Issues
How the ELCA determines what it will advocate
The ELCA determines what it will advocate based on ELCA social statements and social policy resolutions. Social statements are major documents on social issues adopted by at least a two-thirds majority of the ELCA Churchwide Assembly. Social policy resolutions address specific topics, are based upon and consistent with social statements, and may be adopted by either the Churchwide Assembly or the ELCA Church Council. We also listen to the feedback from people like you involved in Lutheran ministries, projects and programs around the world and in communities across the United States.
"Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover them, and not to hide yourself from your own kin?"
- Isaiah 58:6-7
Why the Federal Budget Matters to People of Faith
We have been closely monitoring the Federal Budget debate in Washington, D.C. and are concerned about the direction of the debate. The decisions before Congress threaten poor and hungry people. As Christians and members of the larger faith community, we must engage in this debate. Because of our deep concern, we are launching a series to raise awareness about the people who will be affected by potential federal budget cuts.
Each month we will feature a different issue which is part of the larger federal budget discussion. Our primary concern is for people living in poverty, struggling with hunger and disease and affected by climate change. You will hear from people who are personally involved in the issue, from policy experts, from Lutheran partners, and from fellow advocates who are making a difference.
Congress needs to address our nation's fiscal problems in a responsible manner that does not further burden people who are already struggling to make ends meet. As you talk with your members of Congress through town hall meetings, phone conversations, e-mail messages, please let them know how important it is that there is enough money in the Federal Budget to support programs and services for vulnerable populations.
Ways to stay connected to the Federal Budget conversation
- If you already receive ELCA e-Advocacy messages, then you'll receive the e-mails about this campaign. If you aren't signed up for the ELCA e-Advocacy Network, we encourage you to do so here.
- Subscribe to the "Voices for Change" Advocacy Blog.
- Are you on Facebook? Then you can also learn interesting facts and get links to resources for the issues by "liking" the ELCA Justice Town Facebook page.
- Follow our tweets @ELCAAdvocacy for those on Twitter.
August - NutritionAugust Reflection on Nutrition |
Download reflection
Blog posting on school lunchesAugust Story on NutritionBlog posting on childhood obesity
July - Water
July Reflection on Water Quality |
Download reflection
Blog posting on flooding, water management and budget cuts
July Story on Water
Blog posting on Fracking in PennsylvaniaJuly Action on Clean Water
June - Human Dignity and Refugees
June Reflection on Human Dignity |
Download reflection
Commitments made at UN High Level Meeting on HIV/AIDSJune Story on Human Dignity and Refugees
Guest blog posting on refugee populations
June Action Supporting Refugees
Appropriations of Antipoverty BillsAgriculture: The Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies appropriations bill funds USDA discretionary hunger and nutrition programs including the Women, Infants and Children program, the Emergency Food Assistance Program, and international food aid. It also funds support for farmers, including conservation support, and economic assistance programs for rural communities.
Bill StatusThe House Appropriations Committee passed the 2012 Agriculture Appropriations bill on May 31, 2011.
Click here to learn more.
Stories and ReportsRep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) was able late Tuesday to
convince her colleagues on the House Appropriations Committee to restore $147 million to the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) food assistance program, which otherwise would have been cut by $832 million, or 12 percent, in the 2012 agriculture bill.
The
overall spending bill would cut billions from USDA and FDA budgets, including for domestic feeding programs and international food aid. The panel also cut some farm subsidies to cut spending.
Coalition on Human Needs: Hundreds of Thousands of Small Children and Mothers Would Lose Food Aid if House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee Gets Its Way.
Deficit Reduction Proposals for FY2012As you look at the budgets, we ask that you pay close attention to proposals and how they impact poor and hungry people. Check and see if they're establishing unrealistic spending caps, suggesting unbalanced budget amendments, which would lead to higher poverty or inequality, or causing more harm to the environment.
The Federal Budget Process (source: Interreligious Working Group on Domestic Human Needs)The budget process begins with the
President's budget request. President Obama released his budget on February 14.
Next, the House and Senate budget committees craft a congressional budget resolution - an outline of spending levels for broad categories (called 302(a) allocations). Both chambers must pass identical budget resolutions; however, the resolution doesn't carry the force of law and it does not go to the President to be signed. Instead, the budget resolution gives guidance to appropriators.
While the budget resolution is not law, it determines the overall size of the pie for low-income programs funded through the appropriations process and other discretionary programs.Usually, by mid-April, the action shifts to the appropriations committees. The House and Senate appropriations leaders establish spending limits for their twelve subcommittees (302(b) allocations), which then work within these amounts to fund individual programs in their area (such as agriculture or foreign operations).
Next, the various spending bills must be passed within their subcommittees, the full House and Senate appropriations committees, and by the entire House and Senate. Within the budget, there are two types of spending: discretionary and mandatory. Discretionary spending is determined through the annual budget process. Funding for any discretionary program may be higher or lower than it was the year before.
Finally, the two chambers negotiate and approve a final version, which the President signs.
Additional Resources:Introduction to the Federal Budget ProcessGlossary of Budget Terms