New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Tuesday did not refute a YWN report that he assured the Satmar Rebbe of Williamsburg he will not interfere in Yeshiva education — in exchange for an endorsement — instead pointing to his lack of control over the state Education Department.

The department is currently reviewing a long-delayed New York City Department of Education probe of whether 30 yeshivas have been meeting minimum requirements for secular education.

“The State Education Department will enforce the law, but it’s not the governor’s responsibility. I have no control of the state Education Department,” Cuomo told reporters following a press conference at the new Tappan Zee Bridge, which has been renamed for his father, Mario Cuomo.

The NY Post notes City officials have actually passed their probe on to the state, claiming the state Education Department has ultimate oversight over what’s taught in non-public schools.

(Nat Golden – YWN)