episode 4 takes a critical look at the direct impact on lives worldwide of the evolving landscape of U.S. foreign assistance. Host: Regina Q. Banks of Lutheran Office of Public Policy - California.

Action Alert from LSS-SW: This week, Congress may vote on the Federal budget, which at this time includes drastic cuts to Medicaid in the amount of $880 billion over 10 years and $230 billion in cuts to SNAP benefits. We know that existing challenges already leave many people vulnerable—from affordable housing shortages, job losses, to the high cost of everyday necessities—will only be exacerbated if Medicaid is cut.

Urge Congress to do everything they can to end the funding freeze on lifesaving programs. ”We affirm that our nation has responsibility to contribute a portion of its wealth to people in poorer nations through effective economic assistance,” (ELCA social statement For Peace in God’s World).

Searching for the perfect gift? Shop ELCA Good Gifts and choose from more than 50 life-changing, charitable gifts to give in lieu of traditional Christmas presents.

UPDATE: The Northeastern Arizona tribes have approved the water rights settlement, and now it will go before congress. Learn how you can advocate for just water rights on the Hopi and Navajo reservations!

ELCA Advocacy is calling on us to support a bipartisan effort to expand senior and disability benefits! Take action now and join ecumenical faith partners to advocate for our vulnerable neighbors.

Read about Autumn’s trip to the Capitol! She testified in a Senate committee hearing for the first time, speaking against HB 2502 and HB 2503.

LAMA joined 20 other local organizations in signing on to a letter urging our Senators to support the expanded Child Tax Credit. Read it now!

Help fight child poverty and hunger by urging congress to prioritize tax relief for low-income families.

Read about Lutheran Disaster Response’s support of the Augusta Victoria Hospital in Jerusalem amid the escalating violence in Israel and Gaza.

It’s not too late! The city of Mesa still needs YOUR support for its new shelter. Write in before Nov 3.

ACTION ALERT: Urge Congress to fully fund the WIC program in the upcoming Farm Bill.

FEMA is in dire need of replenishing its Disaster Relief Fund (DRF), which plays a vital role in providing assistance to communities affected by disasters of all kinds. Urge Congress to pass disaster aid supplemental today!

The farm bill is an omnibus, multiyear law that governs an array of agricultural and food programs. It provides an opportunity for policymakers to comprehensively and periodically address agricultural and food issues.

This urgent ELCA Advocacy Action Alert urges calling the Capitol Switchboard at 202.224.3121 to ensure anti-poverty programs are maintained in the final debt ceiling deal.

These sessions on 5/23 and 5/25 will be an opportunity to engage with and to equip young adults to use their voices to advocate for themselves and communities they care about. While all are welcome to register, these sessions aim to prioritize feedback from young adults.

How to talk about and advance action on the Farm Bill in your congregation? The churchwide ELCA Advocacy team created this Toolkit for your use in advancing action on the Farm Bill.

Governor-Elect Katie Hobbs has appointed Angie Rodgers to take over DES. The agency says thousands of Arizonans were overpaid unemployment benefits in the pandemic.