Despite the persistence of substance abuse, crime, and other social problems, Pennsylvania's Republican politicians still have faith.

A number of politicians, including Lt. Gov. Mark Schweiker, are in favor of the faith-based initiative President George W. Bush proposed last Tuesday.

Schweiker said faith-based organizations have played an integral part in enhancing local and state community initiatives, according to his press secretary David Hixson.

"(Faith-based organizations) want to give services to people who need it the most," Hixson said.

Bush's plan would allow faith-based and charitable organizations to tap into federal funds for the purpose of creating continuing programs that deal with social problems, according to a press release.

Rep. John E. Peterson, R-Centre, is another Pennsylvania Republican who has voiced his approval of the proposal. If the proposal goes to Congress and is passed, Peterson said he will work to educate religious organizations on how they can obtain the funds, according to his spokeswoman Jen Burita.

Burita said Bush's initiative will force government officials to be creative and implement a plan that will allow private organizations help solve problems government agencies have not always succeeded in tackling.

Some of the social services offered by churches that Bush hopes get funded are already in place.

State College Christian and Missionary Alliance Church, 1221 W. Whitehall Road, already offers various programs to help alleviate social problems.

On Sunday evenings, the church sponsors a narcotics anonymous group made of of 30 members who lend support to one another, said Rev. David Janssen.

In addition, the church also helps persons who are disabled so that they can fully participate in the life of the church and personal development.

Rev. Janssen hopes to start an alcoholics anonymous group as well, however, with the lack of resources, creating a new program would be a difficult task, he said.

However, with the proposal of Bush's faith-based initiative, Rev. Janssen said, "The church is encouraged by it."

While political leaders in favor of the plan wait for U.S. legislation to pass, Pennsylvania supporters such as Schweiker, look toward building the relationship between faith-based programs and local and state communities.

"Having a national agenda can only enhance the work that happens in Pennsylvania," Hixson said.