Governor Cuomo’s ‘Parental Choice in Education Act’ Lauded During Deputy Secretary of Education’s Visit at Beth Rachel School

Williamsburg – Today, the NYS Deputy Secretary of Education, Elana Sigall, toured the Beth Rachel School in Williamsburg, which is part of the United Talmudical Academy (UTA) of Williamsburg , the largest private school network nationally, to discuss Governor Cuomo’s newly-proposed “Parental Choice in Education Act.” She was warmly welcomed by a packed dining room of Beth Rachel students, and community leaders expressed their gratitude to the Governor for his proposal that will provide crucial assistance to tuition-paying parents.

Deputy Secretary Sigall was joined by colleagues at the NY State Education Department and Governor Cuomo’s Special Assistant for Jewish Affairs Mr. David Lobl. They were welcomed by Assemblyman Joe Lentol, Rabbi Saul Perlstein, President of the Satmar Community, Rabbi Issac Mandel, UTA’s Executive Director, Rabbi David Niederman, President of the UJO of Williamsburg, and a representative of Senator Martin Malave Dilan. During the visit, the Governor’s plan was strongly lauded.

The group visited the newly-constructed Beth Rachel High School building, a $30 Million 1,500-student school which will open doors for the upcoming school year. Then, they visited UTA’s largest building, with close to 3,000 thousand students. They were introduced to – and addressed – hundreds of students assembled to hear about the Governor’s new proposal, and were warmly applauded; they also watched classrooms in action; and sat down for brief discussion with the community leaders.

Governor Cuomo’s proposal will give parents a $500 tax credit for every child attending a private school, and will provide $50 million dollars in tax credits for contributions to provide scholarships at private schools. Donation up to $100,000 will receive a 75% tax credit. Other components will reimburse Public School teachers for expenditures for school supplies and text books, and will provide tax credits for investment in public school programs.

“Your parents are struggling to make ends meet, and to pay for the private education they chose as best for you. The Governor’s plan will bring them relief, and we are thankful for that,” said Rabbi David Niederman, President of the United Jewish Organizations of Williamsburg (UJO) in his remarks to the students.