For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
August 16, 2001
Statement by the President
On January 29, 2001, I signed an Executive Order creating Centers for
Faith-Based and Community Initiatives in the Departments of Health and
Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, Labor, Justice, and
Education. I charged each Center to conduct a Department-wide audit and
identify all existing barriers to the participation of faith-based and
community organizations in Federal social service programs.
Over the past six months, five Cabinet Offices for Faith-Based and
Community Initiatives have examined administrative procedures, programs,
and policies. Today, the White House Office on Faith-Based and Community
Initiatives reported their findings.
The report, entitled Unlevel Playing Field, highlights the funding gap
between the government and the grassroots. It points out significant
barriers organizations face in obtaining Federal support for their
compassionate work. And it shows clearly how much work needs to be done to
mobilize the Armies of Compassion.
The Cabinet Centers have done vitally important work in examining Federal
social service programs. We now see exactly what kind of obstacles stand
in the way of a more compassionate America. Our emphasis must always
remain on getting compassionate results. We look forward to addressing
these inequities through legislation, administrative action, and education.
Americans in need are depending upon it.
###
|