Agudath Israel of America applauds the significant increase in support for nonpublic schools in the 2014-2015 New Jersey state budget. The new budget adds nearly $5 million in funding, with $2.4 million allocated for technology initiatives and $2.5 million earmarked for nursing services. Rabbi Avi Schnall, New Jersey director for Agudath Israel, explained that the nursing services funding would allow many schools to have a nurse on premises, providing better health care for their students.

Another big win in the budget was an additional $400,000 in support for Holocaust survivors in New Jersey.

Agudath Israel acknowledges the crucial efforts of Assemblyman Gary Schaer, who put the additional funding in the budget and helped push it through, and the support of Governor Chris Christie and other New Jersey legislators, including Senator Paul Sarlo. Organization representatives campaigned vigorously for the budget, along with other nonpublic school groups, urging its members to contact the governor directly.

“This is a step in the right direction which will greatly benefit our children both educationally and in their overall well-being,” said Rabbi Schnall. “We applaud the efforts of our tireless Assemblyman, Gary Schaer, for the work he has done and continues to do for the entire klal.”

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)