As legislative session looms, a word from the Lutheran Public Policy Office

By the Rev. Paul Benz, director, Lutheran Public Policy Office of Washington, pbenz@lcsnw.org

As legislators convene Jan. 10 to consider the governor's just-released proposed biennial budget containing deep cuts, the Lutheran Public Policy Office urges you to leave the following message to all three of your legislators and the governor by calling the legislative hotline at (800) 562-6000.

As a person of faith I understand that you will be making deep cuts and eliminating critical programs that serve the poor & vulnerable and that protect our environment during the 2011 session. As you go through the process of making these difficult decisions please keep the poor and most vulnerable in mind, use a balanced approach, and consider other options that are being talked about. Our church will also be praying for you.

Be sure to pray during your prayers of the church on Sundays for the governor and your state legislators regularly during the 2011 session. List the hotline number in your bulletins. For more help, contact our director of congregational relations, David Hacker, at dhacker@lcsnnw.org.