As Gov. Katie Hobbs and the Arizona Legislature clash over the state budget, the outcome will shape funding for schools, food assistance, health care access, child care, tax relief, water policy, and the safety net that vulnerable Arizonans depend on.

This statement was issued by Eric Mitchell, president of the Alliance to End Hunger, following the passage of H.R. 7567, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 (“the Farm Bill”) out of the House Agriculture Committee.

This op-ed by Bishop Deborah K. Hutterer, addressing the sharp decline in SNAP participation in Arizona, was first published by the Arizona Daily Star on Tuesday, April 28.

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.

H.R. 22, known as the SAVE Act (or Save American Act) would preempt state voter registration processes and impose strict voter ID requirements. Learn what’s at stake here.

Arizona alone could face a $300 million deficit, and nearly 200,000 residents may have to reapply to keep their Medicaid coverage. AZ Mirror, March 16.

A federal judge temporarily blocked warrantless ICE enforcement actions at certain Lutheran, Baptist, and MCC churches, a win for religious freedom and sanctuary ministry work that aligns with the ELCA’s advocacy for immigrant dignity and safe faith-based spaces.

Winter 2026. ELCA Advocacy publishes quarterly updates from Lutheran Office for World Community and state public policy offices (SPPOs) in the ELCA Advocacy BLOG.

Ten years ago, Arizona modernized its Request to Speak program at the state capitol, allowing thousands of people to weigh in and address the Legislature. From Arizona Capitol Times.

LSS-SW staff and board members join in support of extending SNAP funding at a press conference on November 5, 2025. Read Arizona Republic article by Laura Gersony.

This OpEd by Dr. Kellie Sanders appeared in the Verde Independent on November 4, 2025. Dr. Sanders serves as church council president at Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church in Clarkdale, Arizona.

This Guest Commentary by Rev. Christine Stoxen appeared in Arizona Capitol Times on September 12, 2025. Rev. Stoxen serves of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Chandler. AZ.

This OpEd by Rev. Christine Stoxen appeared in The Chandler Arizonan on August 24, 2025. Rev. Stoxen serves of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Chandler. AZ.

Arizona is home to the global food bank movement, but federal cuts could strain its limits. Read this excellent article by Nicole Ludden and Hank Stephenson, reprinted with permission from the Arizona Agenda.

Should nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations be allowed to endorse political candidates? Headlines about shifts in IRS leniency for churches around prohibitions in what is known as the Johnson Amendment are at the heart of this new statement from the ELCA. Read the full statement here.

Presiding Bishop Eaton has released a statement on H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Read the full statement here.

From Arizona Agenda: Which state lawmaker had the most bills signed into law last year? Who was the top bill-slinging Democrat? Who had the most vetoes?

Presiding Bishop Eaton has released a statement on H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Read the full statement here.