ESTABLISH FAITH COMMUNITY LIAISON
House Bill 4157
Sponsor: Rep. Doug Hart
Committee: Family and Children Services
Complete to 2-9-01
A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 4157 AS INTRODUCED 2-7-01
The bill would create a new act to establish an "Office of Faith Community Liaison" within the governor's office. The governor would appoint a faith community liaison who would be the executive director of the office. The person appointed to be the faith community liaison would have to be knowledgeable of national and state faith based organization-government collaboratives, be knowledgeable about public and private funding sources for programs and services to the poor, and be a person identified with a faith community who demonstrates respect for and willingness to work with all faith organizations and resources in Michigan.
The office of faith community liaison would be required to:
* serve as policy advisor to the governor and the executive branch on issues and policies affecting Michigan faith communities regarding social services and initiatives serving the needy;
* participate in hearings and meetings concerning how state agencies relate to Michigan faith communities;
* gather data and information and act as a clearinghouse on issues concerning Michigan faith communities regarding social services and initiatives serving the needy;
* develop working relationships and strategic partnerships with Michigan faith communities that provide social services and initiatives that serve the needy; and,
* work with Michigan faith communities to end the dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation, employment, marriage, and substance abuse rehabilitation.
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This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.