New York State’s new budget, passed on March 31, 2018, includes an unprecedented $15 million for nonpublic schools STEM reimbursement program. This program, championed by Teach NYS, of the Orthodox Union’s Teach Advocacy network, will increase funding for STEM instruction in nonpublic schools by $10 million, a 200-percent increase over last year’s allocation. Teach NYS has made passing and expanding the STEM program the cornerstone of its agenda and was instrumental in securing the historic reimbursement program for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) instruction, passed in 2017. The 2018-19 funding builds upon that success.

“The growth of the STEM program in this budget reflects the value that Albany places on our schools,” said Neil Cohen, Teach NYS co-chairman. “Our nonpublic schools are an economic driver for New York State, and this funding increase will help us ensure our students have access to the education they need now to contribute to the economy of the future.”

The new budget also includes increases for Comprehensive Attendance Policy and Mandated Services programs (CAP & MSR). Additionally, the nonpublic school security program will remain funded at $15M.

“This was an exceedingly difficult budget year and we are gratified to know that the Governor and legislative leadershi have once again made funding our schools a priority,” said Allen Fagin, Executive Vice President of the Orthodox Union. “Our state’s leaders understand the critical importance of education and investing in our children. We are extremely appreciative of the efforts of Governor Cuomo, Majority Leader Flanagan, Speaker Heastie, Senate Coalition Leader Jeff Klein and the membership of both houses for their hard work on this issue.”

Teach NYS mobilizes grassroots activists, lay leaders, teachers community leaders and students to meet with elected officials and directly advocate for legislation that will help offset and mitigate the tuition crisis plaguing nonpublic schools, including many Jewish day schools and yeshivas.

In addition to its regular presence on the ground in Albany, Teach NYS recently held a successful “Albany Mission” in March 2018, with hundreds of activists participating in a massive rally and local legislative meetings.

“We thank our partners in advocacy, including Agudath Israel of America, the New York State Catholic Conference and the UJA Federation of New York for working us on behalf of all of New York State’s nonpublic schools.” said Maury Litwack, Director, Teach NYS.

Nonpublic schools educate more than 400,000 students and save New York taxpayers more than $11 billion annually. Nonpublic schools also generate more than $500 million in tax revenue and add 70,000 jobs to the state’s economy.

Orthodox Union President Moishe Bane stated, “We are grateful to our partners in government for understanding that education is the priority for our community, and for once again responding with concrete policy actions to benefit our schools.”

To help fight the tuition crisis, please visit www.teachadvocacy.org.

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