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May 26,
2005
Action Alert: Educational Tax Incentives Act - S.3101-B/A.6145-B
The Orthodox Union’s Institute for Public Affairs urges New York
State residents to contact their local State Senators and Assembly
members as well as the Senate and Assembly Leadership to urge
their support for the goals of S.3101-B/A.6145-B.
Under S.3101-B/A.6145-B, contributions up to $500 per individual
and up to $35,000 from corporations made to approved scholarship
funds will be eligible for a fifty percent tax credit (up to $250
on personal returns and up to $17,500 on business tax returns).
The legislation offers benefits to both the public school and
private school community and takes no money from the public school
budget, or from the State’s budget.
This legislation is a positive first step in acknowledging, as
several other states have done, the power of personal and
corporate philanthropy to help each of our students and every one
of our schools.
Arizona, Florida and Pennsylvania each have some variation of this
legislation and other states are reportedly considering it as
well. For instance, in Pennsylvania, corporations providing a two
year contribution are eligible for a 90% tax credit of the amount,
up to $200,000 with over 900 businesses pledging tens of millions
of dollars to scholarship organizations.
In Arizona, thousands of taxpayers donated millions of dollars to
scholarship organizations.
The cost of a quality education – and especially a Torah education
– is priceless, but for too long, families have struggled with the
ever rising costs of tuition at our yeshivas and day schools. This
legislation, while not the silver bullet, will help schools
provide scholarships to those who need.
The OU/IPA will continue to work with our partners and allies to
do all we can, legally, constitutionally and morally to see that
every child has a fair shot at a great education at a reasonable
cost. If other action, amendments or changes is needed, we will
work to see them enacted.
We urge you to contact your representatives and support the goals
outlined in this legislation.
A list of sponsors and contact information is
provided.
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