At a state level, organizations could ask to be considered a true charitable organization (such as Father Fred's in TC, or Salvation Army) where a good portion of their revenue is passed on to the poor.

Of course there are issues, and some organizations spend too much on administrative costs - but the DHS spends far more than the worst offenders (like United Way).

I'm interested that you were not interested in my other proposals. Why not tax credits for non-public education? The Constitution only limits vouchers for religious organizations. Also, why no interest in privatizing foster care fully (as you've done adoptions)? You could significantly cut DHS staffing (with workers earning upwards of $50,000 a piece), and see an increase in PRIVATE non-profits for doing the work, where the workers in these non-profits could actually make more than $30,000 (right now, the average worker is lucky to make that much money, mostly because the DHS is gobbling up the majority of the funds available).

Is it because teachers' unions and the UAW (who represent the DHS workers) actually have you guys scared? With fewer and fewer people voting for unions, do we really have to continue this ridiculous cow-towing to the unions?

I'm not trying to be disrespectful, but if you really knew what was going on in foster care and education, you'd find these other proposals equally interesting.

I heard of another state (I think it was New Jersey) that did the tax credit for education, and they saved billions of dollars...approx. $5,000 a student or more.

I'd love to discuss this with you, or anyone in the GOP caucus. Although I am not a Republican, and I am skeptical that much will change. I am HOPEFUL, but still skeptical. I would LOVE for you, and the rest of the Caucus to prove me wrong about my skepticism. If you are willing to discuss this more, please feel free to write me at burleywu@yahoo.com.

How about a senior position at DHS? LOL. I currently work for a private non-profit (full of a bunch of Democrats who are hoping that the GOP comes through on more privatization - how would you like to be one of the guys that finally pulls a whole truckload of social workers into the GOP?).