Advocacy and Public Policy Agenda
A Message from Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest
As the election season comes to a close, we recognize the heightened feelings of many on both sides. After a divisive election it is important to continue the great work of caring for the needs of our neighbors and amplifying the voices of those most impacted by decisions made in government. It is more important now than ever to come together, recognize opinions, validate feelings, and work across differences.
Although LSS-SW is disappointed in the passage of Proposition 312 (as a reminder, 312 will allow property owners to apply for a property tax refund if the city or locality in which the property is located does not enforce nuisance ordinances), we are resolved to continue to advocate for the unhoused and for appropriate and meaningful solutions to the affordable housing crisis. We hope you'll join us.
There will be much work to be done in the coming legislative session, and we rely on advocates like you to voice your concerns and ideas to your representatives in office and to advocate for fair and just policies for all our neighbors. . . . The Board of Directors of LSS-SW voted to focus efforts in the following areas:
Housing
Hunger (this is one of Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona's focus areas as well)
Refugee and Immigration
Federal Legislation on Charitable Tax Giving
As the Arizona State Legislature begins, LSS-SW will focus efforts on bills that address these issues. Refugee and Immigration, as well as Charitable Tax Giving, are Federal issues, so LSS-LS will be watching Federal movement in these areas as well.
LSS-SW will work over the coming months with the Arizona Housing Coalition, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), and other partners on these important issues.
We invite you to get involved by joining our Advocacy Team (reach out to Jay Eberle at jeberle@lss-sw.org), signing up for LAMA's newsletter (www.lamaz.org), and signing up for the Arizona Housing Coalition's newsletter (AZHC newsletter).