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ETA News Release: [07/09/2004] Contact Name: Lorette
Post Phone Number: (202) 693-3984
U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao Announces
Elimination of Barriers to Faith-Based Training, Grants
WASHINGTONU.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.
Todays 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 Labors 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. DOLs rules, which are effective
30 days from publication in the Federal Register, end that
disparity.
These regulations require that faith-based organizations be
eligibleon the same basis as any other organizationto 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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