The Orthodox Union Advocacy Center (OUA) and the Teach Coalition — the federal and state-level public policy arms of the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America — have launched a new national advocacy blitz urging the U.S. Senate to pass the Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA), historic school choice legislation that passed the House last month as part of the tax reconciliation bill.
The campaign includes digital, print, and grassroots outreach, encouraging Jewish communities nationwide to contact their senators in support of the ECCA. The goal: mobilize 50,000 letters to Congress. You can read and sign the letter here.
As passed by the House, the bill would create $5 billion per year in federal tax credits to fund private school scholarships — including for Jewish day schools. If the Senate strengthens and passes it, this legislation could fundamentally transform the future of Jewish and religious education in America.
“This is not just a policy moment, it’s a historic moment,” said OU Advocacy Executive Director Nathan Diament. “As antisemitism surges and Jewish communities face growing threats, families are desperate for schools where their children feel safe, supported, and proud of their identity. But too many are being priced out of a Jewish education. That’s not sustainable nor acceptable. This legislation is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to turn the tide, and we are going all in to make sure it happens.”
“What began as a grassroots movement in state capitols has grown into a national force — one that’s already delivered major victories in government funding and resources,” said Sydney Altfield, National Director of Teach Coalition. “Now, we’re taking that fight to Congress to secure a $5 billion federal tax credit scholarship program — and to make sure our community’s priorities are heard. From Miami to Monsey, Phoenix to Philadelphia, parents, educators, and advocates are stepping up to ensure passage of ECCA.”
OUA and Teach Coalition worked closely with members of Congress to secure the bill’s passage in the House and to protect key language defending schools’ religious liberty. We continue to urge Congress to keep those protections intact and to raise the tax credit cap to $10 billion per year over 10 years.
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