November 11, 1999

ORTHODOX UNION WELCOMES HOUSE PASSAGE OF LEGISLATION PROMOTING RESPONSIBLE FATHERHOOD

Today, the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America - through its Institute for Public Affairs - applauded yesterday's passage by the House of Representatives of the "Fathers Count Act," a measure designed to promote and support responsible parenting in low income families.

The measure, passed 328 to 93, will fund expanded job training and employment opportunities as well as support programs for low-income families.  It sets aside $150 million over six years in grants to nonprofit groups, including faith based social service groups, that provide these kinds of programs.

Nathan Diament, director of the Union's Institute, stated that "the passage of the 'Fathers Count Act' is an important step in the effort to promote and foster thriving families in sectors of our society that have failed to benefit from the economic prosperity America has enjoyed for the last several years.  We are particularly pleased that the House has once again affirmed that faith based social service providers must be included in such efforts and would allow faith based groups to apply for the grants available under this act.  The Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations - the nation's largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization - looks forward to this measure being enacted into law."

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