The Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America (OU), the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization, today reiterated its call for Governor Wolf to authorize the release of the approval letters relating to the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and the Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) program, which provides millions of dollars annually in scholarships for low- and middle-income families across Pennsylvania.

“The political drama that has riveted the state Capitol may be fascinating for the political pundits, but it has proven to be frightening for the people of Pennsylvania,” said Aaron Troodler, Pennsylvania Director of the Orthodox Union Advocacy Center. “As the state budget impasse continues and the Commonwealth marks 174 days without a budget, it is critical that there is a dose of reality injected into the process and the decision-makers in Harrisburg comprehend the ramifications that our schools and students have been forced to endure due to the political squabbling that has persisted for the past six months.”

“As the 2015 calendar year comes to a close without the EITC and OSTC having been released, our schools are in real danger of losing an entire year of this vital funding,” continued Troodler. “The situation for schools and families is extremely dire and if this issue is not resolved immediately, our children will suffer unimaginable and irreparable harm. We therefore call upon the Governor and the General Assembly to do whatever is necessary to salvage these indispensable education dollars.”

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