Today, the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America, through its Institute for Public Affairs, announced its support for a new legislative package of education reform initiatives announced in a Capitol Hill news conference by Republican Senate leaders. Leaders such as Senators Trent Lott, Paul Coverdell, Connie Mack and others came back to Washington a week early (prior to the opening of congress’ next session by the president’s State of the Union Address) to highlight their commitment to passing education reform legislation this session.

The “Better Opportunities for Our Kids and Schools Act” includes a series of measures targeted at providing parent greater control and resources as they guide their children’s education. The package includes “A+ Accounts” (allowing parents to set up tax-free IRA accounts for education expenses), a five year $75 million demonstration program to provide vouchers to low-income students trapped in unsafe schools, expansion of charter school funding and full funding of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

Nathan Diament, director of the Institute for Public Affairs, stated that this legislative package “is a sensible and smart package designed to empower parents and secure the best educational opportunities forAmerica’s children.”

NATHAN J. DIAMENT Director, Institute for Public Affairs, Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America