Advocacy

Lutheran Services in America is pushing Members of Congress to ensure that all our crucial priorities are included in what is likely to be the last legislative package for the year.

Congress must address the urgent remaining needs of nonprofit health and human services providers before adjourning in two weeks' time.

The Senate must amend its current draft of the Health, Economic Assistance, Liability Protection and Schools (HEALS) Act, which excludes many of the areas most important to our members as outlined in our key priorities.

The Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act provides additional flexibility for recipients of Paycheck Protection Program loans.

The Federal Reserve Board continues to develop guidelines for the Main Street Lending Program. Lutheran Services in America will continue to urge senators to support nonprofits through this program and to include our key priorities in their next round of coronavirus relief legislation.

Lutheran Services in America is pleased to see the HEROES Act addresses some of our most important priorities. The fulfillment of these priorities would grant nonprofits the funds and resources necessary to offer the care and service needed by many Americans during this critical time.

Lutheran Services in America is using the collective calls for financial support from members as a springboard for changes in federal and state policy. By channeling these concerns about limited resources into the basis for advocacy efforts, we have been successful in communicating to lawmakers the needs of nonprofits and their workers who are fighting on the front lines of this deadly pandemic.

President Trump signed into law the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which provides economic relief for individuals, businesses, and organizations impacted by COVID-19.

On Dec. 6, Sens. Chuck Grassley and Ron Wyden announced a bipartisan agreement that would include a permanent funding reauthorization for the Money Follows the Person Medicaid Demonstration Program. Introduction of a bipartisan proposal to permanently fund MFP is a milestone achievement that is the result of persistent, ongoing federal advocacy by groups like our national network.

Representatives of the Lutheran Services in America – Disability Network flew to Washington last week armed with stories and shared best practices, outcomes, and challenges that allowed them to advocate for the people we serve, the people we employ, and for our industry. Advocacy an important part of our jobs, writes Lisa Morgan, but just as important are the relationships we build with each other while speaking up for those we serve.