July 9, 2004: Headlines: Peace Corps Directors - Chao: Faith Based Organizations: US Newswire: Elaine L. Chao Announces Elimination of Barriers to Faith-Based Training, Grants

Peace Corps Online: Peace Corps News: Directors of the Peace Corps: Peace Corps Director Elaine Chao: Elaine Chao: Archived Stories: July 9, 2004: Headlines: Peace Corps Directors - Chao: Faith Based Organizations: US Newswire: Elaine L. Chao Announces Elimination of Barriers to Faith-Based Training, Grants

By Admin1 (admin) (pool-141-157-22-73.balt.east.verizon.net - 141.157.22.73) on Friday, July 16, 2004 - 7:03 pm: Edit Post

Elaine L. Chao Announces Elimination of Barriers to Faith-Based Training, Grants

Elaine L. Chao Announces Elimination of Barriers to Faith-Based Training, Grants

Elaine L. Chao Announces Elimination of Barriers to Faith-Based Training, Grants

U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao Announces Elimination of Barriers to Faith-Based Training, Grants

7/9/2004 5:59:00 PM

To: National Desk and Labor Reporter

Contact: Lorette Post of the U.S. Department of Labor, 202-693-3984

WASHINGTON, July 9 /U.S. Newswire/ -- U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao announced two final regulations that eliminate barriers to faith-based organizations seeking funds from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). The new rules mandate equal access and funding eligibility for faith-based organizations across all DOL programs, including those involving job training.

"Today's action removes the barriers that faith-based organizations have faced in the past, so they can better serve the people in their communities," said U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. "Faith-based organizations play a critical role in helping workers find new career opportunities and these new rules ensure that faith-based groups have equal access to all Department of Labor programs."

The new rules bring the U.S. Department of Labor's regulations in line with Supreme Court rulings, which allow for indirect financial aid for religious training, provided certain requirements are met. Until now, individuals with Workforce Investment Act training vouchers were barred from using them to pay for faith-based studies, while individuals who receive Pell grants or federal student loans could use them to pay tuition in post-secondary, faith-based institutions. DOL's rules, which are effective 30 days from publication in the Federal Register, end that disparity.

These regulations require that faith-based organizations be eligible -- on the same basis as any other organization -- to apply for DOL financial assistance. They also ensure that faith- based organizations that receive DOL assistance will be able to maintain their religious identity. Faith-based groups receiving DOL funding will have the right to continue displaying religious art, scriptures and other symbols, and select board members on the basis of religion. The rules will not affect the ban on using federal dollars to support inherently religious activities.




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Story Source: US Newswire

This story has been posted in the following forums: : Headlines; Peace Corps Directors - Chao; Faith Based Organizations

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