The House Supports Religious Discrimination Bill

On Wednesday, Feb. 4, Rep. Lynn Woolsey (D-CA) offered a substitute amendment during House debate to strip out language that gave faith-based organizations permission to infuse their federally funded programs with religion and to discriminate on the basis of religion when hiring. Woolsey’s substitute amendment failed to be adopted by a 50-vote margin (183-232).

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Faith-based Initiative Gets a Push with Set Aside Funds

Evidence emerges that faith-based charities are not discriminated against, but instead they are being favored. Last Tuesday during his State of the Union address, President Bush urged Congress to open up billions of dollars in grant money to competition that includes faith-based charities. In doing so he states, "Tonight I ask you codify this into law, so people of faith can know that the law will never discriminate against them again."

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In Honor of Bill of Rights Day: A look at the First Amendment

On this day, December 15, National Bill of Rights Day, OMB Watch would like to pay tribute to our nation’s First Amendment. This 45-word phrase, drafted by James Madison more than 210 years ago, has guaranteed freedoms and liberties through more than two centuries – allowing for freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of the press, freedom to peaceably assemble, and the freedom to access public information.

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Update on Faith-Based Initiative

The Supreme Court heard oral arguments on a case that raises the issue of whether state scholarship aid can be used for religious training. In the same week, White House Faith-Based Office Director Jim Towey says “fringe” religions should be ineligible for federal grants.

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New Studies Examine Faith-Based Initiative

Since his inauguration, President Bush has touted and encouraged his Faith-Based and Community Initiative as one of the best ways to help our country’s most vulnerable citizens. However, new studies released October on the initiative find that states and local governments are not rapidly incorporating these new provisions, and services provided by faith-based organizations may not be any more effective than that of secular social service providers.

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Contrary to Bush's Belief: Faith-based Organizations are Not Better Social Service Providers

The first academic study comparing the effectiveness of faith-based and secular providers of social services was released this month. It showed in one area – job training – secular groups were more effective than faith-based groups. But the research notes that broad conclusions can not be reached yet.

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Comments Filed on Proposed Charitable Choice Rules for Veterans Administration

On Oct. 30, OMB Watch filed comments on proposed rules for religious organizations that receive grants under the Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. The comments object to rule changes that would allow religious discrimination in hiring for federally funded positions and permit religious content in service programs. The comments also called for stronger accountability standards. Click here to read the full text of the comments.

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OMB Watch Comments on Proposed Charitable Choice Regulations for the Department of Veterans Affairs

Read the text of comments to the Department of Veterans Affairs regarding regulations funding religious organizations under the VA Homeless Provider and Per Diem Program. October 30, 2003 Director, Regulations Management (00REG1) Department of Veterans Affairs 810 Vermont Ave. N.W., Room 1068 Washington, D.C. 20420 Re: RIN 2900-9026, Proposed Rule, VA Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program: Religious Organizations Dear Sir or Madam,

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Frequently Asked Questions on Grants.gov

FAQ’s on Finding and Applying for Federal Grants on Grants.gov Q: What is Grants.gov? A: Grants.gov is the federal E-Grants website where applicants may find and apply to federal funding opportunities. Q: When will organizations be able to find all federal grants announcements online through Grants.gov? A: Beginning November 7, 2003 all federal agencies are required to post their grant announcements online with www.Grants.gov. See OMB’s final policy directive. Q: When will Grants.gov launch the Apply site?

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Help to Develop National Guidelines for the DUNS Number Requirement

The federal government is now requiring applicants for federal funding to have a DUNS number from Dun and Bradstreet. A new toll-free number to call and have a DUNS number assigned to organizations was announced last week- 1-866-705-5711. Remember: You do NOT have to purchase credit services from Dun and Bradstreet to get a DUNS number. If they try to sell you these services, please let us know.

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