Today, the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America – the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization, through its Institute for Public Affairs, called upon the House of Representatives to approve an amendment offered by Majority Leader Dick Armey designed to rescue children from failing schools. The amendment offered on the reauthorization of “Title I” education programs will create a five year pilot program granting children in failing public schools a $3,500 scholarship to be used at the public, private or parochial school of their choice.

Nathan Diament, director of the Union’s Institute stated that “this initiative is a critical step in improving education in America. It empowers parents and their children to ensure that each child has real educational opportunity. The Orthodox Jewish community hopes the House will pass this, and other measures designed to achieve this critical goal in their votes today.”