Lutheran Office of Public Policy - California
Our new director, Regina Banks, is already hard at work! LOPP-CA participated in the End Child Poverty in California Advocacy Day at the state capital today. Over 40 organizations came together for the event to support the final report and recommendations of the Lifting Children and Families Out of Poverty Task Force.
What do you think it will take to end childhood poverty in California?
The Policy Council of Lutheran Office of Public Policy is thrilled to announce that Regina Q. Banks, JD will join the Lutheran Office of Public Policy-California as Director. Banks has served as Policy and Legislative Director for both statewide memberships organizations and within the California Assembly. Her skills and relationships will support LOPP-CA’s expansion goals.
Ms. Banks is a proud alumna of Valparaiso University School of Law where she was a Jurist Scholar and Lincoln University of MO. She states, “I look forward to the marriage of my analytical and advocacy skills with my deep and abiding faith. I admire the work of the LOPP-CA and will work diligently on their behalf for policies that strengthen people and families and honor the majesty of God’s creation.”
The Capitol was full of excitement this week as statewide elected officials and legislators were sworn into office and got to work. Governor Gavin Newsom began inauguration day Monday, January 7, 2019 with a closed-door interfaith service at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Sacramento. Faith leaders from around the state- and across faith traditions- offered prayers for Gov. Newsom and first partner Jennifer Siebel. The service culminated with the a rousing sermonette by Rev. Dr. Amos Brown of Third Baptist Church, and president of the San Francisco Chapter of the NAACP, during which some 40 interfaith clergy were invited to stand together and invest the First Family with the prayers and support of the statewide family of faith. The San Francisco Interfaith Council hosted the service. At noon, Newsom was sworn in as the 40th Governor of the State of California in a ceremony on the West Steps of the Capitol complete with gospel choir.