A bill filed in the House of Representatives on Wednesday seeks to establish the Office of Faith and Community within the Executive Office of the Governor, aimed at enhancing coordination between state agencies and faith-based organizations.
The legislation, filed by Rep. Douglas Michael Bankson, outlines that the office would be responsible for the establishment of a direct communication line, the “Florida Faith and Community Phone,” for community leaders to connect with the Governor’s office. It would also work to expand the use of CarePortal, a platform that connects organizations with needs in their local communities. Additionally, the office would provide administrative support to the Florida Faith-Based and Community-Based Advisory Council.
“Faith and community networks play an integral role in serving the most vulnerable persons of a community,” Bankson’s filing reads. “Responsible connections with faith and community networks are a just and necessary component of good governance in pursuit of greater societal growth in this state.”
The bill also proposes the creation of a ‘Liaison for Faith and Community’ position, which would oversee the office and coordinate with state agencies on faith-based initiatives, serving as a senior advisor to the Governor and other senior leadership.
If enacted, the bill would take effect on July 1, 2025.
0 Comments