Community-Wide Rally for Tuition Tax Credits

Dear Friends,

The Jewish Education Community is urging your participation in a rally for tuition tax credits in Albany on February 14, 2006 as we join a wide coalition called TEACH NYS in this effort. The soaring costs of yeshiva and day school education have reached the crisis point, placing an enormous burden on families in our communities. This rally is intended to urge the New York State legislature to support and pass a tuition tax credit measure that will help families. We applaud the proposal just announced by NYS Governor George Pataki, as part of his new budget proposal, to create a state tax credit of educational instruction expenses. The importance of attending this rally is greater than ever.

We are urging synagogue, yeshiva, and day school parents to turn out in great numbers on February 14. Students in Grade 7 and up will also be participating. Synagogue and school groups wishing to have the opportunity to meet with elected officials after the rally can contact info@TEACHNYS.org  for arrangements. Buses should arrive at the State Capitol at Empire State Plaza no later than noon. The rally will conclude at 1:30 pm. Travel directions and educational information will be forwarded upon registration.

In order to register your school or synagogue participation, please contact Rabbi Daniel Rockoff at the Orthodox Union at 212-613-8258. We have priced coach buses from Monsey Trails at $800 each from the five boroughs and $935 each from Long Island. TEACH NYS has limited availability of bus subsidies and will pay 50% of the cost of each bus based upon these costs for coach buses. Vouchers for reimbursement must be sent to info@TEACHNYS.org If you would like to order from Monsey Trails, please call Tammy, 718-623-9000 ext. 101. You may also utilize any other coach bus company but may not exceed this amount in order to be eligible for this subsidy.

Everyone is asked to bring a brown bag lunch, and if possible, a sandwich for the way back. Arrangements are being made with the Vaad of Albany for optional kosher boxed dinners from Price Chopper. Further information will be forthcoming upon registration.

Please mobilize your membership to come to this rally - your participation will ensure the success of this important measure that is so vital to our community.