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April 27, 2001/Iyar 4, 5761, Vol. 53, No.30
Jews give Bush's first 100 days passing grade
SHARON SAMBER
Jewish Telegraphic Agency
WASHINGTON - There has been good, there has been bad, but so far it hasn't gotten that ugly. As President Bush and his administration complete their first 100 days in office, Jewish groups give the new president a fair grade, but many are still taking a wait-and-see approach.
While some of its steps have angered many in the Jewish community, the administration generally has avoided major pitfalls on issues of concern to Jewish organizations. And on the foreign policy front, the White House has avoided major criticism from Jewish groups.
On the domestic front, Bush has run into a bit more trouble, but still has managed to keep on his feet. Abraham Foxman, national Director of the Anti-Defamation League, noted that Bush appears sincere about resolving potential problems and is sensitive to the Jewish community. Bush met with Jewish leaders in March to discuss a variety of topics, and Jewish leaders are beginning to find a comfort level with Bush, Foxman said.
"There is a willingness to engage more with the administration," said Jason Isaacson, director of government and international affairs for the American Jewish Committee.
April 30 will mark Bush's first 100 days in the White House. With the release of Bush's budget plan earlier this month, Jewish groups have gotten a clearer picture of his agenda. Some groups criticized the budget as a conservative document with misguided priorities, and social service groups say the money still falls well short of what they want.
Groups like the United Jewish Communities were unhappy with funding levels for some social service programs of key importance to the Jewish community - such as housing and refugee assistance.
Overall, the general outcry from the Jewish community that many anticipated has not emerged.
Even the fact that the appointments to Bush's Cabinet did not include a single Jew did not stir up public anger.
Bush's proposed repeal of the estate tax - a relatively high tax on the estates of recently deceased people - has Jewish funders concerned that charitable giving will suffer.
Some studies have estimated that repealing the estate tax, which is levied at graduated rates depending on the size of the estate, could reduce charitable gifts and bequests by close to $6 billion annually.
The most controversial issue has been the administration's faith-based initiative.
Bush wants to expand charitable choice, which passed as part of the 1996 welfare reform, and has established the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives. Charitable choice allows religious institutions to bid for government contracts to provide services to welfare recipients.
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