Durst Introduces Resolution on Community Partnerships

My state, Rep. Branden Durst (D-18) has introduced House Concurrent Resolution 11 on partnerships with Faith-based and Community organizations:

WHEREAS, current difficult economic conditions are impacting the lives of many Ida8
hoans; and
WHEREAS, demand for social services is rising as economic conditions worsen; and
WHEREAS, the state of Idaho’s social service system is incapable of assisting all of those
in need; and
WHEREAS, faith based and community organizations are prepared to serve a vital role in
assisting those in need; and
WHEREAS, coordination between Idaho State government and faith based and community organizations is unknown; and
WHEREAS, the state of Idaho desires to partner with faith based and community organizations to deliver services to those in need.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the members of the First Regular Session of the Sixtieth Idaho Legislature, the House of Representatives and the Senate concurring therein, that the state of Idaho and its agencies are encouraged to identify current barriers to partnership with faith based and community organizations.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the state of Idaho and its agencies are encouraged to identify current partnerships with faith based and community organizations.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the state of Idaho and its agencies are encouraged to report back to the Governor and the Legislature their findings regarding barriers to and current
partnerships with faith based and community organizations.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the state of Idaho and its agencies are encouraged to convene a conference in conjunction with members of the faithbased and community organizations to begin a dialogue and improve opportunities for partnership.

Durst’s bill is excellent. I think he’s right to highlight the money issue here. Government doesn’t have the money for all the needs that are hitting it, particularly with rising unemployment, and I think the Durst resolution moves us beyond just the issue of cutting or not cutting spending to the question of, “What do we do now?” And I think the answer of partnering with faith-based and community organization is innovative and it’s the way to go.

In a legislature that’s Overwhelmingly Republican-run, there’s a strong temptation not to even consider an idea from a Democratic member. However, this idea is very good and I certainly hope the leadership of the House will overrule partisanship and do what’s right for Idaho.