Luis Fortuno: “the discussion today is really about protecting the mission of those religious organizations that some of the Members…”

“the discussion today is really about protecting the mission of those religious organizations that some of the Members here are proposing that we regulate even further in spite of the wonderful job they are doing to work with our social ills. It is also about preserving the strength and integrity of religious organizations that engage in this type of social work. It is not a license we are looking for to impose particular religious beliefs, but a guarantee to protect the administrative integrity that is part of each religious group that engages in this type of work. Faith-based and community-based organizations are far better suited than a government bureaucracy to address these issues and produce results. Key to their success is a unifying roll they often play in their communities, as well as their proximity to individuals and communities in need. This is especially true, I must say, of the Hispanic American population. Hispanic Americans traditionally, in following their traditional values and beliefs, often turn to faith-based and community organizations for help. By channeling social services through these organizations, we can avoid losing members of this community in our society. However, what some today are trying to do here is essentially trying to tell them whom they can hire and whom they cannot hire.”