Today, the Orthodox Union-Teach NYS initiative commended Governor Cuomo’s renewed call to pass legislation that will provide financial support to New York families educating their children at nonpublic schools.

At a rally in Long Island this morning, Governor Cuomo, joined by religious and community leaders and students, introduced the Parental Choice in Education Act. The legislation will provide tax credits to low-income families who send their children to nonpublic school and create an education tax credit to incentivize contributions to nonpublic school scholarship organizations. The Governor stressed the importance of this legislation stating “The legislature must pass this Act this year, because families deserve a choice when it comes to their child’s education.”

Attending this rally were students and parents of OU-Teach NYS partner schools, including Rabbi Dovid Kupchik, Judaic Studies Principal of HAFTR, who joined the Governor on Stage. The Rabbi stated “It’s a hard fight… but it is the right fight for our kids and for our parents and for the faith that so many New Yorkers hold dear.” Today’s rally featured students and representatives from across New York including the Solomon Schechter School of Long Island and Shulamith School for Girls.

“This year’s legislative session ends on June 17th, the passage of education tax credits is OU-Teach NYS top priority for this session in Albany. Over the next few weeks we will host many sessions at which parents and legislators will meet and discuss this bill.” said Jake Adler, New York State Policy Director for the Orthodox Union.

Maury Litwack, OU Advocacy’s director of state political affairs, noted that “Governor Cuomo’s legislation is an important start to support our parents and schools. We are dedicated to ensuring that, if passed, this legislation includes provisions that account for the needs of the entirety of the Yeshiva and Jewish day school population. We look forward to passage of this legislation.

(YWN Desk – NYC)