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Advocacy Blog
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Faith-Based Hiring Amendment in Head Start Reauthorization Bill
Yesterday the House Education and Labor Committee approved Head Start reauthorization legislation, HR1429. Resident Commissioner Luis Fortuno (R-PR) offered an amendment that would have allowed faith-based organizations to hire teachers on the basis of religion. According to CQ, ($$) this issue was the main point of contention during the five hour long markup hearing. Supporters of the amendment said the religious hiring would help increase faith-based groups participation in the Head Start program. This same proposal was included in last year's Head Start reauthorization bill. The Fortuno amendment was defeated on a 26-19 party line vote, but some may try to add the faith-based hiring language during floor debate which may occur before the recess in April. Representative Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) commentated during the markup; "religious organizations are free to make hiring decisions using religious criteria with programs using their own money. But when you take federal money, there are strings attached."
Posted by Amanda Adams
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