CARE Act, Faith-Based Initiative Update - July 22, 2002 Vol. 3 No. 15

July 22, 2002 Vol. 3 No. 15:

Published: 07/22/2002

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CARE Act, Faith-Based Initiative Update

Following a press conference sponsored by Americans for Community and Faith-Centered Enterprise and the Charitable Giving Coalition last Thursday, Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle (D-SD) agreed to seek agreement on rules of debate so the CARE Act ( S. 1924) can go the Senate floor during the week of July 22. CARE Act sponsors Sen. Joe Lieberman (D-CT) and Sen. Rick Santorum (R-PA) spoke at the press conference, and said they expect the bill to be considered before the August recess. The bill passed the Senate Finance Committee in June, with several amendments.

In a July 1 announcement the Department of Labor announced the first grants targeted to faith-based and grassroots organizations, granting $17.5 million to 12 states, 9 intermediary organizations and 20 small groups. The money will be used for the One-Stop Career System program. Previous attempts by the administration to set aside funds for faith-based groups have been challenged because they created a preference for religious groups. However, the Department of Labor grants were available to both faith and community based organizations, with small size and local governance being the defining criteria for eligibility.