Dear Recipient's Title and Name:
I am writing to you as a concerned citizen and about a current, pressing issue in your district.
Every parent should have the right to choose the school that is best for their child.
Last week, however, a group of Jewish parents and schools were forced to go to federal court to fight a California law that excludes religious schools from receiving special education funding to serve children with disabilities. In Loffman v. California Department of Education, a group of Orthodox Jewish parents want to send their children to Orthodox Jewish schools, however, they are unable to do so because politicians in California exclude all “sectarian” schools from participating in the State’s funding program.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a federal law ensuring that all children with disabilities can receive an education that meets their unique needs. IDEA funds help pay for the cost of staff training, special education programs, assistive technology, and other services. IDEA is designed to ensure all children can receive a free and appropriate education, including in private schools when public schools cannot meet their needs. However, California politicians exclude religious schools, and the religious families they want to serve, from even applying to participate in the program.
No parent should ever have to compromise when it comes to their child's education or faith. I urge you to take the action needed to make California change its discriminatory law to include all children of every background and religion.
Sincerely,
Your Full Name
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