Senator Praises Several Kansas Charities

WASHINGTON - As a long-time supporter of faith-based organizations working to help those in need in their communities, U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback spoke at a Capitol Hill news conference today lauding President Bush's plans to encourage the efforts of these fine groups.

"I am excited to be here today to lend my support to one of the most exciting initiatives to come out of the White House in several years," Brownback said.

"President Bush's faith-based initiative consists of a couple of simple elements, including easing counterproductive regulations that make it overly difficult for faith-based charities to operate, offering a $500 per person tax credit for charitable donations, and establishing a charitable deduction for the 70 percent of all Americans who don't itemize their tax returns.

"These ideas have been proposed before in Congress, by many of us here, through the work of the Renewal Alliance. They represent a common-sense way to encourage the miraculous work of many highly effective faith-based charities in reducing poverty, strengthening families, freeing people from addiction, providing health care to the uninsured, and ministering to the deepest needs of hurting people.

"I have seen this first-hand. For the past four years, I have conducted annual charity tours throughout my home state of Kansas. It is one of the high points of the year for me. I have seen first-hand how a tiny medical clinic for the indigent in Wichita called the Good Samaritan clinic provides high-quality health care - at no cost - to thousands each year. I have been amazed by the spectacular work of the Topeka Rescue Mission, under the leadership of Barry Feeker, who provides shelter, love, hope and challenge to the homeless. I have witnessed the brave work of the Gracious Promise Foundation in Kansas City, which provides material and spiritual help to the families of prisoners. And just last month, I visited the Inner Change Prison Facility in Winfield, Kansas, and heard from the 150 prisoners there how that program has changed their lives.

"These charities have brought not only material aid, but hope and comfort, to thousands of needy people. Their work should be celebrated - but more importantly, it should be replicated. I am pleased and excited over the steps we are taking towards making that a reality," Brownback said.