Governor Kathy Hochul has officially signed the New York State 2025-2026 budget, and while the process was delayed and complex, the final outcome includes several major victories for the Orthodox Jewish community. Agudath Israel praised the enacted budget, which includes significant gains in education funding, family tax relief, yeshiva autonomy, and public safety.
Groundbreaking Win for Yeshiva Autonomy
A key legislative milestone is the enactment of new guidelines defining how nonpublic schools can meet the state’s “substantial equivalency” standard. The bill ensures yeshivas can continue to educate students in accordance with their mesorah (tradition), offering critical legal clarity and protection. Agudath Israel, which has advocated for this reform for nearly a decade, credited Governor Hochul and key legislative leaders including Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, Assemblymembers Michael Benedetto and Simcha Eichenstein, and a coalition of advocates.
Enhanced Child Tax Credit for Families
The budget expands the Empire State Child Credit to $1,000 per child under age 4, and $500 per child ages 4 to 17, for middle-income families. Agudath Israel has long championed this credit, which directly benefits large families. Governor Hochul introduced the expansion in her January State of the State address and included it in her executive budget. Agudah also thanked Senator Jeremy Cooney and Assemblymember Andrew Hevesi for sponsoring the legislation.
Combating Antisemitic Harassment
The budget includes new penalties for individuals who commit harassment or menacing crimes while wearing a mask, addressing the rise in antisemitic intimidation. While Agudath Israel supported a broader version of this measure, the adopted provision is seen as a meaningful step in deterring hate-driven threats.
Over $400 Million for Nonpublic Schools
The final budget includes over $400 million for nonpublic schools, with notable allocations including:
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School Security: $70 million for the Nonpublic School Safety Equipment (NPSE) Grant—up from previous years—and $35 million for the Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes program.
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Mandated Services Reimbursement: $230 million to cover Mandated Services Aid (MSA) and Comprehensive Attendance Policy (CAP) requirements, which support services schools perform for the state. Agudah noted this funding still falls short of full reimbursement and pledged to continue advocacy.
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STEM Reimbursement: Funding increased to $85.5 million, benefiting yeshivas and other nonpublic schools offering science, tech, engineering, and math education.
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Universal School Meals: For the first time, New York will fully fund school lunch for all students, eliminating the previous income-based system. Agudah was an active member of the statewide coalition that championed this initiative.
Unified Advocacy, Lasting Impact
Rabbi Yeruchim Silber, Director of New York Government Relations at Agudath Israel, credited grassroots community involvement and bipartisan legislative support for these achievements. He also acknowledged the collaboration with groups like Teach NYS and the NYS Catholic Conference.
“We are incredibly grateful for this budget,” said Rabbi Silber. “These legislative and fiscal gains will benefit families, ensure yeshiva autonomy, and improve life for individuals across the state.”