Agudah, OU, UJA-Federation unite to push for passage in tuition relief bill

New York – As the end of the New York State Legislative Session draws nearer, the Orthodox Union, Agudath Israel of America and UJA-Federation of New York are coming together in a united organizational push to campaign for the passage of the Parental Choice in Education Act. The bill is Governor Andrew Cuomo’s historic proposed legislation that would offer tax credits to families sending children to private school and those contributing to scholarship funds for these schools. The broad group of Jewish organizations will hold a press conference Monday, June 8 at 9:30AM at Office of the Governor of the State of New York – NYC Office – 633 Third Avenue (at 41st Street), to further discuss the details of this campaign. The event is open and coverage is invited.


Allen Fagin, executive vice president of the Orthodox Union; Eric S. Goldstein, CEO of UJA-Federation of New York; and Rabbi David Zweibel, executive vice president of Agudath Israel of America, will discuss the governor’s bill and its importance to the Jewish community of New York State.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s $150 million proposed education tax credit program would incentivize those who contribute to scholarship organizations for private school students and provide tuition tax credits for private school students whose families meet certain criteria. Tax credits of up to 75 percent would be available for both individuals and businesses which make a donation to nonprofit scholarship organizations for students at non-public schools. This would equate to, at most, $50 million a year. Additionally, tax credits of up to $500 per student per year would be offered to non-public school families earning less than $60,000 a year.

Since its introduction, the groups have shown support for the bill, including engaging in lobbying efforts in Albany and community advocacy. Now, the groups have come together to highlight the important impact the bill will have on New York’s Jewish day schools and yeshivas, and therefore the diverse and expansive New York State Jewish community.