FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

UOJCA COMMENDS GOVERNOR SPITZER’S HISTORIC EDUCATION INITIATIVES
Governor keeps commitment to thousands of New Yorkers

The Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America, the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization, applauds New York Governor Eliot L. Spitzer on proposing historic, precedent changing education initiatives in his first Executive Budget released earlier today.

The governor proposed an unprecedented $1,000 per child tuition tax credit for children in non-public schools. This “Above the Line” credit will empower and support parents to make decisions guiding their children’s education as they see fit and bring much needed relief to tens of thousands of New Yorkers who believe Jewish, Catholic and other non-public schools serve their children best.

Additionally, Governor Spitzer proposed fairer treatment of non-public schools in government support programs, including granting non-public schools per-capita funds toward the purchase of computers and other “hardware” on equal terms to public schools (just as is the case in New York with regard to funds for textbooks and software.)

In response to the Governor’s proposals, UOJCA President Stephen J. Savitsky stated:

“Governor Spitzer took office promising change and he is delivering it. When he sought the votes of our communities, Mr. Spitzer vowed to make the best educational options available to every child and every family across New York State. By recognizing that parents ought to be empowered to choose their children’s education as well as the economic burden upon parents who shoulder both property tax payments and non-public school tuition, Governor Spitzer is demonstrating his commitment to serve the needs of all New Yorkers — including the pressing needs of the Orthodox Jewish community. We look forward to working with him and the Legislature to make this a reality.”