Back when I was working for Americans United for Separation of Church and State in Washington, DC, these "faith-based" or "charitable choice" type programs were just beginning to get pushed throughout the states, especially by Bush in Texas, and nationally by then Senator Ashcroft. With Bush and Ashcroft in charge it is no wonder that they are becoming law unilaterally and so quickly:

We are already starting to see the troubling ways in which faith-based initiatives allow tax dollars to be used.... It is ironic that President Bush is working to tear down the separation of church and state at home, given the battles he is waging abroad. It is clearer today than ever that one of America's greatest strengths is that we are a nation in which people are free to practice any faith or no faith, and the government keeps out of the religious realm.