The Orthodox Union (Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America), the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization is dismayed by proposed amendments to BOAST Maryland education tax credit. Released on Saturday by the House Ways & Means Committee, the proposal would replace the BOAST tax credit with state grants to nonpublic schools with aging infrastructure and declining enrollment, effectively cutting out every Jewish day school in Maryland from the program.

The original BOAST program, modeled on successful programs in several other states including Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Rhode Island and Pennsylvania that have raised tens of millions of dollars annually for both public and nonpublic schools, and would have allowed all schools in Maryland to benefit. It has already passed the Maryland Senate, 30-17, with the support of Governor O’Malley, who penned a letter of support.

Howie Beigelman, OU Deputy Director of Public Policy stated: These amendments to BOAST, even if well intentioned, cut off every Jewish day school in Maryland from benefiting from BOAST. Our schools have seen increasing enrollment, and many have moved locations over the last quarter century. To pass BOAST in this fashion ignores the real financial sacrifice of thousands of families statewide, and cuts off deserving public schools to boot. BOAST was and remains about helping students and families in need. We urge the Legislature to correct these errors immediately and provide real help to Marylanders.

(YWN Desk – NYC)