In the latest episode of Here I Pod from ELCA Advocacy, host Regina Banks speaks with Silas Kulkarni, director of strategy and advocacy for ELCA Witness in Society. They discuss how the ELCA has advocated at the federal level around budget reconciliation and rescission bills, as well as the opportunities for advocacy during August Recess, when members of Congress return to their districts and are available for meetings with their constituents.

We will then hear from Rev. Michael Wilker about how advocacy can start at August Recess and lead to even more opportunities throughout the year to engage on issues that concern you and your community.

Imagine living in affordable housing powered by the sun — with lower utility bills and cleaner air.

AB 458 makes that possible by allowing solar energy on multifamily affordable housing properties.

This bill will:

Lower electricity bills for residents by up to 20%

Help properties access federal clean energy funds

Support good-paying jobs in Nevada’s solar economy

It’s a win for working families, our climate, and our future.

Nevada passed key laws protecting youth, ensuring fair treatment in courts, supporting incarcerated students, and reducing threats in political spaces.

As people of faith, we stand for justice that restores, not harms.

AB 460 simplifies Guardian Nominations by allowing parents and guardians to pre desginate a trusted guardian for their child

Strengthens temporary guardianship protections in case a parent is separated due to Federal Immigration Action.

Expands support for relatives serving as guardians, removing age barriers, ensuring young guardians can access critical resources.

It’s about who gets to breathe clean air, stay safe in the heat, and have power—not just electricity, but real power over the future of their communities.

In Nevada, Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities are on the frontlines of the climate crisis:

• Extreme heat in low-income neighborhoods

• Polluted air near highways and industrial zones

• Outrageous energy bills, while NV Energy and Southwest Gas rake in profits

• These utility giants want to profit off our basic needs—while resisting the clean, affordable solutions we know are possible.

That’s why LEAN supported these bills during the past Legislative Session:

AB 108 – Funds outdoor education for underserved youth, building the next generation of environmental leaders.

AB 452 – Stops NV Energy from passing fuel cost hikes to customers, demanding transparency and refunds for overcharges.

AB 458 – Brings rooftop solar to affordable multifamily housing, lowering bills and expanding energy equity.

AB 486 – Funds wildlife crossings that protect our highways, habitats, and people.

These bills are about justice. They’re about protecting our future. They’re about our faith in action.