As first reported by Yeshiva World News Thursday evening, Agudath Israel of America is applauding Kathy Hochul after she publicly expressed support for the new Federal Scholarship Tax Credit and announced her intention for New York State to opt into the program.
The announcement followed a meeting on Thursday between Governor Hochul and Orthodox Jewish community leaders hosted by Agudath Israel chairman of the board Mr. Sol Werdiger. During the meeting, the governor informed attendees of her intention to participate in the federal initiative, a move that was welcomed by families and education advocates across New York State.
In a public statement released Friday morning, Governor Hochul’s office said the governor “is supportive of the federal tax credit scholarship and its potential to help New York students and schools.”
The Federal Scholarship Tax Credit (FSTC) allows taxpayers to contribute up to $1,700 to scholarship granting organizations and receive a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit. The scholarships can then be used for tuition assistance, tutoring, special needs services, and other approved educational expenses.
According to Agudath Israel, 27 states have already opted into the program, though only one Democratic governor — Jared Polis — has done so until now.
“Governor Hochul correctly highlighted that the new tax credit has great potential to help all New York students whether they attend private or public school,” said Rabbi A.D. Motzen, Agudath Israel of America’s National Director of Government Affairs. “Opting in allows New York State to retain some of the billions of dollars in New York taxpayer money that would have flowed to the federal government or donated to scholarship organizations in other states.”
Agudath Israel said it worked closely with coalition partners and grassroots advocates to help secure passage of the tax credit. The organization added that it will continue working with state and federal officials to ensure the program is implemented in a way that benefits families throughout New York.
Partner organizations involved in the effort include the FSTC Coalition, the New York State Catholic Conference, Invest in Education, and Teach NYS.
For more information about the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit, visit Agudath Israel FSTC Information Page.
Yidden stay far away from Haman. They act nice to get your vote but they are evil, low life witches. Vote Blakeman if you want to stay Frum in New York. We need to lower taxes , do away with cashless bail and make New York safe again. Yidden stop being friends with It. It’s a real Chilul Hashem.