Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Towns applauded Sen. Barack Obama's announcement yesterday to continue the partnership between the federal government and faith-based and community charities known currently as President Bush's "Faith Based Initiative".  Sen. Obama promised to end the promotion of partisan interests endemic to the Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives during the Bush Administration.

"The Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives has failed to live up to its promise.  Support for vital social services has consistently been underfunded and the Office is rife with special interests and partisan politics", Congressman Towns said.

"I agree with Senator Obama:  This country only stands to benefit when the government can harness the energy and enthusiasm of faith-based organizations working to assist America's neediest." 

"Often, these organizations are the best suited to handle local community projects.  There is so much work to be done in our communities today that everyone needs to get involved; our government, our schools, our churches, mosques, and our synagogues, in bettering the lives of every American," the Congressman concluded.

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