The Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America, the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization with over 1,000 member synagogues nationwide, welcomed the introduction Tuesday of the Safe and Affordable Schools Act in the U.S. Senate.

The bill, sponsored by the Republican Leadership of the Senate, seeks to offer several methods to provide greater choice, flexibility and resources to parents seeking better educational opportunities for their children. Among its provisions, the bill would provide block grants to states to establish school choice programs, allow for tax free savings accounts from which parents could draw tuition funds, and a $2500 per year tax deduction for student loan interest.

“The time has come when more and more Americans realize we must place greater power in the hands of parents when it comes to schooling their kids,” said Nathan Diament, director of the Orthodox Unions Institute for Public Affairs, “and giving power means giving funds and choice.”

Orthodox Union President, Dr. Mandell I. Ganchrow, noted that “the Orthodox Union has long favored school choice policies as a critical component of improving American society. The Orthodox Union,” continued Ganchrow, “will work hard with Senate leadership, as well as Senate Democrats and the House to secure the passage of effective school choice legislation.”