LUM Social Justice Team – Call to Action
Urgent Call to Action: Child Care & Farm Bill Advocacy
The LUM Social Justice Team has been focused on food security and bringing more money back to local families by supporting these two pieces of legislation.
#1 – Child Care Assistance & Tax Credit
SB 2 – Child Care, authored by Senator Charbonneau, was voted on and passed. It was referred to the House yesterday. Lafayette Urban Ministry submitted testimony in favor of the bill. SB2, coauthored by Senator Deery and Senator Alting, addresses the dire shortage of child care in Tippecanoe County by increasing the number of families who are eligible for child care vouchers, including child care workers, and ease some of the regulations surrounding child care facilities, while still focusing on making sure the children are safe.
LUM also supports the State Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC) that is refundable to help families with the high cost of child care. As of tax year 2022, twenty-nine states (including the District of Columbia) had child and dependent care tax provisions, most of which are based in some way on the federal credit. For the sake of working households in Indiana, please help advocate for approval of SB 2 and the passage of a State State Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit!
SB 2 – Child Care – Call to Action:
- Contact Your Representatives: Stress with elected officials the importance of the need for affordable child care and the benefits of the tax credit. Find your representative here.
#2 – Farm Bill – Food Security
As the nation grapples with the overdue renewal of the Farm Bill, programs like The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) stand at a critical juncture. These programs serve as lifelines for those facing economic hardship, ensuring food security during challenging times. A pressing call to action is needed to protect and fortify TEFAP and SNAP, recognizing their profound impact on our local neighbors who access LUM services.
Ongoing discussions in Congress require focused advocacy efforts to protect TEFAP and SNAP. TEFAP is essential for food banks, including LUM Food Pantries, while SNAP, a linchpin in fighting hunger, faces decisions on funding, eligibility, and benefits in the Farm Bill discussions.
Farm Bill – Call to Action:
- Contact Rep. Jim Baird: Reach out to Rep. Baird, a key figure in the Farm Bill discussions, urging support (D.C. office: 202-225-5037; Danville office: 317-563-5567). Visit Rep. Baird’s webpage.
Stand together now to advocate for a just Farm Bill that prioritizes compassion, equity, and the right to nutritious food for every American, including those served by LUM Food Pantries and the Financial Assistance Program.
A strong, public voice for Hoosier families and children in need
FIND YOUR Your State Legislators
Follow this link to find out: http://iga.in.gov/legislative/find-legislators/. Every phone call and email makes a difference as we work to protect the interests of Hoosier Families!
If you wish to make a donation to the LUM Social Justice Ministry, click HERE.