1. NEW! The Lutheran Coalition for Public Policy will be Hiring New Director

The Lutheran Coalition for Public Policy in Minnesota will be hiring a new director to replace the Rev. Mark Peters whose last day was June 6, 2013. If you have any questions in the interim, please contact Lynette Engelhardt Stott, the ELCA’s Director for State Public Policy Advocacy, at 507-254-5119 or  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Rev. Mark Peters, Executive Director of LCPPM for 18 Years, Announces His Departure. 

The Capitol Review published an article about LCPPM and Rev. Peters called "Bringing the World to the Capitol" in its April 25, 2013 issue.  Read it here ! 

Minnesota’s Roman Catholic and ELCA Bishops Ask Legislators to"frame the budget debate in terms of moral choices!"

Minnesota’s Roman Catholic and Evangelical Lutheran Church in America bishops issued an open letter this week to members of the Minnesota House and Senate, and Governor Dayton, urging:

• Both parties to work together toward a budget that alleviates poverty and works to build a hopeful future for all Minnesotans - and to -
• Ensure there is a “Circle of Protection” around programs serving people experiencing poverty in State budget negotiations.

In this letter, the Minnesota bishops said, “We believe the principles outlined in the (national) ‘Circle of Protection’ letter are applicable to Minnesota. As you craft a budget to address revenue shortages, emerging needs, and a struggling economy, we believe it is essential to build a ‘Circle of Protection’ around programs serving our neighbors who are in need.” The document is not meant to endorse any particular budget plan, but rather propose an ethical and moral framework based on shared values in the hope of moving the discussion in the right direction. 

The bishops went on to emphasize four key points for the state’s lawmakers:

• We thank you for reducing the deficit while maintaining our government’s responsibility for programs that serve people who are experiencing poverty and are vulnerable.
• We understand Minnesota’s fiscal health requires further cost savings and additional revenue to be raised fairly.
• It is time to frame the budget debate in terms of moral choices.
• We plead for respectful bi-partisan dialogue and thoughtful engagement concerning our significant, complex problems.

The letter was accompanied by a copy of the national “Circle of Protection” statement, a letter on faith and the federal budget that was signed by faith leaders of many faith traditions from around the country, including Bishop Mark Hanson and our six MN ELCA bishops, and sent to federal lawmakers in February.

See more information in the Metro Lutheran April 29 article "LCPPM, Catholic Bishops to take on poverty."

 Earth Day 2013 at the State Capitol

On Earth Day, April 22, more than 300 people from across the state, mobilized by more than 50 energy, labor, youth, faith, environment and conservation groups (including LCPPM, as well as clean energy businesses) rallied for groundbreaking state legislation that creates jobs for Minnesotans and generates clean, local, renewable energy. People from across the state rallied to support the Clean Energy and Jobs campaign with the message that they support expanding the use of renewable energy, especially wind and solar, in Minnesota, saving energy, and creating thousands of family-supporting jobs in our state. Speakers included polar explorer Will Steger, Governor Mark Dayton, House Speaker Paul Thissen, and LCPPM's Executive Director, Mark Peters. Mark's comments are summarized here.

Fact sheets:   Clean Energy and Jobs  Clean Energy Jobs Campaign  

                   Solar Energy Standard Fact Sheet   Wind: a Wise Investment for MN