State House Republicans unveil faith-based initiative

Thursday, February 9th 2006, 3:49 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) â€“ State House Republicans Thursday unveiled a faith-based initiative with proposals to help problem gamblers and ex-convicts who are adjusting to life outside prison.

The legislation also includes a tax credit for charitable donations and encourages partnerships between government agencies, religious groups and organizations that help needy Oklahomans.

Hiett says the legislation is needed because government simply can't fix all of society's problems.

Two new funds would finance the program.

One would provide seed money to volunteer groups that provide health, vocational and educational training.

The other would offer bonuses to state correctional officers who help improve the recidivism rates of state prisoners.