Faith-Based Groups Prepare to Advance their Agenda in 2008

January 9, 2008

Author: ROBIN FARMER

Source: Richmond Times-Dispatch

http://www.inrich.com/cva/ric/entertainment_living/religion.apx.-content-articles-RTD-2008-01-05-0126.html

Capping payday loans at 36 percent, expanding Medicaid and abolishing the death penalty are part of the legislative agenda for the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy.

The center published a brochure last month that outlines its priorities, which include providing dental services to adults older than 21 in the Medicaid program, advocating for energy and conservation measures and expanding childhood education.

"But there will be more attention on health-care access, payday lending and the restoration of civil rights for former felons," said the Rev. C. Douglas Smith, executive director of the center.