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Greetings,
The final day to mail your ballots in
is just around the corner (Tues. Nov. 3rd). The LPPO urges
you to be faithful in your citizenship: study and discern the
issues and candidates - and vote! If you have already cast
your vote, encourage your friends, neighbors, and coworkers to
vote!
Over these next days, we urge you to consider the
LPPO’s positions on the two critical statewide issues
before us: Referendum 71 and Initiative 1033. The
LPPO's statewide council approves R-71 (extending
traditional marital rights to domestic partnerships) and
opposes I-1033 (limiting state, county, and city
revenue).
Approve
R-71
Our rationale to approve Ref.
71 is that the Church does not believe in "2nd class
citizens." Meaning: we are all created by God and are
entitled to the same earthly benefits as
others.
For additional details on the Approve
R-71 Campaign, visit: www.approvereferendum71.org
No on
I-1033
Our opposition to I-1033 stems from
two concerns: 1. Our concern for the “common good”
and 2. The unintended consequences if this initiative
passes. The common good is a long held belief of the
Church that the "least" among us be, not only, adequately cared
for, but also empowered to rise out of their situation.
The unintended consequence of this initiative is the devastation
upon basic services that are provided by our tax dollars,
including public safety, transportation, education, and health
and human services.
I-1033 is strongly opposed by
Democrats, Independents and Republicans, and hundreds of
organizations – including businesses, health care and
education advocates, environmental organizations, labor unions
and local chambers of commerce. For additional information on the No on 1033
campaign and specific facts on how the Initiative would
negatively impact our state, visit: www.no1033.com
Health Care Reform
National call-in days for health care reform: Nov.
3, 4, 5
Toll-free number: 1-888-797-8717
We’re moving closer and closer to health care
reform! The House of Representatives is expected to begin
debate on its bill on Wednesday
(Nov. 4), and
very
short debate is expected.
There is no question that the progress in recent weeks is
directly related to the groundswell of advocates showing
their support for comprehensive and compassionate health care reform this
year. The millions of phone calls, emails, letters and
visits HAVE made a difference. As people of faith who care about this issue, we have to
keep the pressure on to ensure that
health care reform reflects the values that are important to
us.
EVERY call counts; every voice is
important and needed more than
ever!
Call your Representative on
Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday to join with other faith advocates who are urging the House of Representatives to pass a bill that
leads to comprehensive and compassionate health
care reform THIS year.
Tell your
Representative that you are praying for
moral leadership from Congress.
Lift
your messages of hope, compassion, the
common good, shared responsibility, concern for those who are
vulnerable, and faithful stewardship of our abundant health care
resources.
Please set aside just a few
minutes on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday to make your voice
heard – and ask your family, friends, and colleagues to
make calls as well. Don’t assume that your voice
isn’t needed – every voice matters at this strategic
moment!
For talking points, visit: http://ga6.org/campaign/healthcare_reform
For a PDF flier with Talking Points and Tips, visit:
http://www.faithfulreform.org/storage/frhc/CallDays/call%20in%20days.novhouse.pdf
Climate Change Actions
Clean Energy
Jobs and American Power Act
Call your Senators today and tell
them: “I want you to be a strong leader in passing a
comprehensive science-based climate and clean energy bill
NOW. Please work to
quickly pass and improve the Clean Energy Jobs and American
Power Act.”
Senator Cantwell:
202.224.3441
Senator Murray:
202.224.2621
UN Climate
Change Conference in Copenhagen
In December, President Obama will
join other world leaders at the United Nations Climate Change
Conference in Copenhagen.
Next week, the ELCA, National Council
of Churches and the Church World Service will be delivering
nearly 15,000 postcards to President Obama and his
administration, as well as to key U.S.
Senators.
If you have not yet sent in your
postcard, sign an online postcard here: http://www.churchworldservice.org/site/PageServer?pagename=how_adv_copenhagen_pledge
Then, tell your
friends to sign an e-card!
Lutheran Public Policy Office of
Washington State
Our Partners in
Ministry:
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America -
Division for Church in Society
Northwest, Southwest, Eastern
Washington/Idaho Synods - ELCA
Lutheran Community Services
Northwest
Contact:
766 John Street, Suite
B
Seattle, WA 98109
Phone: (206) 464-4133
Fax: (206)
626-0987
Web: www.lppowa.org
Info: lppooffice@lcsnw.org
Staff:
Kirstin Docken
Showalter, Office Manager, kshowalter@lcsnw.org
Matt Keadle, Seminary Intern, lppointern@lcsnw.org
Rev.
Paul Benz, Director, pbenz@lcsnw.org
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