Lutheran Office of Public Policy - California

Roses are red,
Lent reminds us to pray.
Advocacy is prayer and faith practiced.
Join us at Lutheran Lobby Day?

Registration is now open for Lutheran Lobby Day 2024, taking place in-person on Wednesday, May 15th!

Register at: https://lutheranpublicpolicyca.org/lutheran-lobby-day-2024
Deadline to register: Tuesday, May 7th
Sierra Pacific Synod - ELCA Sierra Pacific Synod Hunger Network Southwest California Synod ELCA Pacifica Synod ELCA Pacifica Synod Women of the ELCA Foothill Conference of the Southwest California Synod of the ELCA St. John's Lutheran Church Pacific Lutheran University PLU Alumni and Friends PLTS: Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary California Lutheran University ELCA Advocacy

Check out the discussion about the March 5th California ballot proposition from a faith perspective led by our Legislative Coordinator and Director on February 11th!

You can find that recording on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VwZjGBEd6Q

You can find more resources on this proposition on our website as well: https://lutheranpublicpolicyca.org/march-5-voter-guide

Thank you to St. John's Lutheran Church for hosting us for this discussion!

Vote Your Conscience: A Review of the March 5th CA Ballot Proposition From a Faith Perspective LOPP Presentation on CA March 5th Ballot Proposition at St. John's Lutheran Church Sacramento on Sunday, February 11th, 2024

LOPPCA has taken the Pledge for Prosperity! As a , we're calling on & California Governor to protect & strengthen the , the YCTC & Free Tax Help. All are proven anti-poverty tools that build equity & promote a prosperous CA for all.

Thank you to Senator Scott Wiener, Assemblymember Luz Rivas, Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen, and Assemblymember Miguel Santiago for taking this pledge!

It's CalEITC Awareness Week! What is the Cal EITC? It's the state's Earned Income Tax Credit, and LOPP is a member of the CalEITC Coalition which works toward economic justice for all Californians.

Did you know that the and invests more than $1.3B annually in families and individuals? These powerful tools support nearly 3.5 million households, helping to reduce poverty, build equity, and promote a more prosperous California for all.

LOPPCA joined fellow advocates last night as the Stronger California Network held their Back-to-Session Reception. Stronger CA network partners collaborate with each other and legislative champions to provide concrete policy solutions to address the obstacles that prevent women and their families from achieving economic security.

We are proud to be a part of this advocacy network and look forward to the work ahead in 2024!

Regina Banks, Director, and Savannah Jorgensen, Legislative Coordinator, of the Lutheran Office of Public Policy - California will lead a presentation on Sunday, February 11 on the upcoming March 5th California Ballot Propositions. Come hear a faith perspective, ask your questions, and learn more! 🗳️

SAVE THE DATE!

Lutheran Lobby Day 2024 will be held on Wednesday, May 15th from 8:30 am - 4 pm in Sacramento. We are looking forward to another year of advocacy with you all!

More information coming soon. Stay tuned! https://lutheranpublicpolicyca.org/lutheran-lobby-day-2024

This Wednesday Dec. 13, Register through the link in bio.

In the Faithful Climate series, we will be interviewing leaders in global mission work who have seen the impacts of climate change.

In this first webinar, 787 campaign leader and Austin Seminary student Madison Turner will interview Momodu Syl Josiah, missionary with Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church, who works for the Pan Africa Climate Justice Alliance in Kenya.

We hope you will gain a new perspective of climate change, from someone who has observed its impacts through his work.

Texas Interfaith Power and Light 787 Collective

Calling on world leaders to act with urgency and justice in addressing the climate crisis in their decisions as comes to a close! ELCA Advocacy

ACTION NEEDED: Please pray for the negotiations, for wisdom for negotiators, and a good meaningful result at the end of this process to that helps to turn around the damage we've done to God's good Creation and that chooses life for our brothers and sisters around the world.

BACKGROUND:
Unfortunately, the COP Climate Conference meetings work by consensus. So, if 198 nations agree to something, and one country disagrees, they can block it. That makes it very difficult to come to agreement and increases the likelihood of very weak or vague language.

There was some success early in the event with the agreement and commitments to the Loss & Damage Fund. However, that only adresses damage after it has occurred.

Without Adaptation, to help people figure out how to live with the changes that have already occurred, there will be huge loss of life in the places where people have been least responsible. There already is with stronger and more frequent typhoons in the Pacific, longer, more frequent droughts followed by deluges of rain like people have never seen before. Despite progress made with the Millennium Development Goals which dramatically (but temporarily) cut hunger & poverty.

Without Mitigation to slow & stop emissions, the world is on track for 2.9 - 3.0 degrees Celcius of warming since the beginning of the industrial revolution [That's more than 5 degrees Farenheit - Don't think of it like a daily weather variation. Think of it like what a fever does to your body. The earth has a fever!]

Without dramatic emissions reductions we will continue and possibly exceed those levels. The goal is 1.5 degrees but what I've heard this week suggests we've already missed that level unless fossil fuel burning stops immediately & we are able to sequester large amounts of carbon & other gases right away.

Yes, we're talking difficult decisions! But if focus is on the wellbeing of all, it can happen (I believe in miracles!!!).
Thanks, friends!
Tammy (in Dubai, U.A.E.)

So moving! I cry every time I listen to this!

I just can’t bring myself to pretend everything is ok.

The Lutheran World Federation and the ELCA partnered with The Brahma Kumaris and the All Africa Conference of Churches to host a side event focusing on the human rights implications for loss and damage funding. Regina Banks moderates the discussion:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vr_ZGipbDuM&list=PLBcZ22cUY9RLMkm-apVgzZ8JSi0Tsywd3&index=165

ELCA Advocacy Lutheran Advocacy - Minnesota

From Policy to Practice:Ethical Considerations and HR Implications for L&D Funding Arrangement The event highlights the urgent need to integrate ethical principles,HR,and intergenerational justice into funding strategies for L&D. By fostering inclusive...

At last year's COP, COP27, the establishment of a loss and damages fund was the critical target for the UN negotiations and commitments. This year, the key to making a success, is concrete and strong language around a fair, fast, full, and funded phaseout of fossil fuels, which is supported by scientists and civil society alike.

Check out this chat with Director of LOPPCA, Regina Banks, and Executive Director of Texas Impact, Bee Moorhead, as they discuss the conversations happening around fossil fuel phaseout taking place in Dubai:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3LDtG_4OuM

Video credit: Texas Impact

ELCA Advocacy

COP Talk: The Elephant in the Room As COP28 gets in full swing in Dubai, there's continued excitement about the adoption of a new fund for loss and damage—but increasing attention to the need ...

Ecumenical and interfaith voices do matter and make a difference at ! Learn more about the ELCA participants at this year's UN climate conference and why they feel it's critical for us to be there in person and virtually:

https://blogs.elca.org/advocacy/elca-presence-in-far-reaching-efforts-of-cop28/

ELCA Advocacy

ELCA Presence in Far-Reaching Efforts of COP28 - ELCA Advocacy When you hear of the UN Conference of Parties (COP28) meeting in Dubai Nov. 30-Dec. 12, 2024, a faith voice from the ELCA is there in what may seem like far-away yet far-reaching efforts. Six representatives are attending either in-person or virtually to contribute to the dialogue with world leaders...

Day of COP28 wrapped up on Friday. The main negotiations covered the implementation of the loss and damage fund that was officially adopted on Thursday. Regina Banks reflects on Day 2 below:

"As I suspected, much of the initial excitement over the adoption of a loss and damage fund has given way to the questions and concerns over concrete dollar figures and implementation. During the high-level ministerial speeches other countries pledged money and support. More pledges are expected on Saturday.

However, trepidation is rising among civil society observers and others that the money pledged will simply be siphoned from other existing pools of climate finance and redistributed more thinly. I think I share some of those concerns. There’s certainly time during this COP to address some of those issues directly.

Our delegation was a part of a small group permitted an audience with Surya DEVA, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Right to Development. He was particularly interested in hearing about civil societies’ interests at the nexus of development and loss and damage. In this meeting several organizations voiced a concern that all admit I had given little thought.

With the excitement over the adoption of loss and damage fund the conversation about the cost of climate change has now become almost exclusively a question of economics. But there are numerous non-economic losses directly attributable to climate change. When whole communities must abandon their homes as unlivable, cultures are lost. Art is lost. Health, both physical and mental, is degraded. It is disingenuous to suggest that all effects of climate change can be reduced to a dollar figure and thereby addressable via a fund, however well-conceived and administered."

Check back in tomorrow to hear more about the critical ongoing negotiations and engagements being made at !
ELCA Advocacy

** Pictured are some of the numerous art installations and creative means of engagement taking place at COP28 **

Hear from Director, Regina Banks, while she attends the 28th annual UN Conference of the Parties on Climate Change in Dubai from November 30th-December 12th!

"Today COP28 was officially gaveled into session. During the opening plenary, the parties officially agreed to a loss and damage climate fund. Within about 30 minutes, several countries had agreed to donate to the fund. Notably the COP presidency- the United Arab Emirates- pledged US$100 million. Other nations pledged as well while still other country delegates indicated that their pledges would be announced during their ministerial addresses on December 1st or 2nd. Several speakers noted the invaluable role that civil society played in the establishment of the fund. As a professional climate advocate who worked hard on that front, it was a heartening way to begin the two-week conference.

I’m looking forward to the rest of the conference. I plan to participate with the interfaith community as well as the women and gender constituencies while also keeping an eye on talks about the role of civil society in the ongoing UNFCCC process."

COP is an annual opportunity for world leaders and advocates to convene to address climate justice issues and coordinate efforts for the future. We are grateful that the ELCA, the Lutheran World Federation, and interfaith partners are able to attend! ELCA Advocacy

Pray for Peace!

Don't forget to register for LOPPCA's Legislative Wrap-Up call on Wednesday, November 1st at 6:30 pm on Zoom!

Please email Savannah Jorgensen at [email protected] with your name, city, and congregation (if applicable) to receive a Zoom link before the event.

We hope to see you there!

Sierra Pacific Synod - ELCA Southwest California Synod ELCA Pacifica Synod ELCA

Watch this great video of Regina being interviewed about the passage of SB 4! Way to go Regina!
https://spectrumnews1.com/ca/la-west/news/2023/10/18/how-places-of-worship-can-help-solve-the-housing-crisis?cid=id-app15_m-share_s-web_cmp-app_launch_august2020_c-producer_posts_po-organic #

Newsom signs 56 bills to address the housing crisis He has vetoed 156 bills and signed 890 into law

Excellent news! SB 4 (Wiener) has been signed by Governor Newsom as part of a larger package of bills to streamline housing and expand tenant protections in California! This bill has been years in the making and with the help of our faithful advocates and partners, it got across the finish line this year.

Thank you to everyone who supported SB 4 through individual advocacy efforts, attending Lutheran Lobby Day, writing and calling the Governor, and more. This would not have happened without all of you, and we cannot express our gratitude and joy enough!

For more information on SB 4 and the several other housing bills signed by the Governor, see the latest press release: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2023/10/11/governor-newsom-signs-package-to-streamline-housing-and-expand-tenant-protections-in-california/

Sierra Pacific Synod - ELCA Southwest California Synod ELCA Pacifica Synod ELCA ELCA Advocacy

Governor Newsom Signs Package to Streamline Housing and Expand Tenant Protections in California | California Governor WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: Governor Newsom signs an extensive housing package consisting of 56 bills to help address California’s decades-in-the-making housing crisis by simplifying and expediting the…

Wondering how this California legislative session went? Or what we've been up to this session? If so, attend our 2023 Legislative Wrap-Up Call on Wednesday, November 1st at 6:30 pm PT! Registration instructions included on the invite.

Sierra Pacific Synod - ELCA Southwest California Synod ELCA Pacifica Synod ELCA

Housing our neighbors is faithful and just. SB 4 will open up 171,000 acres of land for 100% affordable housing in California. This is a common sense bill addressing homelessness and poverty in the state. Let's get this signed! California Governor

UPDATE on SB 4 (Affordable Housing on Faith Lands Act):

SB 4 (Wiener) officially passed out of the Assembly with a fantastic vote of 73-1! It will next head back to the Senate for a concurrence vote on the amendments made in the Assembly, but that is a formality. We are also awaiting news on the Governor's signature, however, we are expecting a successful signing!

This would not have been possible without our faithful advocates. HUGE thank-yous go out to: our steadfast Advocacy in Quarantine participants, all of our advocates who joined us for Lutheran Lobby Day, and in particular, our 3 amazing bishops, Bishop Brenda Bos (Southwest California Synod ELCA), Bishop David Nagler (Pacifica Synod ELCA), and Bishop Claire Burkat (Sierra Pacific Synod - ELCA) for their advocacy and continued support of our work.

Thank you all for your support and advocacy on SB 4. This will be a BIG win for affordable housing efforts in the state!

(ELCA Advocacy)

SB 4 (Wiener), one of LOPP-CA's priority bills this year, just passed the Assembly floor! It has one more vote in the Senate for concurrence, and then it heads to the Governor. Thank you all for your continued advocacy on this bill! Let's get it across the finish line.

Abram Diaz on X SB 4 passes the Assembly with 56 votes! We greatly appreciate for speaking in support. We can open up 171k acres of land for 100% affordable housing with this. Let’s keep pushing!

Hear Regina Banks, Director, and Savannah Jorgensen, Hunger Advocacy Fellow, give public testimony in support of SB 4 (Wiener) and SB 253 (Wiener) at the Assembly Natural Resources Committee hearing on Monday, 7/10.

We are happy to report that both bills made it out of the committee and will be heard in Appropriations in August after the legislative recess! SB 4 is one of our remaining Lobby Day bills that is still alive, along with AB 249 (Holden).

Regina & Savannah Testifying on SB 4 & SB 253 Snippets from the California Assembly Natural Resources Committee hearing on Monday, July 10th, featuring Regina Banks and Savannah Jorgensen giving public t...

CALLING ALL YOUNG ADULTS! Are you concerned about the climate crisis? Does your faith call you to action and advocacy? Then check out this fully funded opportunity for a Fall Climate Summit with the ELCA!

NOTE: Deadline to apply has been extended to July 26th

APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED TO JULY 26

Since its founding, the ELCA has used social teaching documents as tools for speaking in and to society, and with each other about society. As we live into our sacred responsibility to care for and keep God’s creation for future generations, ELCA social teaching can strengthen our impact from the inter-personal to communal and global levels.

The young adult focused ELCA Fall Climate Summit is an opportunity for young adults(18-35 years old) from a range of identities and experiences to gather and deepen their advocacy, storytelling and organizing. Sponsored by the ELCA Service & Justice team, 25 young adults from across the country will gather in Chicago, Illinois from October 20-22, 2023, to engage with ELCA social teaching, centering in the Caring for Creation: Vision, Hope and Justice social statement, the new “Earth’s Climate Crisis” social message, and the ongoing work of the Corporate Social Responsibility program, and will build momentum and power to energize further action and impact.

Learn more and apply before July 19: https://blogs.elca.org/advocacy/fall-climate-summit-equips-young-adults-for-advocacy/

A little delayed due to travel, but as promised, here's the report from the second and final day of Bread for the World 's from our Hunger Fellow!
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Day 2, Tuesday: The second day of the summit was a really motivating and solid day of advocacy. We started out with worship in the beautiful Riverside Baptist Church. The preacher, Rev. Dr. Heber Brown, gave an inspiring and passionate sermon that focused on the summit's theme text (Luke 18: 1-8) and gave us the charge to do advocacy as a form of prayer and protest.

Following worship, we were provided another briefing on the legislative asks, which were:

1) Oppose further restrictions to SNAP benefits
2) Increase funding for GusNIP (the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program)
3) Cosponsor the Food Date Labeling Act, H.R. 3159/S. 1484
4) Reauthorize Food for Peace funding at no less than $2.5 billion annually and allow additional flexibility.

Participants, of which there were around 250, had on average 3-4 meetings with legislative offices during the afternoon. I met with Senator Padilla's office, Rep. Bera's office, and Rep. Kamlager-Dove's office, and dropped off letters with folks to Senator Feinstein's office. It was quite the full but fulfilling day of advocacy!

I am very thankful to LOPPCA, ELCA Advocacy, and ELCA World Hunger for the opportunity to attend this federal advocacy summit as part of my Hunger Advocacy Fellowship experience (ELCA Young Adults)! I met a lot of great people who are also passionate about justice, and together I believe we made a difference this week. Nevertheless, we persist!

Our Hunger Advocacy Fellow is attending Bread for the World 's this week in Washington, D.C.! During her time in D.C., Savannah will share her experiences from the summit here. Check out her report from the opening day of the summit below:

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Day 1, Monday: This year's summit theme is 'The Power of Perseverance'. Our advocacy will focus on the Farm Bill and ensuring that Congress passes a faithful bill in 2023. Today, we gathered for welcoming worship and a discussion on the issues in the Farm Bill specific to the legislative asks. We heard from representatives of Bread for the World, the US Secretary of Agriculture, Thomas Vilsack, Representative Donald Davis (NC-01), and other community farm and hunger organizers.

I learned a lot more about the facts and figures behind food nutrition programs and farming in the US. For example, did you know that Puerto Rico's Nutrition Assistance Program (NAP) provides far less assistance than SNAP here in the continental US? Or, did you know that around 100 years ago Black farmers made up 14% of all US farmers, while today they make up just less than 2%? These are some of the equity concerns that will we lift up in our congressional visits tomorrow. I'm looking forward to a federal lobbying experience and using our faithful witness to seek justice!
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Check back here for Savannah's update on the legislative 'asks' and the final day of the summit tomorrow.

ELCA Advocacy ELCA Young Adults