The Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America, through its Institute for Public Affairs today welcomed the inclusion of a tax credit in the NYS Legislative Budget.

Governor Pataki’s proposed budget, released in January, included a $500 per child tax credit for qualified education expenses for children in underperforming school districts. The Legislature’s proposal, as reflected in budget bills printed at midnight, does not tie the credit directly to educational expenses and offers a smaller amount per child – $330; however, their tax credit applies statewide.

OU President Steve Savitsky and Executive Vice President Rabbi Dr. Tzvi Hersh Weinreb issued the following statement:

“Giving parents of all students the ability to help their child best succeed is our goal. Education Tax Credits are a major step towards that goal and we look forward to seeing that the final budget will reflect the need for the credit to be tied to educational expenses.

“In other states, Education Tax Credits have benefited hardworking parents and the OU will continue to work with our coalition partners, the Governor and the Legislature to see New York’s tax credit specifically encourages and rewards education spending choices by parents.”