On April 25, 2007, approximately 200 Lutherans from across Illinois gathered in Springfield at the State Capitol for “Here We Stand: Lutheran Day 2007.” The focus of the day was learning about the state of the human care system in Illinois and asking lawmakers for bigger investments in public-private safety net for people in need in the coming year’s budget. Click here for a photo gallery from the day.
Cosponsored by nine Lutheran social ministry organizations Illinois, Lutheran Day 2007 was a combination social justice rally, grassroots lobbying day and prayer vigil. Later in the afternoon, a reception was held at the Executive Mansion for the presentation of the third annual “Paul Simon Courage in Public Service Award” to Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Hartzler and former Congressman Lane Evans.
An over-arching theme for Lutheran Day 2007 was a call for strengthening all three “pillars” of the human care system: education, healthcare and human services. Amidst significant attention being paid by Governor Blagojevich and members of the General Assembly to education and healthcare, Lutheran Day participants conveyed the message that ALL THREE PILLARS need to be strengthened.
As in past years, one of the highlights of Lutheran Day was participants’ opportunity to meet with their own legislators* and share their concerns about budget proposals that leave human services inadequately funded. Most legislators were available on April 25 to talk with their Lutheran Day constituents.
