FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Nathan J. Diament
202-513-6484
March 29, 2011

Orthodox Union Urges Passage of SOAR Act/Reauthorization of the DC Opportunity Scholarship Program

Today the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America (“Orthodox Union”), the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization, representing nearly 1,000 congregations across North America, urged swift passage of the SOAR Act (H.R. 471) which is expected to be voted on the House floor tomorrow. The SOAR Act would reauthorize the DC Opportunity Scholarship Program, an important program our organization has fought for since its inception.

The Orthodox Union consistently advocates for constitutionally permissible aid to empower parents to choose the best education for their children. We are pleased at this legislation, introduced by Speaker Boehner & Senator Lieberman which puts the needs of children & families first to ensure every child has the best education. In these difficult economic times, it is increasingly difficult for parents to afford the school that will best educate their children. Government programs which assist parents in doing so promote the socially just goal of affording equal educational opportunity for all.

We urge Congress & the President to extend the DC Opportunity Scholarship Program permanently.