Friday, July 13, 2007
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Enacts Law to Create New Partnerships with Faith-Based Organizations for Missourians in Need
JEFFERSON CITY–Gov. Matt Blunt signed legislation to promote cooperation between faith-based groups and the Department of Social Services to enhance services offered to Missourians.
"I am pleased to sign the Faith-Based Organizations Liaison Act that will enhance services for Missourians in need by recognizing and promoting services available through faith-based groups," Gov. Blunt said. "This act will expand the variety of services available to Missourians and provide more choices for Missourians in need. Regional liaisons will work to identify faith-based organizations whose services can offer additional options for Missourians to obtain high quality services."
"Missouri's faith-based communities provide an invaluable service to many Missourians," said the bill's sponsor Sen. Rob Mayer. "This bill will allow our faith-based communities to better serve more Missourians in more ways, building on the help and care they already provide that so many Missourians value and appreciate."
"The goal of this bill is for liaisons with the Department of Social Services to communicate with faith-based organizations and promote their involvement in providing services for Missourians in need. This will help reduce the burden on taxpayers to pay for such services and expand outreach and care to the poor and needy and those most vulnerable among us," Rep. Jeff Grisamore said.
Senate Bill 46, sponsored by Sen. Rob Mayer, requires the director of the Department of Social Services to designate regional liaisons to faith-based organizations. The legislation states the liaisons will work to promote department and faith-based groups working together as a means of providing private community services to Missourians in need of assistance. The legislation also prohibits discrimination against any faith-based groups in carrying out the provisions of the law.