May 07, 2009
A reader points out this passage in the president's budget (.pdf):
The 2010 Budget proposes a new Teen Pregnancy Prevention Initiative to support community-based and faith-based efforts to reduce teen pregnancy using evidence-based and promising models. In addition, a new Strengthening Communities Fund will help build the capacity of non-profit organizations and State, Local and Tribal entities to better serve low-income and disadvantaged populations. This Budget also proposes funding for (1) a new child welfare initiative, and (2) a human services case management system for Federally-declared disasters. This Budget eliminates funding for Community-Based Abstinence Education, the mandatory Title V Abstinence Education program, the Compassion Capital Fund, and Rural Community Facilities.
This is no surprise, but it's a reminder of the way in which a budget shifts not just money but also priorities and politics. In this case, it will will cut off streams of funding to religiously oriented groups allied with the Bush White House.
UPDATE: I'm told there is a pool of money that will be available to -- but not guaranteed for -- abstinence only programs that show promise and agree to rigorous analysis of their results.