Delaware State News, August 13, 2008

DOVER — Delaware has been on the short end of the stick when it comes to faith-based organiza­tions receiving federal and private funds, prompting state Insurance Commissioner Matthew P. Denn Tuesday to call for the state to dedicate staff to assist the groups.

Mr. Denn, the Democratic can­didate for lieutenant governor, said faith-based groups are vital centers of communities, having seen first­hand while serving a fellowship with Delaware Volunteer Legal Services and working in churches and community centers.

“Few organizations are closer to the community and able to draw people in and touch them than our churches and faith-based groups,” Mr. Denn said.

“From 2002 through 2007, the federal government oper­ated what it called a Compassion Capital Fund, that was designed to help faith-based and community organizations expand their capac­ity. During the life of the program, Congress funded it to the tune of $289 million. “Of that amount, Delaware programs received just $100,000, two $50,000 grants.”

Mr. Denn said the staff would assist or­ganizations find­ing and getting funds already available, but of which Dela­ware may not be receiving a fair share. Around the country, 35 states have offices to help faith-based organizations providing social services in a con­stitutionally appropriate way, but Delaware is not one of them.

Mr. Denn said he would ask the next governor to dedicate staff in the executive branch to helping faith-based organizations and, barring that, would do it himself as lieutenant governor.

The insurance commissioner will face Senate Minority Leader Sen. Charles L. Copeland, R­Wilmington, in the general elec­tion Nov. 4.