Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest’s advocacy newsletter highlights Arizona’s ongoing budget negotiations, urgent housing affordability concerns, the need to protect Medicaid/AHCCCS, and upcoming ballot propositions affecting food taxes, public safety, and transportation funding.

ELCA Action Alert from May 12. Join the ELCA in urging Congress to support essential hunger and agricultural funding. Proposed budget cuts could turn many families and children away from hunger programs. Take action today!

Rev. Jarrod Iverson joins the LAMA Policy Committee, accepting the call to serve a three-year term on the board.

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.

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.

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.

The Grand Canyon Synod invites Lutherans to join a May 5 online candlelight vigil for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women as an act of remembrance, lament, solidarity, and prayerful commitment to justice and healing.

May 5, 2026 is the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Relatives (MMIWGR). The ELCA invites congregations and leaders to participate by wearing red, sharing resources, and engaging in prayer, learning, and advocacy. Click for toolkit.

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.

ELCA Region 2 Pastor Nelson Rabell-González is offering refuge, dignity, and spiritual support to migrant families living in fear of deportation, while challenging racial profiling and affirming that all people are children of God. Watch the video.

ELCA Election Engagement Blog Post Series. Lutheran civic engagement is a nonpartisan expression of faith that calls Christians to participate in elections, defend voting rights, and advocate for fair, compassionate governance that protects the dignity and voice of every neighbor.

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.

ELCA Action Alert updated April 28. This alert includes op-ed by Bishop Deborah Hutterer and a letter to members of the U.S. House from the Rev. Amy Reumann, ELCA Senior Director for Witness in Society urging adoption of critical amendments in the Farm Bill. Act today!

April 27, 2026. Today’s newsletter warns that steep losses in SNAP and AHCCCS coverage, coupled with state budget pressures and looming Farm Bill decisions, are raising urgent concerns about hunger and health insecurity while making advocacy and the 2026 elections especially consequential.

ELCA Action Alert from April 16. Join the ELCA in urging Congress to protect employment authorization for those seeking asylum. Comment on the government’s proposal (from now until Apr. 24, 2026) and/or contact your legislator.