ELCA Update: Crisis Funding, Energy Efficiency, and Bipartisan Support for Afghans

The August/September update from ELCA's advocacy office covers urgent matters such as FEMA's funding crisis, clean energy tax credits for churches, efforts in the Farm Bill reauthorization, growing support for the Afghan Adjustment Act, and international funding decisions. These updates underline the pressing issues that call for advocacy, reflection, and action in our society.

As August 2023 concludes, ELCA's advocacy office highlights several critical issues confronting our society. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) faces an urgent funding crunch, with a projected deficit of $4.2 billion by mid-September. Natural disasters have strained resources to a breaking point, and urgent action is needed.

In more positive news, churches and nonprofits can now benefit from billions in tax credits and grants to become more energy-efficient, thanks to the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act and other legislation. Information on how churches can take advantage of these credits is available on the IRS website.

Additionally, ELCA has been active in the Farm Bill reauthorization process, with Pennsylvania ELCA bishops advocating for the protection of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The 2018 Farm Bill is set to expire at the end of September.

Bipartisan support is growing for the Afghan Adjustment Act, which aims to provide lawful permanent residency for Afghans with temporary humanitarian status. Lastly, the House and Senate are working on reconciling their budgets, with the House proposing significant cuts to international programs. Protection of funding for anti-poverty and relief programs remains a priority.