Y UR CHILD'S This week, there were widespread reports that the administration will work with Senate Democratic leaders and Sen. Joe Lieberman, D-Conn., to pass a limited faith-based bill that will focus on using the tax code to help charities raise money to provide important health and social services. Gone will be all but a few vestiges of "charitable choice" controversial proposals that would reduce restric- tions on religious groups seeking gov- ernment money to provide services. Earlier this year, the House passed a sweeping bill that included charitable choice provisions. At the same time, the House version severely cut back elements of the bill intended to encourage charitable giving. But leaders in the Democratic Senate put the brakes on the faith- based effort. Liberal Jewish groups, working with a coalition of church-state organiza- tions, oppose charitable choice; two major Orthodox groups support the concept. Marshall Wittmann, a congressional analyst for the conservative Hudson Institute, said the decisive factor in derailing the charitable choice drive was last month's terror attacks. "It's a product of (the administra- tion's) general desire to husband its political capital at the moment," he said. "It's unlikely they'd want to get into a major fight over charitable choice at a time when they are trying to build national unity on the war front." And with the administration focused almost entirely on the anti-terror war and its foreign policy and domestic repercussions, the White House lacked the manpower to overcome Democratic resistance to the plan in the Senate. One big question: will the more con- servative House go along with a drasti- cally watered down bill? And will House leaders, who drastically scaled back the charitable relief portion of the bill before passing it, choke on requests for more money to help charities? Nathan Diament, director of the Orthodox Union's Institute for Public Affairs, said the House is likely to go along with a compromise if they are convinced the idea will be revisited. "Right now, they're looking more at a two-stage process," he said. "The first stage involves the tax and incen- tive provisions." Charitable choice could come into the equation later, but Diament said that it is almost certain to be put off until next year. ❑ OCKE TO THE STARS What children dream, 1. ),, 4 we help them achieve. „.0 , 100% of graduates accepted at four-year colleges and universities. 27 National Merit Semifinalists in class of 2001, highest percentage of any school in Michigan Average SAT score, Class of 2001:1302 Detroit Country Day School Open House Sunday, October 21, from 1-4 pm Pre-K through Grade 12 (658 Math, 644 Verbal) A Test of Engineering Aptitude, Math and Science I st in state two years in a row Michigan Mathematics Prize Competition 7 students in top 100,5 in top 50 Nation-al French Contest, 43 awards National German Contest, 10 awards National Latin Exam, 17 awards National Spanish Exam, 16 awards including first in nation Scholastic Arts Awards, I 7 Silver Keys, 8 Top awards for student journalism from national and state interscholastic press associates Quiz Bowl Six consecutive state championships Come explore our school community and discover the supportive learning environment that prepares children through a dynamic program of academics, athletics, arts and activities. We invite your family to experience what Country Day offers at each of its four schools—Pre-K through Gradel2. We recommend that families apply for admission as early as possible due to our commitment to individualized attention and small class size. LOWER SCHOOL (Grades Pre-K-2) 3003 West Maple Road Bloomfield Hills (248) 433-1050 JUNIOR SCHOOL (Grades 3-5) 3600 Bradway Boulevard Bloomfield Hills (248) 647-2522 MIDDLE SCHOOL (Grades 6-8) 22400 Hillview Lane Beverly Hills (248) 646-7985 UPPER SCHOOL (Grades 9-12) 22305 West Thirteen Mile Road Beverly Hills (248) 646-7717 second in nation for 2000-2001 An International Baccalaureate School www.dcds.edu The Ultimate GRAND OPENING! Wr\Dows WALLS Serving the community for over 25 years 5528 Drake Road (Corner of Walnut Lake Rd.) West Bloomfield Website: www.windowsandwalls.com Phone: (248)661-3840 Fax: (248)661-0125 • IkeetOouglasg window fashions kra. 10/19 2001 23